wanting to convert to salt

[jeffro]

hi I would like to convert my 55 gal. to a reef currently it is a fresh water with an undergravel running off two powerheads and two air driven tubes i have a large hang on the back filter with an aqua glo 40 watt 48in tube light for heat i have a 200 watt visitherm submersible heater
my question is what do I need to do to go with a reef system
thank you very much for any help or suggestions you may have

 

[jeffro]

thank you nolofinwe, I have that book ordered as of this morning. I will read it several times before making my conversion.
Thanks again, Jeffro

 

[mike j]

I agree, that book seems to be the Bible of saltwater/reefkeeping

 

[chainsaw5vent]

i concur w/ nolofinwe. if your budget can swing it, lighting is the key to being able to support many corals. you may be able to save some cash flow by finding someone who is selling their equipment.

 

[heavenly damsel]

We converted a 55 gallon in January from fresh to salt water. Basically what you have that you can use right now is the tank, heater and stand. Everything else is different for SW. After we were into it for $1500 it was too late to turn back.
You will need: 4" sand substrate, 90 lbs of live rock, atleast one 3-4 tube PC light, a protien skimmer, two power heads for circulation, oceans blend salt mix, a good test kit and patience. While the tank is cycling for 4 weeks you can read and visit the bulletin boards to occupy your time.

 

[jeffro]

thank you all for the input, i went to the book store again today and ordered 4 more books on marine aquariums (set up and maintenance).
the lighting I think I might get off rather cheap since I do all my own wiring and such. The hood was built to add more lighting. Is a sump needed or can I do without. how about a canister (fluval 304) I think that is needed and power heads well I have two now and will more than likely get 2 more.
Crushed coral or live sand? (or both)
I thank you all for the help and support, thats why I like it hereevery one is so cool
THANX Jeffro

 

[karlas]

since your interested in reading which is a big thing with salt i can give you some good beginner sites still go with the books also
<a href="http://home.gardenet.co.za/landman/Starting%20with%20Marines.htm" target="_blank">starting marines</a>
<a href="http://www.reefkeepers.org/faq/cache/33.html" target="_blank">sand bed faq</a>
<a href="http://www.reefcorner.com/reef%20keeping_101.htm" target="_blank">reef keeping 101</a>
<a href="http://www.saltwaterpets.com/faq.htm" target="_blank">frequently asked ?s</a>

 

[jeffro]

karlas: thank you I found all of those sites very interesting and informative. I read them all start to finish and learned a lot from them. thank you again, Jeffro

 

[jeffro]

if anyone else has any ideas or suggestions I am always willing to hear them. I also want to know if I can put substate over the top of regular gravel from a freshwater tank or if I need to get rid of it?