What to do?

[bender77]

The DH and I are thinking about starting a bigger tank than my 24 gallon nano-cube. I have a 55 gallon freshwater tank running right now and have no idea whether it would be easier to convert it to saltwater or to sell it and buy a used saltwater system. The problem is, I have no idea what constitutes a good deal on a used tank and what to sell my 55 for if I choose too. All I would want to keep is a few fish, some softy corals an anemone maybe a sponge or sea fan. I know I would want T5HO lighting at least. Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[scsinet]

I don't see why converting your tank would be more difficult than selling and replacing.
Why not post a complete equipment list. Perhaps a lot of your equipment can be re-used.

 

[i<3reefs]

Depends on what you consider easy. RR tanks sure are nice.

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by bender77
http:///forum/post/3083788
The DH and I are thinking about starting a bigger tank than my 24 gallon nano-cube. I have a 55 gallon freshwater tank running right now and have no idea whether it would be easier to convert it to saltwater or to sell it and buy a used saltwater system. The problem is, I have no idea what constitutes a good deal on a used tank and what to sell my 55 for if I choose too. All I would want to keep is a few fish, some softy corals an anemone maybe a sponge or sea fan. I know I would want T5HO lighting at least. Thoughts? Suggestions?

I converted my freshwater 55g when I first started. I had to purchase most everything but I could still use the canister filter, and my heater.
Here is a list of what I needed.

• 2 power heads
• live sand
• lights (the fish lights weren't good for corals)
• skimmer
  hydometer
  salt
  Live rock
  marine test kit

Hope this helps you

 

[bender77]

Equipment I have (I've had this tank for 9ish years so the equipment is older)
*Regent Aqua-Tech 200 (Hang on back canister)
*MarineLand H.O.T Magnum with Bio Wheel (Hang on back canister)

*Regent Hang on Back filter that came with the tank.
*2- Aqua Clear 70 power heads (But the may not work that well, can't remember)
*2 heaters
*Stock Lighting (this would have to change)

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by bender77
http:///forum/post/3084395
Equipment I have (I've had this tank for 9ish years so the equipment is older)
*Regent Aqua-Tech 200 (Hang on back canister)
*MarineLand H.O.T Magnum with Bio Wheel (Hang on back canister)

*Regent Hang on Back filter that came with the tank.
*2- Aqua Clear 70 power heads (But the may not work that well, can't remember)
*2 heaters
*Stock Lighting (this would have to change)

Your filter is too small... should have explained better, sorry...I converted a 55g freshwater to a 55g saltwater, so my equipment matched the size.
For the power heads...2 X #3 Koralia..if you can afford it...buy Koralia, they stay put and make a wave current instead of a jet stream like the max jet do..
So to the list I gave originally..add a canister filter that will handle at least 60g, when you buy a canister it says right on it how much of a tank it can handle..I always go bigger.
2 heaters in a 55g is fine. However a nano tank has those tiny little heaters set on 78 automatically. So you should replace those as well. That should complete your list. As to the brand??? Shop around.
Happy Reefing!

 

[reefraff]

55 is a great tank to use if you want something bigger on a budget. That biowheel filter might be useful to gut and create a pod farm. You take out the wheel and throw live rock rubble in there. If nothing else it's a little more water flow.
Is this going to be a reef or just fish?