FOWLR to reef

[bb72]

I have decided to fowlr tank into a reeftank, I am currently running a 55 gal tank (20 in. deep), 29 gal refugium, seaclone 150 skimmer, 100 pounds of LR, and a coral life 260 watt pc light. What I am wondering is what might I need to change in order to keep corals? I would like to keep hard and soft corals, and possibly an anenome or two. ALL opinions would be appreciated, I really like this site after reading through it for a few days!!

[Samper]

Could you list the current inhabitants of your FOWLR?

[bb72]

3 small (1 in to 1 1/2) damsels
2 three spot dominos
1 yellow tail blue dmsel

1 yellowstripe maroon clownfish
1 emerald crab

not much always wanted a reef tank just didnt have the confidence to spend the money

[Samper]

I'd just start small with something like an Bubbletip Sea Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor)
The fish you have are pretty aggressive but are all considered reef safe via the live aquaria website.

[Samper]

Wanna add that there is debate on the emerald crab. Mine is a model citizen for the most part.

[Reefland]

What do you keep teh Salinity at in your FOWLR? With the liverock, it should be ok but I would like to check and make sure. Also, you haven't medicated the tank with anything that is considered "not reef safe" correct?

The lighting that youuse isn't intense enough to maintain Anemone's, the most intense light from Metal Halide is recommended. Soft Corals and Large Polyped Stonies will be fine, but your going to be limited on SPS corals.

[bb72]

I keep my salinity at 1.025. I have never medicated the tank. Also I forgot to mention that I do have a couple peices of some type of coral, very small 1 inch and 1/4 inch, which came on some Lr about a year ago. They have grown but not much. It is an sps purple coral not sure exactly what it is though. Any suggestions on metal halide? I dont have a canopy on my tank, so I would prefer some type of one peice unit.

[Reefland]

There are many types of nice presentable fixtures available but it all depends on your lighting budget. The Aquaspacelight fixtures from Aqua-Medic are very nice.
Pic of new Aquaspacelight vs PC lighting

Maybe Mark will take a picture of his fixture for you.

[bb72]

Thank you for the info, I was looking at that light. Should I go with 250 or 175 watt bulbs? I am planning on getting a bigger tank once I know more about reefkeeping. Also about the skimmer is a seaclone 150 good enough or should I get something better? Mine is producing very dark skimmate about half a cup a day.

[Reefland]

Get 250w bulbs, this way you can light tanks that are taller than you could with 175w, which opens your options for tank dimensions when you do upgrade.

As far as the skimmer, I would purchase a better one. AquaC, Euro-Reef, My Reef Creations, there are several quality brands available that will reduce excess waste from your system than your Seaclone is doing. We use MRC and are really pleased with the performance.

[bb72]

Reefland,

Thank you for the info, I am glad I found this site. It is very helpful and informative. I have a feeling I will be asking for a lot more advice in the future. thank you.

Billy

[bakana]

Okay so if I have a 90 gallon and want a new my reef creations skimmer, what type and where do I look for it?

[Reefland]

If you have no intentions on upgrading to a larger tank any time soon, the MR-1 is an excellent skimmer for that size tank. We run one on our 75 gallon with a Mag 18 and I would not have any reservations about putting it on a 180 personally. If you want to go a bit over powered, you can go with the MR-2.

You can purchase the skimmers from a couple of places online, Reef Exotics, one of our sponsors, offers them.

[Sueet]

Okay so if I have a 90 gallon and want a new my reef creations skimmer, what type and where do I look for it?

http://www.myreefcreations.com/