Advice on converting 240g FOWLR to Reef & Set-up

[95Harley]

OK, after my overnight revelation I'm ready to get started on the converstion. I want to make it a Reef that can also support my Dragon Moray eel. So keep that in mind as we go. A 3' eel (or two) will be in this tank along with a lot of small fish (Damsels, Chromis, Sgt Majors, Clowns, Anthias, etc). But only small fast easy to feed and care for fish.

So I'll first start with current FOWLR set-up:
Glasscages 240g Long (96x24x24) with twin overflows
2 x Koralia 7 PHs
Aqua C EV-240 Skimmer with a Mag 12 pump
Reeflo Dart Return pump
Amiracle Wet/Dry with 10g of Bioballs and 2 trays
2 x Via Aqua Stainless Heaters in the sump
Coral life PC lights (8 x 65w) - 4x10k, 4xActinic
4 x Current Lunar - 2 Blue & 2 White
250+lbs of LR
Argonite substrate

Current Livestock:
Wrasses
- 6-7" Aust. Harlequin Tusk
- 8" Red Sea Green Bid Wrasse
- 6-7" Red Coris Wrasse

Tangs
- 9" Male Blond Naso Tang w streamers
- 6" Yellow Tang

Angels
- 3-4" Flame Angel
- 5" Majestic Angle

Damsels
- 4-5" Maroon Clown
- 2 x Domino Damsels
- 2 x 4 Stripe Damsels
- Azure Damsel
- Yellow Belly Damsel
- 4" Blue Velvet Damsel
- Fiji Blue Devil Damsel

Eel
- 30+" SFE

Here's my tank from a few months ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsi3Omvf6-w

 

[95Harley]

OK, now we can get started.

First off I KNOW I need to upgrade my lights. I'm thinking 4 MH's surrounded by Actinic Blue T5's.

I need to know how many, set-up, watts, and/or good brands.

By the way I currently have a canopy on this tank with an open back. So I can use a retro fit or remove it and hang a single unit from the roof (I have a drop ceiling downstairs).

Let's start here for now.
1. Next will be Livestock that will have to go up for sale.
2. Then we will get into restacking LR.
3. Any additional HW I might need.
4. New Livestock.
5. And Finally Corals that will work (or to start with for a beginner)

 

[rnguyen75]

How many drains do you have and what size?

 

[95Harley]

2 drains, 2 returns. I'll have to get back to you on the size. I set the tank up back in 2004 and I've forgotten.

 

[95Harley]

Drains are 1 1/2"
Returns are 1"

2 Overflows each rated for 1500gph

 

[dave168]

What are you try to do? mix reef or sps?
It will be hard to have eel in reef tank, because the eel most likely will knock over your frags and you have to keep put your hand in it, or the softy might sting your eel.
You will need lots more of flow in your tank.
Bigger sump with refugium, NO bio balls and biggest skimmer you can afford.
Try T5 instead of MH, it will make your tank cooler.
Here is a link might help you more: http://www.worldwidereefers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1848
I hope these tips help. BTW thanks for all your help before, my eel is doing great now.

 

[95Harley]

What are you try to do? mix reef or sps?
It will be hard to have eel in reef tank, because the eel most likely will knock over your frags and you have to keep put your hand in it, or the softy might sting your eel.
You will need lots more of flow in your tank.
Bigger sump with refugium, NO bio balls and biggest skimmer you can afford.
Try T5 instead of MH, it will make your tank cooler.
Here is a link might help you more: http://www.worldwidereefers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1848
I hope these tips help. BTW thanks for all your help before, my eel is doing great now.

All good questions. The thing is when it comes to corals...I HAVE NO IDEA.
Didn't ever think to limit myself to one or the other.

The one's I had on the list to try were:
Xenia
Kenya Tree
Greem Star Polyps
Montipora Capricornis
maybe a Toadstool Mushroom, chilli coral, or other polyp or zoo's.

What I really want is to make the tank with high walls like reef ledges to place the corals and make caves and tracks around the floor for the eel. Then put as many smaller, colorful, and active fish in there. I was thinking shoals of Green and Blue Reef Chromis, Damsels, Sgt Majors, clowns, and such. Nothing that would break the bank if it goes missing. But my eel is pretty good about living with Damsels now in his 75g so I would think they would be that much safer in a 8' 240g.

I "assumed" I would have to do the MH's, but if I don't all the better. Might save me from buying a $1k chiller.


As for flow,I have the 2 return lines, the 2 Koralia 7's on the ends, and planned to move my 2 Koralia 3's in once I break down the current 75g they are on.

Would that be enough flow?

 

[anbosu]

Everything except the montipora could be done with power compacts, T5s, or VHOs. If you aren't going to really get into SPS you don't need metal halides.

 

[95Harley]

Can the montipora not be placed high under T5's?

If I can get by with T5's without heating the tank that might be the ticket.:dance:

Everything except the montipora could be done with power compacts, T5s, or VHOs. If you aren't going to really get into SPS you don't need metal halides.

 

[slief]

Nice dragon eel.. I had a one several years back. They are by far my favorite eel! That said, I have had a lot of experience with both eels and reefs. Its pretty tough to mix the 2. A 3' eel will knock stuff around and irritate corals. I also think the waste produced by a properly fed eel will be counter productive in a reef. With enough water changes and a great skimmer, you might have some success. Everytime I see a nice eel, I have find myself considering doing the same thing but my experience stops me dead in my tracks.