What do U think of converting this tank to SH

[edshern]

Hi,
I have been following this forum for a while and I think I have been convinced to start a SH tank. Two choices; convert my current tank, or buy a new one.
First- How about your opinions about converting my current tank??
92 gallon corner tank- running almost 4 years. I would remove all fish, the anenomies and any other bad corals in there. There is a berlin skimmer in the 20 gallon sump, and a 25 watt in line uv. I know my pumps would have to change, But, I would need your help figuring out water flow. How about stocking a tank this large? Horses and coral. Would I have to swap out all the water?
I know I won't be able to do this right without your help.
OR.........Would I be better off with a 30 gallon cube?
Thanks all
Ed

 

[Swanwillow]

convert!!! its an awsome size, etc... as long as YOU can find GOOD homes for everything in the tank.

otherwise, you'll have to turn down the water movement, you can even keep your cardinal, some of the corals...

but, I'd convert, and thats JUST my opinion!!!

 

[LisaD]

I think you should convert the existing tank. It looks stable, and is a great size.

You can keep all the leathers, mushrooms and polyps and maybe even a few of the least aggressive/stinging LPS.

What is the flow rate like? You may be surprised, it may be ok for seahorses. Your LPS look healthy and many of those do better with moderate to lower flow.

Good luck!

 

[edshern]

The main pump is 'The Quiet One" - It's probably running about 900 gph. I also use a Zoomed Power Sweep, mostly for aeration.
Can I put the Sh's into my water. Might it have bacteria unhealthy to the horses?
What else would I need to do to convert this tank?
Which horses and how many?

 

[Swanwillow]

if you can diffuse the main pump, using pvc pipe (lots of hole in it) then using just the main pump would be ok-thats 10x the tank movement/hour... shouldn't be too bad IMO!!!!

there should not be any bad bacteria... since most of us use LR in the tanks anyways!!!

you'll have to run the temp a bit lower than the normal reef tank-if you slowly acclimate your corals that are ok with horses, they should make it!!!

and I'd say erectus-ya can have quite a few in there (I'd venture to say 10+, closer to 15, but thats just me...)

 

[edshern]

There is about 140 pounds of live rock in there.
Do you think I should take some out?

 

[Swanwillow]

nope

 

[Fredfish]

Hmm... The rock is a personal thing. I would take out at least half of the rock and create a sandy areay where you can grow macros or seagrasses.

The horses we keep come from seagrass areas and would prefer this type of environment (imo anyway).

With a tank like that, you could also include a goby shrimp pair. They would establish a burrow at the base of the rock. Just make sure your rock is stable.

Fred.

P.S. Oh yea, convert.

 

[DebsSisterFlo]

convert and post lots of pics! I'd also leave the live rock for filtration, but maybe rearrange for that open swimming...