Tank Thread

[Freenow54]

Starting a new build convert from fresh to salt no sump

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following!

 

[BrettMallette]

Im here to follow along. Ya need any help let me know. Currently running a 55 with no sump.
Fill us in on the details

 

[Freenow54]

Ok so was originally a freshwater set up so the stand was not built for a sump. I decided to keep running with canister filters instead of the expense . and crazy task of adding one and would not have the head space for maintenance. My added picture will explain. Due to the input I received by someone " Fungi " who does the same I am going to add another canister filter . Also going to take the media out and fill them with rock. Also going to do away or use my big HOB filters as a refugium maybe. was also suggested that using them for filtration was not a good idea. My original question was whether to just add salt to convert it or replace the water. I decided to replace the water because of the chance of the salt crystals wrecking my impellers. So I am going to do a step by step to allow for comments without creating a confusing mess. I too have a 40 as mentioned with only a canister, and a skimmer, It hasnt had issues in over 15 years unless I caused it. I was also intending to used minimal rock because of space and wanting Coral to be the main focus with about 6 small fish. It was suggested to me not to skimp on this so took that advise as well. That is why I posted this, and am glad I did. So please reply about anything. That's the point. The tank is a 65 Gallon

 

[Freenow54]

So First step is to put ground cloth on the back glass for looks and light reasons. Then I will be adding my existing

old lights having to make brackets to save money. After that will use plastic shoe trays to put on the top back which I have done on my other tank. It prevents algae growth and also gives a secure place for the fish which was not my intent, After that the substrate. And make a screen cover it cuts down the par by about 25 % but stops the jumpers all my screen tops are made with parts from the hardware store except the stainless screen which is off Amazon enough stuff to make lots of tops and under $50.

I am taking my time about the rock because I do not want to go into debt on this, and had some expenses recently. The photos should explain. I am not in a rush about this so talk soon.

 

[BrettMallette]

Only true downside to canister or HOB instead of sump is you need to clean them way more frequently. As well as having nowhere to hide equipment. Otherwise they are still a path to success. If you are using LR in them it will also be less cleaning and maintenance. Same as if you decide to not use filter pad material. The HOB works fine for a refugium, they are essentially the same concept as the HOB refugiums you can buy. Ive also seen success with wavemakers and diligent weekly waterchanges without a sump or mechanical filtration at all. Definitely tagging along for this one. Looks like it will be a nice well thought out system. The longer you take to get things setup the better, it will end up being what you want the first time instead of perpetually changing things.

 

[Freenow54]

Only true downside to canister or HOB instead of sump is you need to clean them way more frequently. As well as having nowhere to hide equipment. Otherwise they are still a path to success. If you are using LR in them it will also be less cleaning and maintenance. Same as if you decide to not use filter pad material. The HOB works fine for a refugium, they are essentially the same concept as the HOB refugiums you can buy. Ive also seen success with wavemakers and diligent weekly waterchanges without a sump or mechanical filtration at all. Definitely tagging along for this one. Looks like it will be a nice well thought out system. The longer you take to get things setup the better, it will end up being what you want the first time instead of perpetually changing things.

I am trying, and getting a lot of good advice and ideas. I would have a sump but the tank was a fresh water and stand was not built with a sump in mind ( no headroom ) Upside is I don't , and would not want to try drilling holes plumbing and expense of return pump , and trying to make it an anti siphon set up. Huge undertaking and risky to me .
That is one piece of advice from FUNGI I intend to do. Take all the media out. I don't like dosing, and did not even think about the fact that is what I was actually doing. I was wondering about the effect of Carbon in my existing tank . Have read negative things about it. Also Fungi has not done water changes in years. That I will have a problem with but they are using all for reef so I will start that. Another thing is I do love floss. I get it at a local fabric store cost $20 get enough for about 6 months for that. My floss is always filthy when I do my weekly water changes on my existing tank. Look at FUNGIs tank how can I argue with those results. Feel like its all or nothing. Thanks for the kind words

 

[Freenow54]

Ok here I go . This is a Tribute to all of you who had input.

I spent an entire day cleaning all the fresh Water Equipment up under the Tank. Amazing what you accumulate I am terrible for it. A lot of stuff was thrown out. The HOB filters I decided to remove after some advice. I built my own brackets for the lights. I have them on an angle bracket put pla

tes on the stand at either end raised above the light bracket height. This allows me to slide them back and forth along the entire length of the tank. So the lights are 100% adjustable I am tired of doing things to suit what is there. It will allow me to put rock where I want. I have lots of access now to the Canister Filters which again I after advice " Fungi " will get another So two Flugal 307s. The black Ground cloth is on. I used 2 sided carpet tape. Not easy to do only 4.5 inches clearance between Tank and back wall. May not seem like much but a lot of time. I have found that Eshopps Skimmers are no longer available at least the newest one PSK-100 because of Tariffs. I have an old one that I was trying to repair and found out the pump assembly does no lineup so a Paul B favorite approach is required Kit Bashing.
I checked to see if it will fit, and it fits snug but like I was trying to leave room when this tank was put in about 25 years plus ago. That makes me happy because I was going to try and slide it out more. Something I was not looking forward to

Next step is to rinse gravel and add it. I have decided to mix the salt water at my Rodi station, and transfer it over, after pumping the freshwater out with my pump and garden hose set up. I thought it may have damaged my impeller if I just dumped salt in , and as was pointed out struggle for accurasy. Also take media out of Canister. As Fungi again suggested fill it with rock instead of media as he? pointed out is trying for good parameters with chemicals. Also intend to use " all for reef " for trace elements. Then going to add the shoe trays on the inside of the back, and on the top to block light, This I have already done with my other tank and it is foolproof. Why I have strong opinions about light. Since I still get algae on the front and side glass. I may add the trays to the side glass as well

 

[Freenow54]

Thank you glad your following

 

[Dj City]

Following

 

[Dj City]

If i can help or guide you in any way,
Just holla.

 

[Freenow54]

If i can help or guide you in any way,
Just holla.

Thank you

 

[Freenow54]

I am trying to show people how you can start an Aquarium with the least amount of expense. Granted I had most of what I needed on hand but will try to price the bare bones necessities. First My tank was a 55. After talking to a sales person 3500 miles away with no way to profit suggested I get a new tank. I went to my LFS and upgraded to a 70 a Seapora ,
. Its demensions were the same in lenghth and hieght but was 6 inches more from front to back. This was perfect as I had done a fair amount of work already. I only had to extend the back of my home made stand to support the new back wall. So as to the stand you can make one yourself with a little knowledge or hopefully you know someone. Mine was made with 2x4s a piece of 3/4 plywood for the top, and covered with cheap flooring strips and used doors. Cost me maybe $100.00. So considering this is a conversion, and that I have already proved that you can run a Tank with a Canister filter which I already have or to buy is $300.00. You don't need a sump expensive due to partitioned or custom made a tank that is drilled or predrilled, a return pump cost of plumbing and the work time and money saved, The lights as much as you want and to size of Tank Probably $500.00 minimum. Sand, Heater depends on tank size and quality say$100.00 for very good one, Salt Fish and Coral . Lids as well very recommended

for jumpers. I make my own and just upgraded using frame ect from hardware store and a mesh I just found that does not block or absorb light which I prove with my Par meter. So here are are pictures. Remember this is a 70 you can do smaller or larger for less or the same. Again Thanks to all that gave me ideas and Encouragement mentioned above. Hope someone gets Inspired. Minimalist Tank a few fish small schooling and as much Coral that will look good. Par readings done at 20 inches deep. shoe trays cut to block light prevents algae growth on back as well as pieces on the back wall. algae will grow on back wall plastic without blocking on top

 

[JumboShrimp]

Seems like you are enjoying your project-- and having fun is half the point of this great hobby. Best wishes!

 

[vlangel]

I just transferred my 56g column tank with 30g sump into a simpler standard 75g with an AquaClear 110 HOB filter. I also have rubble rock in it but can use media if necessary. My tank has live rock and sand and some powerheads and a heater. I keep easy fish and coral plus ornamental macroalgae for nutrient uptake (not to mention that they are pretty).
Kudos to you for what you are doing!

 

[Freenow54]

Yes I had a list of people I thanked at the beginning with advice for me. I have posted before about needing to encourage people to start because I feel they might be intimidated. The available equipment now can easily blow people out of the water because they cant afford it. If you put your mind to it it can be cheap and easy. Just do your own thing raise easy coral have fun.

 

[Freenow54]

Had to put things on hold. Had a costly repair blowing my budget but will be back

 

[UncommonSense]

Starting a new build convert from fresh to salt no sump

You should check out the “aquarium showcase” function here!

I’ve got multiple builds going on at the same time, too! I reached out to R2R staff months back about how to format them so they could all be found…

— their response was recommending using the “aquarium showcase” category, allowing you to compile as many ongoing tank builds as you’d like in one portfolio that people can easily reference!

(I’ve yet to find the time to actually implement this for myself, but it makes a lot of sense!)

 

[Freenow54]

Trying to find it not very savvy

 

[UncommonSense]

Trying to find it not very savvy

Here ya go!

I’m on mobile, so here’s my drop down menu; it’s in there as a category:

Here’s a direct link to it:

Showcase

Showcase index

www.reef2reef.com