Currently I have a 37g fresh water planted tank and a Fluval Edge 6g that is not in use. I will also be more than likely moving ~40minutes away in around 7 months, so that is also a factor. So specs/what I have for current set up:
37g Planted FW 30x12x22
96w 6700k CF
Aqueon 55/75 HOB
Top Fin 200w heater
A 30x12 tank stand
I have been wanting to get into salt water tanks, and specifically reefs. I have been reading a bit and kind of gauging what the options are, but I'd like to ask you guys for advice. Here are my possible options and concerns:
1. I can convert my 37g from FW to a reef. Id give the livestock (1 starlight bristlenose pleco, 8 cardinal tetra, 5 panda cory, 6 zebra danios) to a lfs probably, or sell on craigslist. Im not sure if I could keep the heater or need something more powerful. As far I read it's recommended to get a protein skimmer if Im going to be using live sand and live rock and just use those 3 for filtration in conjunction with increased flow from a powerhead. Is there any use in the HOB 55/75 I currently have? I'm also worried that the height of my tank (22inches) would limit my lighting options and in general make it a nuisance to grow corals (currently its a pain with plants). Ive found recommendations for a 150w metal halide (for around $300, http://www.marinedepot.com/lighting_metal_halide_coralife_aqualight_advanced-ap.html) or a T5HO (much cheaper, http://www.aquatraders.com/24-inch-4x24W-T5-Aquarium-Light-Fixture-p/52303.htm). Also, is my current 96w 6700k CF useable for reefs or should it be sold too?
2. Sell the 37g tank on craigslist and downgrade to a 29g tank (same 30x12 dimension, but height drops from 22 to 18) to be able to better light corals, though at the expense of less livestock and potentially bigger fluctuations. Which light would I use? What about filtration?
3. Keep the FW tank, and build a pico/nanoreef with the Fluval Edge. My concern with this route is that it needs a lot of money sunk in to make it decently functional (such as an acrylic cover on the water port to prevent salt creep and evaporation causing water swings, some kind of light retrofit to be able to grow anything, a fairly good single powerhead to increase flow and oxygenation due to the small water opening). With this route, I'd probably build a 55g or maybe bigger reef after the move next summer.
I appreciate any thoughts/ideas.
37g Planted FW 30x12x22
96w 6700k CF
Aqueon 55/75 HOB
Top Fin 200w heater
A 30x12 tank stand
I have been wanting to get into salt water tanks, and specifically reefs. I have been reading a bit and kind of gauging what the options are, but I'd like to ask you guys for advice. Here are my possible options and concerns:
1. I can convert my 37g from FW to a reef. Id give the livestock (1 starlight bristlenose pleco, 8 cardinal tetra, 5 panda cory, 6 zebra danios) to a lfs probably, or sell on craigslist. Im not sure if I could keep the heater or need something more powerful. As far I read it's recommended to get a protein skimmer if Im going to be using live sand and live rock and just use those 3 for filtration in conjunction with increased flow from a powerhead. Is there any use in the HOB 55/75 I currently have? I'm also worried that the height of my tank (22inches) would limit my lighting options and in general make it a nuisance to grow corals (currently its a pain with plants). Ive found recommendations for a 150w metal halide (for around $300, http://www.marinedepot.com/lighting_metal_halide_coralife_aqualight_advanced-ap.html) or a T5HO (much cheaper, http://www.aquatraders.com/24-inch-4x24W-T5-Aquarium-Light-Fixture-p/52303.htm). Also, is my current 96w 6700k CF useable for reefs or should it be sold too?
2. Sell the 37g tank on craigslist and downgrade to a 29g tank (same 30x12 dimension, but height drops from 22 to 18) to be able to better light corals, though at the expense of less livestock and potentially bigger fluctuations. Which light would I use? What about filtration?
3. Keep the FW tank, and build a pico/nanoreef with the Fluval Edge. My concern with this route is that it needs a lot of money sunk in to make it decently functional (such as an acrylic cover on the water port to prevent salt creep and evaporation causing water swings, some kind of light retrofit to be able to grow anything, a fairly good single powerhead to increase flow and oxygenation due to the small water opening). With this route, I'd probably build a 55g or maybe bigger reef after the move next summer.
I appreciate any thoughts/ideas.
