55 gallon transition from fresh to reef

Tx Medic · Aug 3, 2014

transitioning my 55 gallon planted tank from a heavily planted to a reef. Im getting away from fresh and moving into reefs since starting my 29 gallon a few months ago. First of all I know its not the ideal size tank for a reef but I think I can make it work. So far I have the tank and stand currently in use but soon will be broke down and plants and driftwood will be parted out... (let me know if you want it selling it dirt cheap or for free lol.) I also have a 4 bulb aquatic life t5 ho fixture eshopps pf-300 overflow box, mag 5 return pump, 20g long I will be using as a sump/refugium, ehiem jager 150w heater, 60Lbs of rock, 80Lbs of aragonite sand, aquaclear 50 to run carbon/purigen/phosban for now, BRS rodi unit, and a really upset girlfriend.

Tx Medic · Aug 3, 2014

got some rock I scored off of craigslist bleaching overnight

vic67 · Aug 3, 2014

GL with the transformation! I usedf to have a 55G reef and the dimensions worked alright for me.

Tx Medic · Aug 5, 2014

so return pump, light, and overflow came today, 80lbs of sand from marcorocks.com, BRS rodi unit, 150w jager heater, and red sea coral pro salt will all be here Friday. I am ready to set it up I just cant get rid of all my freshwater stuff seriously I cant even give it away.

Tx Medic · Aug 8, 2014

Got 80Lbs of sand from marcorocks rodi unit is set up and im getting ready to get my rock cooking while I finish getting all my plants and fish moved around. Everything is starting to shape up.

Tx Medic · Aug 8, 2014

oops added a couple extra pictures my bad

Tx Medic · Aug 9, 2014

So far I believe I have everything I need to start getting this tank transition started. I was wondering though, would I need stronger lighting to grow sps in this tank considering I only have a 4 bulb t5HO. Or could I get a small led spotlight type light like a kessil or a par38 and have my sps in the spotlight.

vic67 · Aug 10, 2014

You might be able to use your current lighting but most SPS will have to go higher up in the tank. Does your T5 have individual reflectors for each bulb? A Par38 LED bulb is an option but how would you place it?.

Tx Medic · Aug 11, 2014

Ive been doing about of reading and cant decide if I want to do a DSB, shadow sand bed or do a plenum setup. I like the idea of the plenum but I may just do it in my fuge to save space in my DT. Ah choices choices.

Tx Medic · Aug 12, 2014

Ok so change of plans again... I have found a 75 gallon complete setup sump plumbing reef ready tank with overflow and all for 300 so yeah bye bye 55. Anyone want it lol.