Converting an established 85gal fish only to a reef
- Thread starter chazz512
- Start date
jjlittle
Member
Lighting is the 1st thing decide on what type of corals you like and there needs and get teh correct lighting. Live rock if you dont already have so you have place to mount and place your corals. Make sure you fish are reef safe also prior to getting corals. Advise just take it slow
hagfish
Active Member
Make sure your nitrates are low. Less than 10 at least, preferably 0.
You do need some sort of circulation. Probably at least 15X turnover, which is 1275 GPH in your 85. One of the better ways to get that circulation is with a few powerheads. Even better is if you can run a sump and have a big pump move a lot of water back into the main tank through pvc pipes aimed in a few different areas.
For LR, shoot for at least 1 lb per gallon. Although you can do less if you want to. But the more the merrier because it helps filtration.
As for lighting, you'll want to research what kind of corals and other photosynthetic creatures you want to keep and buy your lighting based on that. If you want anemone's, clams, and/or SPS corals then you should probably go with MH lights on a tank that size. Look for retro kits and try making your own canopy if possible, it can save a small fortune in lights. I would actually recommend MH's no matter what corals you want.
You do need some sort of circulation. Probably at least 15X turnover, which is 1275 GPH in your 85. One of the better ways to get that circulation is with a few powerheads. Even better is if you can run a sump and have a big pump move a lot of water back into the main tank through pvc pipes aimed in a few different areas.
For LR, shoot for at least 1 lb per gallon. Although you can do less if you want to. But the more the merrier because it helps filtration.
As for lighting, you'll want to research what kind of corals and other photosynthetic creatures you want to keep and buy your lighting based on that. If you want anemone's, clams, and/or SPS corals then you should probably go with MH lights on a tank that size. Look for retro kits and try making your own canopy if possible, it can save a small fortune in lights. I would actually recommend MH's no matter what corals you want.