Converting 30g FW to FOWLR-- where do I start?

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Natalie

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Aug 31, 2007
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I have a nice established 30g setup (36x12 footprint) and I'd like to convert it from FW to my first SW tank. Can you please help me get started? This is my first venture into SW and I have several questions:

First of all, my current setup uses a Fluval 404 and compact fluorescent 50/50 lights. I'm planning on keeping both of these.

1. Without a heater, my tank naturally stays at 78 degrees. With the lights on, the tank raises a few degrees-- should this be a concern?

2. Can anyone recommend the best protein skimmer for my size tank?

3. Also, I have a 5W Submariner UV sterilizer and was wondering if it's necessary to use. If not, I'll go without since it takes up quite a bit of space in the tank.

4. I have pool filter sand but should I invest in live sand instead? I'm concerned about phosphate contributing to algae.

5. I'm planning on adding about 30-40 pounds of live rock. Can you recommend a stocking list? I love color, and would probably be happy with 3-4 damsels. I also think chromis are gorgeous. I haven't the first clue about stocking SW, though.

6. I do not have a RO unit. Because my tank is small, what would be the best source of water for me? Buy? Get from the tap and dechlorinate?

Thank you all so much. I'm normally a cichlid freak but want to try something different with one of my tanks.
 
Natalie;1975873; said:
I have a nice established 30g setup (36x12 footprint) and I'd like to convert it from FW to my first SW tank. Can you please help me get started? This is my first venture into SW and I have several questions:

First of all, my current setup uses a Fluval 404 and compact fluorescent 50/50 lights. I'm planning on keeping both of these.

1. Without a heater, my tank naturally stays at 78 degrees. With the lights on, the tank raises a few degrees-- should this be a concern?

<<Depends on how consistant this temp range is...Temp swings can play havoc on a SW tank....personaly, i would not risk it and would have a heater in there>>


2. Can anyone recommend the best protein skimmer for my size tank?


<<Aqua C Remora, in my opinion, with the pump upgrade>>

3. Also, I have a 5W Submariner UV sterilizer and was wondering if it's necessary to use. If not, I'll go without since it takes up quite a bit of space in the tank.


<<Nah, not neccesary in my opinion>>


4. I have pool filter sand but should I invest in live sand instead? I'm concerned about phosphate contributing to algae.


<<Always the potential for problems...Dont bother with live sand, just buy Caribsea Sugar grade aragonite reef sand...very good product>>


5. I'm planning on adding about 30-40 pounds of live rock. Can you recommend a stocking list? I love color, and would probably be happy with 3-4 damsels. I also think chromis are gorgeous. I haven't the first clue about stocking SW, though.


<<That ammount of live rock is fine..A mixture of clowns, Gobys, blennys, firefish are just a few to think about..I dont feel chromis would suit you as they do best in large schools, and your tank is not big enough to support a school of 7 or more. Would stay away from damsels as they do get territorial and aggression would occur..Unless you went for just damsels, then fine..>>


6. I do not have a RO unit. Because my tank is small, what would be the best source of water for me? Buy? Get from the tap and dechlorinate?


<<RO Unit all the way in my opinion..you will thank it in the long run when you have a nice algae free system (in theory....lol... ) >>


Thank you all so much. I'm normally a cichlid freak but want to try something different with one of my tanks.
Click to expand...

Added some comments above, in red...hope it helps...
 
i agree with everything reefscape said. dead sand will become live with the LR and will make zero difference. I would also like to add this to the RO unit. This can be used with any future plans of a larger tank, and can also be split and used in the home. You know how cichlids get, always wanting more room etc lol, SW can be the same. start with 30 now, and have 90 by the end of christmas is the way it worked for me :)

Good luck and sounds like you will be off to a good start. cycle for about a month at least before adding fish and when your ready, start with a good clean up crew and after that a few fish at a time.
 
great advice by reefscape! removes any doubt as to why he's a mod ;)
 
WOW thanks so much for the help!

As far as the RO unit goes, do you know if I can siphon water directly from that to my tanks, or do I have to physically carry it over to the tank via a holding vessel?

I have two FW tanks, 90g and 100g, and I use a python from the sink to do 50% weekly water changes. This would be a lot of manpower if I had to carry water from the RO unit to the tanks.

I've also tried to avoid purchasing an RO unit because I'm on a student budget. I buy almost everything cheap or used, but try not to sacrifice quality in the meantime. If I won't be able to do a SW tank on my budget then I may have to wait a few years.
 
if you have a sump and what not you can run ATO or Automated Top Off units. They have a small pump, a level sensor and storage container, that can either be filled when needed or hooked up to the RO unit. Very nice setup but getting costly down that road.
 
You can siphon water direct into the tank from the RO unit for top ups only. For water changes you will need to premix your salt (preferably the day before the waterchange to ensure it's dissolved properly and tests at the correct SG) and then add in. You don't want salinity levels going all over the place by changing with fresh water then trying to mix the salt in the tank.
 
Kitiara;1986920; said:
You can siphon water direct into the tank from the RO unit for top ups only. For water changes you will need to premix your salt (preferably the day before the waterchange to ensure it's dissolved properly and tests at the correct SG) and then add in. You don't want salinity levels going all over the place by changing with fresh water then trying to mix the salt in the tank.
Click to expand...

Oh, you're right. I'm an idiot, I didn't think about that.

But I guess for adding RO water to my freshwater setups, I'd be ok just siphoning straight to the tank?...
 
^yes^
 
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