converting to reef

[tima]

I have a 36 gallon tank w/ 40-50 lbs of live rock that has been running strong for almost 10 months but i want to convert to make it reef ready for a conversion to a 90 gallon. Ive have consulted the local stores and would like some more opinions as i know it will be economically wise to do so. I will need new filtration(bio balls? bio/mechanical?, also skimmer?) Also I know i will need new lighting-- pc's/halide? any other options? any help on any of these questions is much appreciated! Thanks-- tim

 

[blemmy_guy]

For starters welcome to the boards! About 90 % of what i know i learned right here, this is a great bunch, so best of luck. Now on to your questions, light.. definately will need to go with at least power compacts, metal halides are better though, especially if your going to get clams and hard corals, power compacts are ok for anything else . ie. soft corals and even some hard ones... i think :notsure: I personally use the bio-balls which have donr great for me, there are some heated discusions about that on here though. and a big yes on the protein skimmer, and dont skimp on it, get a good one. best thing to do is listen to everyone on here then go with what you feel comfotable with and can afford, a good friend told me the same thing when i first started on here, and it worked great for me, thanx Capschamp! anyway best of luck, let us know what u decide to go with. Todd :happyfish

 

[thesamm]

exactly what Blemmy_Guy said....(go with a euro reef skimmer) :yes:

 

[tima]

hey thanks for the help guys-- i think i am going to go halide-- what wattage would i need? i dont really understand how the whole filtration works-- the skimmer goes inside the filter? also-- what is an undergravel filter?--- are these recommended? thanks-- tim