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Thread: Converting a freshwater tank to a FO saltwater tank

  1. #1

    Default Converting a freshwater tank to a FO saltwater tank

    I'm sick of not being able to put any of these cool non-reef compatible fish in my reef tank. So I'm thinking of converting my 46G bowfront african cichlid tank to a FO saltwater tank. my current setup is:

    tank: 46G bowfront
    lighting: 36" florescent 50/50 GE aquarays
    substrate: 2-3" coarse aragonite
    rocks: slate and limestone
    filter: 2 x 330 pingui bio-wheel each rated for up to 55G

    I'm thinking my filtration is probably fine for FO. Ideally I would like to run a wet/dry, but this tank is sitting on a ledge in front of my fire place, so there is no cabinet to put the wet/dry in. The substrate is also fine (might mix it with another 2" of southdown), but the rocks I will have to replace with live rock. The lighting might also be fine since I don't plan to keep any corals in there, but will it be enough for coraline algae?

    How many fish will I be able to keep there and still do a once a month water change? I was thinking of a humo or clown trigger, dwarf lion fish and an angel or a butterfly?

    Any thoughts or ideas on the setup or the livestock?
    72G bowfront reef
    175G bowfront cichlid tank

  2. #2
    Join Date
    10-18-2002
    Location
    Largo, FL
    Posts
    877

    Default

    Unless you wants extra filtration, you don't have to replace your rock. Wash the old poops out of your substrate as much as you can. Purple Coraline will grow good in low light/high calcium/high flow situation.
    Look at all those live rocks on the beach at Florida's state park!

  3. #3

    Default

    As far as fish go, that tank it too small for all the fish listed, except the lion, and maybe a dwarf angel.
    50gal cube in the works.

    2x250w Coralvue eballast and reeflux bulbs for sale.

  4. #4
    Pizazz Guest

    Default

    A dwarf lion is a sloppy eater. I don't think you will be able to get by with monthly water changes, especially without protein skimmer.

  5. #5

    Default

    So how many fish total can I keep in a 46G with bio-wheel filtration (aprox fish size 3-4") ?
    72G bowfront reef
    175G bowfront cichlid tank

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