Converting reef to fowlr

[jdellman]

I have an established reef tank, over 9 years now, it's a 120 with a basement sump, huge skimmer, nice lights, two part dosing, etc. I am debating on getting out of the hobby, due to not being able to keep nice corals, or converting to a fowlr. The setup is almost automated, so I hesitate to get out, which is why I am thinking about going fowlr. I think the problem with my reef tank is "old tank syndrome" or a problem with the existing sand, but I am unwilling to start a new reef.

My questions are about a fowlr:

1. Do I need to worry about the old sand?
2. Any good links about bare bottom vs. live sand?
3. Good basic link to requirements for fowlr, or what equipment I can get rid of?

I did a ton of research before starting my reef tank, but admittedly have less desire to spend a ton of time researching fowlr, so I am looking for some some shortcuts/tips. I will devote the time to research fish compatibility, but first would like to decide whether to stay in the hobby or not. TIA for any advice.

 

[thegrun]

1. If you had elevated levels of nitrates or phosphates in your tank the sand will have absorbed some of those unwanted nutrients. These can lead to issues with hair algae. If you are currently battling algae then it would be a good idea to either remove or replace the old sand. If you are not having algae issues I would just leave the sand.
2. Make a search here on Reef Central, there have been several threads that have beat the subject of sand/no sand into the ground.
3. In general you do not need as much light or water flow in a fish only system, although as far as flow goes I still think there are advantages to maintaining a higher flow than the bare minimum (10 times the DT so for you 1200 gph minimum).

 

[deleau]

Well, you won't need to dose 2-part for the fowlr, so you can get rid of that.

If your lights are LEDs, you may want to lower reds and greens more to reduce algae growth. If you have bulb lights, you may want to switch them around the next time you would change.

You have a huge skimmer, so that'll work good for nutrient removal.

Seems like you can probably cut the doser and leave everything automated and be able to have a fowlr tank. You can even leave in your CUC with your current fish and not worry about algae as much until you start adding non reef safe fish that would eat your CUC.

 

[CStrickland]

Per #2 there a lot of great threads about bb vs. sand for reef tanks, but I agree with grun that it's less of an issue with fowlr unless you have an algae problem. I can link if you like.

It's not clear from your post, are you saying you'd rather get rid of your coral than get rid of your sand?

 

[stingeragent]

I'm in on this thread. What issues are you having? A lot of the new couple year in reefers would love to have tank that is going on 9 years.

 

[Shawn O]

FOWLRs are said to run higher nitrates than reef. I think the only other difference is that you won't need to watch Cal & Mag. Any cheap light that will allow viewing will do. Basically, water changes and controlling nitrates and phosphates (somewhat) is all you should have to worry about.

I bought an established 2 year old tank and have never been able to get the nitrates below 60. Adding a bio-pellet reactor to help with that.