Converting to a reef?

[crobattt]

I'm strongly considering switching my FOWLR to a reef, I love my triggers, but i want a more natural reef look. So far i'll be, removing my two triggers and eel. That would leave me with all reef compatible fish, tangs, wrasse, and a foxface. The only other thing might be a dwarf nox angel.

Right now i have two aquaclears 110 on my tank, i would take them off, and move my skimmer to the back to i would have more room for a lighting upgrade. I would also try to figure out a way to put either a HOB refugium on my tank, or try to find a way plumb it, but it would be hard to do, because i literally dont have a way to get under my stand to put a sump, unless i put it to the side of my tank.

So i'm guessing what i'm asking is, do my aquaclears do anything at all? and would it be ok if i remove them?

Is there a good HOB Refugium out there?

and what lights should i upgrade too, i'm not wanting LEDs, but MHs and t-5s are always a nice substitute. Anyways please chime in here for me! all information is a HUGE help!

 

[crobattt]

no input?

 

[lilrobb]

You realize it is New Year's and you asked less than 1.5hrs ago???

 

[crobattt]

ah this is very true.. lol guess i forgot about the date haha! happy new years everyone!

 

[ripped tide]

What size tank is it?

 

[ff337]

LilRobb;719094 wrote: You realize it is New Year's and you asked less than 1.5hrs ago???

You didn't have any suggestions for this fella? The time it took you to post you could of threw a more positive informative post. You seem to be a knowledgeable person. He appears to be excited and wants to learn not be discouraged from posting here.

I'll see if I help and stay on topic. Hob skimmers - I have not personally used one. But I have a few close friends that have with very little success.
Lighting- t5s are a good route. But you can probably search around for a great mh kit for a good price, since a lot of folks are going to leds.

I know reeferman had a jam up 48" t5 fixture practically new for close to 1/2 off original price.

Filter - I'm not sure if aquaclears are gonna be very beneficial. A sump or refugium is more desired. If you have a room behind the tank. You could possibly plumb something through a wall. Or sell what you for and buy a reef ready tank. Little more pricey upfront but you'll probably end up doing it in the long run. You can find plenty of tanks here and craigslist for reasonable prices.

Good luck friend.

What size tank?

 

[lilrobb]

FF337;719126 wrote: He appears to be excited and wants to learn not be discouraged from posting here.

How posting an explanation as to why he might not have seen a reponse is discouragement escapes me...

 

[ff337]

He wants information not a reason why nobody was posting.

 

[ripped tide]

I'll offer my opinions/advice as soon as he says what size tank he's working with.

 

[ff337]

Ripped Tide;719135 wrote: I'll offer my opinions/advice as soon as he says what size tank he's working with.

I would like to know as well. I might have a peice of equipment to donate if a smaller tank.

 

[crobattt]

75gallon :/



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[wbrown]

if its an AGA/Aqueon tank, you can drill sides or back for plumbing. If you have to make a choice between changing stands to accommodate the refugium/sump, Petco is having a $1 a gallon sale, great time to get something going.
Sizes of tanks Petco carries are here: http://www.aqueonproducts.com/assets/011/19107.pdf">http://www.aqueonproducts.com/assets/011/19107.pdf</a>
Depending on your available room, go with the largest you can fit. Side by each 'fuges are not uncommon, and will work as well as a more elaborate scheme with a little less plumbing confusion.
We still need more information to give you the best workable options. If you have the means, going with a 125 or larger display tank (6ft.) will allow you to utilize the 75 as a sump with a few baffles of 1/8 or larger glass added, and get you into a more conventional arrangement.
HOB stuff can be made to work, but it's going to be a long-term nightmare if you slack off. HOB will require more commitment to avoid bad parameters that lead to tank crashes.

 

[dakota9]

I personally feel your tank is too big to go the route of HOB [anything].

A 75 gallon tank is too large for any HOB skimmer I've ever used, even though most manufacturers claim they are rated for that size tank, I assure you, disappointment would be your end result.

Same with a refugium...... While any refugium is better than no refugium, a 75 g tank would need, at minimum, a very well planned 10 gallon refugium, but typically something closer to 20 to 25 gallons to do what they are meant to do.

Really, HOB equipment seems to only serve systems of 45g or less. This is only in my opinion, nothing more.

 

[rdnelson]

Very new to this myself but I would add that on my 45 gal, I started with a canister and soon regretted it. After only 5 months I built a HOB Overflow and a Sump/Fuge using a 20 gal tank. Now my only regret is that I didn't have the tank drilled before I set everything up and populated the tank.

I can promise that if you take the time and extra money now to set it up right you will be much happier in the long run. You won't be faced with all the "I wish I had" like I am now.

 

[db366]

Good HOB skimmer -

 

[crobattt]

Well there is no way i can drill my tank, so i have two options. Use HOB equipment and try to go with it, or get an overflow box, and plumb a sump beside my tank. opinions?

 

[rdnelson]

From what I have read, drilling the tank is not that hard if you are a "Handy" kind of guy. There is a site (I think it is called Glass Holes) that sells the stuff and gives a great video on how to do it. I would say it is well worth the effort. If that isn't an option, then HOB Overflow works well if you follow some simple rules. I built mine myself and it is working wonderfully. Go to

 

[crobattt]

no, i literally can not drill my tank, i can't get it out of my house to do it, without taking EVERYTHING down. i would rather have a overflow, does it seem alright if i put my sump to the side?

 

[rdnelson]

You can put your sump anywhere as long as it is at a lower elevation than the display tank and you have enough pump to overcome the head pressure needed to get water back up to the tank.

 

[crobattt]

it will. and thanks