Convert from Fish Only to Reef

[B. Scott]

I've got a very mature (since Jan. 2000) Fish Only set-up and I'm considering converting it to a Reef set-up.

500gal., dead rock, dead sand, coral skeleton, bio-balls ,wet/dry,a couple of protein skimmers....

Relatively trouble free, in fact I still have a couple of the original fish.

I have treated tank with copper...approx. twice per year. Never maintained a consistent dose, I would spike it if I noticed a potential issue.

How should I go about converting?
Complete teardown and start over?
Slowly introduce live rock replacing dead rock ?
Would I remove/replace dead rock do to the copper treatment seaping out "forever"?
How about my sand bed? I've got a 3" bed which always looks great with no maintenance.

When would I remove the bio-balls?

Would like to convert while maintaining some of the current fish.

 

[Konadog]

B. Scott,
[welcome]

Since your tank has been treated with copper, your best bet would be remove everything and start over. You will also need to inspect any exposed silicon to insure that copper hasn't been absorbed into the material.