switching to saltwater

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
SW is awesome. Do it. You already have the FW monster.

But try to find your LR on Craigslist. I found 130 pounds of cured LR for like $225. He also threw in heaters and salt and all sorts of coral crap. $1.70 a pound for cured LR is pretty good.

I know you probably know this but LR is so FRIGGIN expensive its crazy, but if your patient you can find good rock for cheap.
 
canucksfan1;1124796; said:
once my 518 is done i won't really have a use for it, and i have plenty of other tanks to use as a sump, as well as a pump, i have a few powerheads around also, so all i would really need is a skimmer, liverock, and possibly lights(which lights do u guys suggest), and i guess an RO unit, but the water here is pretty much pristine, it was voted best water in the world

One major benefit you get running a sump is that you increase the total volume of the system. This will reduce the swings in the tank so you can control trace elements and tank chemistry with more accuracy and in the unfortunate case...room for error.:eek:

As far as lighting...decide what you want to keep in there first. If you want more demanding photosynthetic critters like tridacna clams, and SPS corals, go with halides or high output..or a combination of the two. If you plan on LPS and other less demanding species, like mushrooms and zoos, you could save some money in the long run by using power compacts.

I definitely say GO SALT!! You'll love it...I wouldn't get rid of my salt tanks for the world. :naughty:
 
i don't really think i am gunna be going for anything too demanding, in fact i, don't really know if i will be doing coral at all probably just LR, but i dunno i would like the option of being able to get some un demanding coral if i felt the urge, without haveing to go out and buy more stuff
 
Good, because coral are a lot of work and cost as well. If your considering a FOWLR lighting is not a major factor because you'll only have fish and rock in the tank.
 
so if i do FOWLR tank then i don't need any diff lighting???, what about filters and protein skimmers??? HOB protein skimmer ok???? and maybe a cannister filter
 
canucksfan1;1133096; said:
so if i do FOWLR tank then i don't need any diff lighting???, what about filters and protein skimmers??? HOB protein skimmer ok???? and maybe a cannister filter

HOB protein skimmers are ok.. seaclone makes a decent cheap protein skimmer that supposed to be good quality. You shouldn't need any special lighting for LR/Fish and canister filter you can use but you'll want to consult someone for the right media to use(not quite sure think stuff like bio-balls are ok) Might also want to add a powerhead as from what I hear water flow is key with SW

And if you can't afford enough live rock for 2lbs per gallon of water than get some cheap base rock and throw it in there to let the LR seed it..
 
might be out of topic but why do some people use a wave maker for???...and a chiller??? when do you use this equipments for SW?
 
aquatic_wonders;1133120; said:
might be out of topic but why do some people use a wave maker for???...and a chiller??? when do you use this equipments for SW?

wavemaker you can use for anything.. IMO think of it as a powerhead controller.. you can manage multiple powerheads and create alternating water currents.. Again IMO for FOWLR you don't need one but could help your fish's behaviour with more current so if you have the cash in a larger tank you might spring for it.

Chiller is for high summer tempuratures/high heat lights to try and cool the tank down. Pretty sure you only really need one if you're doing coral/reef.

I think if you're doing FOWLR you can keep it pretty simple..
 
so all i really need is a protein skimmer, i have a filter (let me know what type of media to use), i have a powerhed, and i can use my lights, so i guess thats all i need besides liverock, and fish
 
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