From freshwater tank to marine

prem1980 · May 14, 2014

Hey guys, Just joined in and really interested to have a marine tank. My prev aro passed on after years of rearing and it has become such an emotional matter since I was so damn close to it - been keeping aros for almost 20 years... shish I feel old. Im 34 now and finally moving on... My existing custom tank is a 5x2x2 with approx. 10-12mm thk glass and an overflow system with sump. Im going to convert this for marine. I have two light systems mounted above - 2 x T5 and 2 x T8 + Alternative LED (red) - existing. I know I have to change this sooner or later... I've heard Marine = $$$$$$ but after some talks with ppl around and my own homework, its rather easier now with tech avail. My dad use to keep marine when I was young. So firstly, I have to start from scratch... QH rep told me on some start up costs and on their system backed by red sea products.. Im just confused where I should rely on. Ill have to do this piece by piece and no rush for me. Advice for sources?

markymarcus · May 14, 2014

Hey bro. I too converted from freshwater. Actually if u already have a tank and sump and are willing to continue using that, it will totally be possible (can save some cost too). Just a few additions like a skimmer/refugium/reactors. U should go around to a few marine shops to have a look around and talk to the guys. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

black tank · May 14, 2014

Append below are the equipment needed for a marine tank

For 522 Fowler:

One size bigger skimmer than the tank capacity.

U can use your existing light or get decent T5 or Led light set and don use red led light as this will promote agae growth.

Return pump at preferred 4500litre/hr or more.

For 522 reef tank (Probably LPS)

Skimmer as above

6/8x54W T5 or 6/8X80W T5 or 2 set of LED

Chiller (0.5HP) preferred otherwise fans are needed to cool water will result in high water evaporate rate.

Dosing pump/Calcium reactor c/w CO2

Phos reactor (optional depending on bio load)

DI unit for pure distill water to mix salt with no added nutrient(optional)

Return pump at 4500 litre/hr or more.

Wave maker probably needed due to the 5 feet length to create flow.

Hope could help.

Sonicsound · May 14, 2014

you will find keeping marine fish more tired as need to change/mix salt water or buy sea water every two weeks, if your tank is big you need more water change

prem1980 · May 16, 2014

understd bro..

Thanks!

every two weeks change water is abt the same I do for my aro.. I use to treat the water separate about a pail and top up to tank at sump.

Sonicsound · May 16, 2014

If you have a pump will be good to change water as it is salt water unlike we can change from pipe link to the tap water then drain out the water

m_wtan79@yahoo.com.sg · May 24, 2014

you will find keeping marine fish more tired as need to change/mix salt water or buy sea water every two weeks, if your tank is big you need more water change

hi i got a 7ft tank. Actually alot of pple told me bigger tank dun require as frequent wc than small tank. I dunnoe if its true. I havent change water for like 2 mths.(opps i'm lazy and just order a 200l drum for water change.)my sps r growing very well but i dun noe y some of my lps(about 5%) juz dun make it. I dun really dose anything except calcium. Recently just add in a ultraphos to keep phosphate lower.

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black tank · May 25, 2014

Changing water in Big or small tank depend on bio load. Big tank has the advantage of providing stable perimeter due to volume of water. U mentioned that u only dose calcium and u don incl sodium bicarbonate, u need to check yr KH .

m_wtan79@yahoo.com.sg · May 25, 2014

Changing water in Big or small tank depend on bio load. Big tank has the advantage of providing stable perimeter due to volume of water. U mentioned that u only dose calcium and u don incl sodium bicarbonate, u need to check yr KH .

my kh stays at 9 all the while.