Hi. I currently have a 150 gallon freshwater set up and i am looking to change it to marine, FOWLR. It's running an fx5 filter with rena smart heaters. So i was just wondering after completely stripping it down and starting it again from scratch, what the best approach would be? Was thinking coral sand for substrate? Anyway all info and ideas appreciated greatly.
Changing from freshwater
- Thread starter squarehead
- Start date
LR is always good...it will also cycle your tank as it cures. I would recommend caribseas aragonite substrates however. Crushed coral does work for a large fish only, but sometimes its grain size is so large that you make a detritus trap.
For filtration, I recommend sumping your aquarium. I have used canisters, and I have had sucess...sumps are just bigger and better for a million reasons. (EXE: add volume, more space = more filtration, increases tank volume, way easier to take care of, places to grow macro algae and other foods...) I would also recommend a good skimmer on a FOWLR for sure, and my favorite brand is AquaC.
For filtration, I recommend sumping your aquarium. I have used canisters, and I have had sucess...sumps are just bigger and better for a million reasons. (EXE: add volume, more space = more filtration, increases tank volume, way easier to take care of, places to grow macro algae and other foods...) I would also recommend a good skimmer on a FOWLR for sure, and my favorite brand is AquaC.
Most Defiantly Live Rock and sand About 1-2 Lbs Per Gallon and a Good Live sand Such as Arag-Alive and Mix In a Jar of EcoSystem Miracle Mud
Live sand is a waste of money...you are just paying to have dead crap in your sand cycle your tank. You could put in anything...like the LR to cycle the tank. Nothing is alive in a bag of sand that has been sitting in a closed bag on a shelf for three months.
Thanks for the advice so far guys, will start breaking the tank down and starting in 2 weeks or so. With regards to lighting, do i need anything in particular? Have just standard aqua glo lighting at the moment.
squarehead;4409201; said:
You don't need any special lighting...
You just need some live sand, and salt mix.
Begin and slowly build on to it.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317355
here is my build of my 360 gallon. Hope it helps.
FLESHY;4411039; said:
Why do you suggest paying money for live rock? When its cheaper to buy dead rock?
The sand looks better
It buffers
It doesn't collect anaerobic bacteria
It really doesn't cost that much
Sets your tank up for a great start
No extra algae
No problems with balancing ph
Sand is more important than rock as well. You can have a tank with no live rock, and still stock heavy. That same amount will not be as easy to overcome with just live rock...
I think it makes sense