Converting current 5ft tank to reef setup

[kira76]

Hi all,

Currently I've a 5ft x 2.5ft x 2.5ft arowana tank. Am thinking of converting it to a reef tank. Problem is, the thickness of the glass of my 5ft tank is only 12mm. What will be the maximum inches of sand bed and also kg of LR can I add to the tank? Will it be better if I change the tank to 15mm thickness? If so, what will be the estimated cost to custom make one?

Btw, what chiller size should I be looking at for a 5ft x 2.5ft x 2.5ft reef tank setup?

[Eniram]

Chiller- go compressor.

Rocks- no maximum weight

Sand- up to individual

Glass thickness- to me 12mm is enough but some will go 15mm

[orsony]

Hi all,

Currently I've a 5ft x 2.5ft x 2.5ft arowana tank. Am thinking of converting it to a reef tank. Problem is, the thickness of the glass of my 5ft tank is only 12mm. What will be the maximum inches of sand bed and also kg of LR can I add to the tank? Will it be better if I change the tank to 15mm thickness? If so, what will be the estimated cost to custom make one?

Btw, what chiller size should I be looking at for a 5ft x 2.5ft x 2.5ft reef tank setup?

Wow 5 x 2.5 x 2.5 very good to keep big angel. Hehehehe....

12mm is enough. Even better to have a sump tank.

[tunicate]

Hi kira76,

Welcome to our reefing community.

If your intention is just FOWLR, you probably need to just get a HOB skimmer. (BTW, you may not need a chiller for a FOWLR.)

If it is corals you intend to keep, then I think you'll need to hook it up to a proper sump tank. This is because corals have more stringent demand on your water quality. A sump tank can accommodate the equipment to make this happen.

[kira76]

Hi kira76,

Welcome to our reefing community.

If your intention is just FOWLR, you probably need to just get

a HOB skimmer. (BTW, you may not need a chiller for a FOWLR.)

If it is corals you intend to keep, then I think you'll need to hook it up to a proper sump tank. This is because corals have more stringent demand on your water quality. A sump tank can accommodate the equipment to make this happen.

Thanks. I intend to keep corals. I've a 3ft sump currently running with the 5ft. Problem is, I think the current needs to be change. also am worried about whatsize chiller to use. Condensor is out as we intend to move 2 years later. And I don't want the extra hacking and breaking my false ceiling.

[tunicate]

Thanks. I intend to keep corals. I've a 3ft sump currently running with the 5ft. Problem is, I think the current needs to be change. also am worried about whatsize chiller to use. Condensor is out as we intend to move 2 years later. And I don't want the extra hacking and breaking my false ceiling.

If you have plans to move house, then you have to reconsider carefully before starting to spend on this 5 footer. So it's either decomm or move the whole tank in 2 years time. Alternatively, sell off the 5 footer now & go nano during this interim period.

[cool guy]

Ya agree wit bro tunicate... From my view, its better for u to setup a fowlr tank. Play with fishes first n gain experience. After 2 yrs, when u hav a new place then u can start building a reef tank. Btw not all fish can be kept in a reeftank. Like bro orsony say. 5ft tank is jus nice for u to keep big beautiful angel...

[Solo77]

For yr tank size, go for at least 1/3 hP chiller. For current, just get strong wave maker. Since u are shifting and may get new tank, either u take suggestion to go for simple setup first or can start getting equipment for ur new tank at new place provided u intend to setup almost similar size. Hope this help.

Thanks. I intend to keep corals. I've a 3ft sump currently running with the 5ft. Problem is, I think the current needs to be change. also am worried about whatsize chiller to use. Condensor is out as we intend to move 2 years later. And I don't want the extra hacking and breaking my false ceiling.

[thomas_lim]

Agreed with many of the folks here.

Fish only seem to be a better bet for now. At least it is more managable in a short term.

Coz you need time to "mature" the tank. And but the time your tank is "matured" and ready,

You had to shift house soon. And it gonna be like Day 1 all over.

[sherman]

Better to play with a smaller tank like nano and gain some experience.

When you move to a new place you can decide to remain small or upgrade to

a bigger tank.

A 5 footer need a 1/3 or 1/2 HP chiller

Cheers

[orsony]

One of the key factor in marine is patience in regardless of the tank size. You need to plan well for your idea tank. I trust that many reefers in this forum is very willing to help all new reefers to enjoy this hobby. Ask more questions and study about marine keeping from the internet before you kick off the tank. Chiller might not be the essence item you need in marine. There are more essence equipments which you might require for this hobby and price varying depending on brand.