Newbie advice needed badly...

djminus1

djminus1

Member
Hello all. I am brand new to the world of saltwater aquariums. I have a 90 gallon tank that I have kept African Cichlids in for several years. I have decided to make the switch to saltwater.
I am looking to upgrade my current filtration system to a wet/dry. I was looking at the Marineland Tidepool 2 and I think I have found it at a very reasonable price. I now need to purchae a protein skimmer but know nothing about them. I was wondering if you could give me some suggestions on some REASOBLY PRICED models that would suit my 90 gallon setup. I don't plan on heavily stocking the tank any time soon, but I would like to be able to some day.
Suggestions please?
Thanks
djminus1
 
thirdchaos

thirdchaos

Member
Have you ever used copper based medication in the tank? If so, you cant keep invertebrates. I had to buy a new tank when i switched over because i had used copper in the other one. Also, what would you consider reasonably priced?
good luck,
matt
 
djminus1

djminus1

Member
I actually may have used copper based meds in this tank. You really need to buy a whole new tank to keep invertebrates? A full cleaning of the tank will not do?
As for the protein skimmer, I am not sure what is reasonably priced. I guess I am just trying to find out what I have to spend. Cheaper is always better.
 
W

weeder

Guest
i did the same thing. i had a 55gal tank with cichlids in it then converted to salt water. i am still using the whisper hang on the back filter that i used for the fresh water and i do not have a skimmer. i have about 65lbs of live rock and about 2 in of live sand. my nitrates are always between 0-5ppm.
if money is no object(but with your "reasonably priced" comment i don't think it is) then buy all you can. but since it might be, spend the money on the live sand and live rock and your tank will filter on its own. and live rock can be purchased over time, unlike a filter or skimmer that has to be bought all at once. i'm still adding live rock to mine and it is over a year old.
this is just my opinion, but try your old filter first with a couple of power heads and keep testing the water. if you add livestock slowly then you can always add more filtration if what you have isn't enough.
 
djminus1

djminus1

Member
If you are going to have a FOWLR then you can use the tank.
What if I want to eventually upgrade to a Reef tank?
 
scubadoo

scubadoo

Active Member

Originally posted by djminus1
What if I want to eventually upgrade to a Reef tank?
There are several folks that claim they have used copper in a tank and used the same tank for a reef with no problems. I do not recall reading how long the conversion. My understanding is that the copper is absorbed by the silicone in the tank as well as rocks, etc. It then CAN be released back into the aquarium at a later time...tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, etc. Perhaps you should post a quastion regarding this subject and see what type of responses you get.
There is a risk that you could lose inverts....the question is how big is the risk. Someone posted a proct on another thread that I beleive removed all copper even the amount absorbed by silicone, rocks, etc. I have no idea if this "snake-oil" works.
In my opinion, if you have used copper in the tank then there is a risk...could be slight.
I
 
dmc888

dmc888

Member
Don't forget the prefilter and pump too.
How much can you get it for.
I got my proclear cheap.
Whats your email.
 
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