Freshwater to Marine Aquarium conversion.....

[Turn7]

Current set up is 5'6x2'x2' using three external Eheims and cheap Led array.

What would I need to convert this into a nice Reef tank ?

Im thinking:

Sump it for starters - not sure how hard this is to do on a standard tank RE the weir

Return pump

Skimmer

Lighting - would like a dimming LED setup and no Halides if poss.

Wavemakers

Live Rock

Not looking to keep hard to keep species as never kept Salties before, but love the look of a good Reef setup.

Also, what do I need for water changes ?

Currently fill a 220 ltr butt via 10 litre Purolite filter and 2 stage HMA, and Im pretty sure Id have to get an RO set up.

Been a fishkeeper for more years than I can think, and just fancy trying the Salty side.


Any help and advice welcome please guys.

[J4CKO]

Can't offer any advice but also interested as may have space for a new tank next year and I have an itch to scratch.

[Windlepoons]

I do a 10% water change every Sunday.

I run my water Though a DI cannister to get 0tds, let it get to room temp and then mix the salt before adding it to the tank.

I kept goldfish for 18 years, then moved onto tropicals before taking the leap into marine.

Its not much harder than looking after freshwater tanks, it's a lot more expensive, and depending on what you keep can involve a few extra tests.

As my tank is quite coral heavy I have to test my alk/kh and calcium often and dose as needed. Not sure how you would sump a freshwater tank without the need to drill it, but I'm sure it can be done.

[Turn7]

Looking like to much hassle and cost, so will look to sell on my 5'6x2x2 full set up and buy something smaller.

I figure a smaller Reef tank will be as much work as my huge Malawi tank, so am thining about a Red Sea Reefer or simialr currently....

[Wallace12R]

Surely you can have a sump without the need for a weir? Pump in tank pumping down to sump, have your baffles, media, live rock etc etc and pump back into tank?

If you are planning on a reef tank, I'm guessing you'll be having lots of live rock with a few bits growing on them? Could you not use a couple of Fluval FX6's, 1 at either end of the tank and a few Koralias or similar for extra movement?

I've never kept marines but have been keeping tropical, temperate, and cold water fish for around 25 years. Currently have a 5x2x2 goldfish set up.

[Turn7]

I could convert but its messy pipework wise and although 600+ litre swould be more stable it would cost £££££ to fill livestock wise and it then stops being fun when the tank crashes etc....