FW to SW transition, equipment suggestions

I have had 3 successful freshwater tanks for about 3 years (10G, 29G,
and 55G), but I've been seriously considering converting the 55G tank
to a reef aquarium. Everything that's in there can be moved to another
tank, with the exception of a single pl*co that I can probably give
away locally. I know that I'll be much happier with the appearance and
experience, and I've been researching the time involved, cost, and
types of fish and coral for some time.

The only downside is that everything (literally) will have to be bought
online, because I have little faith in my LFS. Obviously, I'll be
stripping down the entire tank, and will start with LS and LR until
everything is nice and stable... I'm in no hurry.

I'm hoping that you guys can advise me on the equipment I need to
purchase before getting started. I currently have a Magnum 350 canister
filter, but that's it. I think that I will need to change the lighting
(although I don't know what to change it to), but I'm not sure about
what other equipment will be needed.

TIA,

Jason

Have you considered the idea of getting a 75 gallon tank
with built in overflow, and having a sump? 55 gallon tanks
are a bit narrow after you get the live rock in.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets



Jason wrote on 7/10/2006 6:22 PM:
I have had 3 successful freshwater tanks for about 3 years (10G, 29G,
and 55G), but I've been seriously considering converting the 55G tank
to a reef aquarium. Everything that's in there can be moved to another
tank, with the exception of a single pl*co that I can probably give
away locally. I know that I'll be much happier with the appearance and
experience, and I've been researching the time involved, cost, and
types of fish and coral for some time.

The only downside is that everything (literally) will have to be bought
online, because I have little faith in my LFS. Obviously, I'll be
stripping down the entire tank, and will start with LS and LR until
everything is nice and stable... I'm in no hurry.

I'm hoping that you guys can advise me on the equipment I need to
purchase before getting started. I currently have a Magnum 350 canister
filter, but that's it. I think that I will need to change the lighting
(although I don't know what to change it to), but I'm not sure about
what other equipment will be needed.

TIA,

Jason

I did think about getting a bigger tank, but I live in a split-level
house and the only place I would be comfortable with a large tank is
the basement. I could potentially put in something bigger, but it would
be tough because of the layout of the room.

I DID think about building a half-wall to split the basement up, and
could put a larger tank in that, but then we're talking about a lot of
constructions that I just don't think I'm ready for. Would it be hard
to set up a 55G, and then move it over to a 75G later?

- J

PS, I don't know the etiquette of this NG regarding top-posting. I
usually don't do it, but since you did I wanted to follow suit. If
bottom-posting is preferred, please let me know.



Have you considered the idea of getting a 75 gallon tank
with built in overflow, and having a sump? 55 gallon tanks
are a bit narrow after you get the live rock in.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets

I prefer top posting. Some people prefer bottom posting.
Most people when responding to parts individualy post
after each part as is standard. We don't have any rules
here as to top posting verses bottom posting. I think that
the newsgroups that require bottom posting are going too
far in rigidness. Sometimes I bottom post. The way I see
it, people should post the way they think best fits.

Yes you can easily move your contents from your 55 gallon
to a 75 gallon tank at a later date. One thing about
moving a reef from one tank to another, is that it is
easier to move an established tank into a larger tank than
it is to take it all out, and put it back in the same
sized tank.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets



Jason wrote on 7/10/2006 9:46 PM:
I did think about getting a bigger tank, but I live in a split-level
house and the only place I would be comfortable with a large tank is
the basement. I could potentially put in something bigger, but it would
be tough because of the layout of the room.

I DID think about building a half-wall to split the basement up, and
could put a larger tank in that, but then we're talking about a lot of
constructions that I just don't think I'm ready for. Would it be hard
to set up a 55G, and then move it over to a 75G later?

- J

PS, I don't know the etiquette of this NG regarding top-posting. I
usually don't do it, but since you did I wanted to follow suit. If
bottom-posting is preferred, please let me know.



Have you considered the idea of getting a 75 gallon tank
with built in overflow, and having a sump? 55 gallon tanks
are a bit narrow after you get the live rock in.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets