SW bio filtration

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Darky

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 11, 2007
184
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AUSTRALIA
Ok guys, Im a mega noobus at SW as Im currently running all FW tanks. I have a 20G that I would like to turn into a SW tank soonish, but first I must get one question answered.

Is the bacteria that breaks down ammonia and nitrites in FW the same as the bacteria as the SW bateria? I just want to know this because I have an already established BB colony in the filter so I could just then swap the water to salt (Be gentle please, if this has an obvious answer. Also how does the live rock filter the water?)

I basically want to set up a FOWLR and as I get more experienced Id like to maybe get into some soft corals, ill just see how it works out.

Ooo another question, whats the best LR to gallon/litre ratio to have? And if I have a 55W compact with anctinic + 10,000K globe over the top do you guys think thats enough light for maybe a few mushrooms or something?

Thanks!
 
Oh and another question, should I use aragonite(sp?) instead of pool filter sand or will the water buffer up to the required pH? Cause Ive heard that the aragonite(which is crushed coral, correct me if Im wrong) is bad because it trap waste similar to gravel.


BTW I want a percula clown for in my room, hence my need for a SW aquarium

Argh so many questions!
 
Well, I had started a post and my computer went wacko, so I'll try again.

SW bacteria is different than FW.

If you have a 10000K and actinic you should be set for light for now, but you'll want to upgrade before adding corals.

Aragonite is a polymorph of calcite not crushed coral/coral sand. Use aragonite not pool filter sand.
 
Ok cool thanks for that.

So basically Ill have to get Aragonite substrate, some LR, Ill be needing a bigger filter (I found one that is supposedly a 800L per hour HOB with a skimmer build in aswell.) and a few power heads for flow.

Only questions I really need answered now is whats the best ratio of LR per Gallon/litre and is a 20G Long big enough for just one or could i put in 2 clowns. Cause I can order a pair for $50 australian.
 
Two percs and a nice anemone to host them would be great in a 20 long.

I don't know what the magic numbers are per gallon. I want to say 2 lbs per gallon, but that doesn't strike me as correct. I'm sleepy so it's probably off lol.
 
Ok cool thanks for you help guys, so Im pretty much on the money in the lighting department if I just want to keep softies. Just need someone to confirm the LR to Gallon ratio please.
 
You shouldn't keep an anemone in a tank that small, nor a system that new. The parameters are too difficult to keep steady & anemones need perfect parameters. I personally wouldn't start out my SW career with a 20g, JMO.

1 1/2-2lbs LR/G.
 
Dont worry I never intended on keeping an anemone in my tank as I know how difficult they are to keep alive. Plus, clowns dont require an anemone in aquariums because there are no predators. So ill need to get about 20Kg of LR. Hmm I think ill get 10 or so cause my LFS sells it for 15AUD per kg and get 10kg of Base. Thanks guys.

Hey just a query, is is worth having noodles and stuff in a SW tanks filter or just having Live rock? and a mech filter? thanks again
 
You have to lose all notions of FW filtration from your mind with SW. Noodles, mech filtration, etc. are all nitrate factories. If you have an old HOB filter, you can put cheato algae in there, for a mini-fuge.
 
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