Converting a FW tank into a SW

[ajinkyadgaikwad]

I have a 4ft x 1.5ft x 1.5ft tank that currently houses discus fish.
Alongwith that i also have a lot of equipment like Boyu power filters, An Eheim 2217, An internal power filter with a direction jet, sponge filters, Aerators and also a Hitachi Neon light. I have been planning to convert the setup into a SW one.
I was wondering if anyone could tell me what else I would need in order to set up my tank and whether the current equipment would be of use in the SW tank.
Also, I would like to know the maintenance cost in terms of water changes(aquarium salt,test kits etc)
Also, I have the conventional golden sand that is available at LFS's around.Will it be okay to use the same sand for the SW tank..?
Please provide me the approx. price of the equipment that needs to be bought...

PS:- Is a sump absolutely necessary for a SW tank..?
I am Planning a FOWLR setup but would like to move on to invertebrates soon...!

[Dragon]

Well out the equipment you have.. Only the powerheads and the canister would be usefull..

A sump is not necessary but better than any canister filter..and also keeps your display tank free of equipment..

You will need a skimmer.. (I have a weipro 2012 for sale let me know if you want it.)

As for substrate, you could use beach sand from a good location or you can go for live sand..

As for lighting.. 2 Actinic and 2 t5's should be enough for some hardy corals..

You will need about 6kgs of salt.. Various brands are available.. Red sea and Azoo are the best around..

[ajinkyadgaikwad]

@dragon....is the salt required after every water change....?
As in, is the 6kg salt replacement mandatory after every wc..?

[avadhoots]

From what i understood is that Weylin is talking about Setup and not Maintenance. So 6 kg salt during setup.

[ajinkyadgaikwad]

@Avadhoot Thanks for the clarification..!
@ Dragon Thanks for the prompt and informative replies..!

I was also wondering if i could use the spare boyu powerheads as wavemakers....As in would the serve the same purpose...?
Cos that will then help me save on the wavemaker...!

[Sid]

How long have you been in the hobby? from your questions it's clear you need to read and research a lot more about saltwater (and probably even freshwater) systems before you convert. Forget a reef tank, personally i dont think you're even ready for a FOWLR (or even discus for that matter) so save yourself the heartbreak and waste your money elsewhere.

PS: for starters, find about the cost of a chiller (ask Dragon). it's the most important equipment needed for a reef tank.

PPS: Avadhoot, it's time you crossed the fence man.

[Dragon]

Anyone can start a FOWLR..

I started my tank with just 2500, which included the tank, salt, hydrometer, substrate, powerhead, lights, hood, live rock, marine pellets and a yellow-tail damsel..
I already had a canister filter.. And still had cash left over..

It only required 10% waterchange weekly..

[Sid]

what was the size of your 2500 rs tank? if i remember correctly it's 2x1x1. ajinkyadgaikwad's tank is double that size which means he's going to need a lot more salt, a lot more substrate, more lights, a lot more live rock which basically means it's going to cost a lot more than 2500k. i dont mean to be discouraging but he clearly needs to research the costs involved in marine tanks. If he's trying to cut corners with powerheads, he doesnt know the surprises lying ahead for him. Point is one doesn't have to be a millionaire to have a saltwater tank but marine costs are considerable and more than freshwater and therefore many who start impulsively end up abandoning it midway . If you want to spend frugally then the marine scene isn't for you. i don't call my tank a money pit for nothing.

[ajinkyadgaikwad]

@ Sid...I clearly mentioned that I am 'converting' my freshwater tank to a saltwater tank, and thus want to make optimum use of the equipment I have, and not foolishly splurge money on stuff that I can do without.eg:- using the powerheads instead of wavemakers, since I already have about 3 powerheads lying around at home...
I refuse to compromise on equipment, no matter how expensive it is...I have already ordered all that I require...should setup the tank by the 5th of Jan.
PS>> Would you please enlighten me by telling me how my questions make you feel that I am a novice in terms of freshwater tanks too..?
Also, I would like to add that Dragon aka Weylin has been an awesome help and encouragement...!Thanks a billion bro...!

[Sid]

Ajinkya, i read your post, i understand your converting your freshwater tank to a saltwater. i did the same last year and out of all my equipment only the tank was useful, everything else (including powerheads and eheim 2217) i had to buy. What is the capacity of your current powerheads? i hope they are a minimum of 1800-2000 GPH because that's what you will need for adequate water movement for a tank your size. I'm sure you know how much your water will heat up if you plan to use the existing three together. You'll also need a powerhead for a skimmer (i'm praying you plan to buy a skimmer) which means more heat. And no, cooling fans won't really do the job. I'm guessing you know the temperature requirements for a marine tank. The rest i'll let you figure on your own.

and Ajinkya, being a novice is not a bad thing. I'm one too. Let me know when your tank is set up, i'll give you a zooa frag for free.

PS: by the way, what were you doing with three powerheads for a discus tank?

PPS: Avadhoot, if you dont convert in a month or two, I''ll come down to Borivili and do it for you.