Ready For Reefing?

[TomW]

Hi-

12 months ago, I set up a 75 gallon FOWLR tank as a finishing touch to our
remodeled basement. I was into tropical years ago and always wanted a marine
tank. After a lot of learning and some casualties, I think my tank is
stable. Thanks to all for the help and advice so far. I converted my WetDry
to a sump and added a 10gal refugium, which is thriving. I've also added a
protein skimmer, which appears to be doing well. I have a Maxijet 1200
installed, and my return from the sump has a SQUID device plumbed in. I use
CF lighting.

I have the following fish:
Yellow Tang, Damsel, Purple Dottyback, 6 Line Wrasse, small Clown, Coral
Beauty, 3 Green Chromis.
The dottyback is the only original fish (he survived a stay in a hospital
tank early on). I also have a variety of snails and crabs, including a
Mexican Fighting Conch.

Now for more questions.
Am I ready to convert to a reef? What would you recommend to get started?

Thanks Again
TomW
http://www.wasserbauer.com/fishtank_files/tank001.jpg

[Marc Levenson]

Sure, you'll just have to adjust your system to make it a reef tank. You didn't
mention any live rock or live sand, so you'll need to let us know what you have.

Reef tanks have 1 to 1.5lbs of LR per gallon, and many (most?) reefers run the
tank with a DSB (4" - 6" tall sand bed in the tank).

You'll need to increase your circulation a bit more, so that your corals are
moving gently and have plenty of opportunity to eat as they filter feed.

Marc


TomW wrote:

> Hi-
>
> 12 months ago, I set up a 75 gallon FOWLR tank as a finishing touch to our
> remodeled basement. I was into tropical years ago and always wanted a marine
> tank. After a lot of learning and some casualties, I think my tank is
> stable. Thanks to all for the help and advice so far. I converted my WetDry
> to a sump and added a 10gal refugium, which is thriving. I've also added a
> protein skimmer, which appears to be doing well. I have a Maxijet 1200
> installed, and my return from the sump has a SQUID device plumbed in. I use
> CF lighting.
>
> I have the following fish:
> Yellow Tang, Damsel, Purple Dottyback, 6 Line Wrasse, small Clown, Coral
> Beauty, 3 Green Chromis.
> The dottyback is the only original fish (he survived a stay in a hospital
> tank early on). I also have a variety of snails and crabs, including a
> Mexican Fighting Conch.
>
> Now for more questions.
> Am I ready to convert to a reef? What would you recommend to get started?
>
> Thanks Again
> TomW
> http://www.wasserbauer.com/fishtank_files/tank001.jpg

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Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[TomW]

> Reef tanks have 1 to 1.5lbs of LR per gallon, and many (most?) reefers run
the
> tank with a DSB (4" - 6" tall sand bed in the tank).

I have about 60 lbs of live rock, and the coraline algae is growing nicely,
even on base rock. There is an additional 10lbs of LR in the 'fuge and
sump.
I can easily increase circulation.
I am currently using crushed coral on the bottom. Would it be possible to
only replace it at the front of the tank (leaving the crushed coral under
the live rock alone)? What options can can everyone suggest?

-TomW

[Marc Levenson]

I have a tank with CC and another tank with a DSB. Either works, but the sand
works better. CC needs to be vacuumed of detritus.

Marc


TomW wrote:

> > Reef tanks have 1 to 1.5lbs of LR per gallon, and many (most?) reefers run
> the
> > tank with a DSB (4" - 6" tall sand bed in the tank).
>
> I have about 60 lbs of live rock, and the coraline algae is growing nicely,
> even on base rock. There is an additional 10lbs of LR in the 'fuge and
> sump.
> I can easily increase circulation.
> I am currently using crushed coral on the bottom. Would it be possible to
> only replace it at the front of the tank (leaving the crushed coral under
> the live rock alone)? What options can can everyone suggest?
>
> -TomW

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com