Need advice for old tank

[alexwolf]

I currently have a Eclipse 37 with some live rock, live sand, a red leg hermit, an emerald crac, and a damsel. I cant seem to keep any fish for very long, all i managed to keep was a coral banded shrimpo for a little over a year who didnt make it thorough the move sadly. I am adding a large tank soon, and hoped to make the little eclipse a reef tank. What equipment do I need to add to it to make it work? Possibly something for seahorses as my wiufe likes those. Any ideas appreciated!

[longhorn_20m]

What kind of lighting are you running? Do you have a skimmer?

You might want to purchase a test kit to test your water parameters.

When having a reef, you really want to have a steady system that doesn't change parameters. Also you want a pretty steady salinity without much change.

I would suggest start slowly and get the hang of it before you start purchasing to many things only to see them die.

Patients

[alexwolf]

i have no skimmer, useing the lights that came with the eclipse hood. have not added anything to it. Water conditions have been the same for over a year.

[longhorn_20m]

Well in order to start a reef, you would definitely need to upgrade the lighting.

As long as you don't overstock it and do weekly waterchanges you shouldn't need a skimmer.

[longhorn_20m]

I would also just focus on one tank, you are talking about a larger tank, why don't you just move everything from 37 into it and make it a reef and only have to worry about keeping up with one tank.

[alexwolf]

thats a good idea, i just didnt want the eclipse to go to waste

[alexwolf]

you guys are chock full of good ideas!i wonder what i can get for it.