About to cross-over Finally

BeardedReefer · Mar 24, 2013

I have helped with saltwater tanks for awhile now, but never had one.

I currently have a 55g fresh with 23 cichlids in it. When I set this tank up I set it for when i finally decided to go salt water. I have a full wet/dry sump setup on this tank to maintain the heavy biolaod and be prepared for the crossover. Also using livesand from a friends tank as substrate.

Questions are: How far down do I need to break this tank down in preparation for salt water do I need to go? Does the sand need a fresh cleaning or is it ok to use as is with a few cycles of RO/DI water and vigerous mixings and vaccuming in the tank?

Also can a protein skimmer be used in the same area as the return pump? I have seen some saying no but with no real reasoning.

Thank you all in advance.

P.S. I am only planning on a FOLWR setup. and If I left anything out please let me know.

ritter6788 · Mar 24, 2013

If you're reusing the sand then wash it real well. I like to use fresh new sand but with a fowler I may be fine. Just make sure it's well rinsed.

Congrats on the new SW tank and good luck with the new set up.

Rmckoy · Mar 24, 2013

I'm looking for a little help with my new 70gal setup .
I'm sorry I'm new to this forum and can't seam to find where to start a new thread .
My question is I set up this 70gal 2 days ago with tap water ( bad mistake) mixed the salt to 1.024 and added a 40 lb bag of live sand .
The tank is very cloudy but is very slowly starting to clear .
How long does it normally take to clear?
How long should I wait before I add rock?
Should I have rock in to start the " cycle" ?
Thank you for any helping information ,

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Daniel@R2R · Mar 24, 2013

BeardedReefer, I see no problem with using the skimmer in the same area as your return pump. I have done the same thing with no issues for the entire time I had my 75g setup. Don't know why anyone would say you shouldn't do this... I also would say that I'm not a fan of wet/dry sumps because bio balls can become nitrate traps...but I know other guys use them and like them fine.

BeardedReefer · Mar 24, 2013

mdbannister said:
BeardedReefer, I see no problem with using the skimmer in the same area as your return pump. I have done the same thing with no issues for the entire time I had my 75g setup. Don't know why anyone would say you shouldn't do this... I also would say that I'm not a fan of wet/dry sumps because bio balls can become nitrate traps...but I know other guys use them and like them fine.

I have heard the same about the bioballs even though they seem to stay on store shelves, my idea is to replace the bio balls with a buffer material along the lines of coral and extra rock. not sure yet still reading into it, but my stand at its widest point is only 10 1/4", and short of a 15 high or custom built tank I'm stuck with this setup.

Now the sand I have, came out of a Saltwater first so i think a few good rinses and it should be fine. My other option is the wife wants black sand, I have found some on DR. Fosters and Bulkreef supply that I think should work and are described as working fine with a marine setup.

BeardedReefer · Mar 24, 2013

Rmckoy said:
I'm looking for a little help with my new 70gal setup .
I'm sorry I'm new to this forum and can't seam to find where to start a new thread .
My question is I set up this 70gal 2 days ago with tap water ( bad mistake) mixed the salt to 1.024 and added a 40 lb bag of live sand .
The tank is very cloudy but is very slowly starting to clear .
How long does it normally take to clear?
How long should I wait before I add rock?
Should I have rock in to start the " cycle" ?
Thank you for any helping information ,

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Depends on the size of the sand, if its super fine, could take weeks. But adding the sand to water instead of the other way around ensured every bit of the sand got separated and liquified. Just be patient it will clear up.

Rmckoy · Mar 24, 2013

I added some filter floss into the filters and its clearing up great .
How long should I let this run before I start to cycle ?
And what would you recommend to start with ? A hearty fish or start with live rock ?

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