Fresh water convert help

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jl330
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The system can't start cycling until you do. Whether it be the old school shrimp method or finding a source of pure ammonia, which is what I would do, you need to add it now.
I thought die off from the live sand would do it. I'll hurry up and get that going.
 
I thought die off from the live sand would do it. I'll hurry up and get that going.

Nah, your live sand just implies it has living bacteria already in the sand itself. You still need to supply the tank a food supply (ammonia) so the bacteria can grow, colonize and develop a strong population in your system to handle the bio load from your fish and other nutrients. All that live sand really is, is a little boost to help you get your bacteria started. You can also look into adding a bottle of bacteria manually; this can also help expedite the cycling process, but by no means should you rush it. Test and be patient.
 
I'll probably chuck a shrimp in there. I know ammonia is recommended, but I almost always have shrimp in the house anyway.
 
I converted my 55 gallon from fresh water to saltwater about 22 months ago, still using a Fluval 305 canister and Fluval HOB 70. I clean my filters weekly, but no big deal for me. I just got myself into the habit of weekly water changes and filter cleanings. I now have a mixed reef tank, and my 1-1/2 year old snowflake clowns spawned for the first time last week! [emoji16]
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Thanks for the help. Hopefully I can figure out a proper solution. I may be able to get a sump setup but I'll have to build a new stand.

I'm a bit disappointed as I thought the filter I had would get the job done with some upgrades.
Hey, welcome to R2R. I had to build a new stand when I switched from fresh to salt. The cabinet was not tall enough to place a sump and the plumbing parts etc. If you build make it plenty tall enough to get under there do maintenance. Lots of experience here. Ask lots of questions. Consider starting a build thread so we can follow along and lend a hand when needed. Cheers!
 
I see what you're saying. I'll try to flip that filter and do something different. I'm terrified of drilling the tank though.
Check out the video on BRS tv showing how to drill a tank. The actual drilling is pretty easy. It's the planning on where to drill so it will fit your overflow is what takes some thinking and measuring.
 
This is what I'm working with now. I may or may not add more rock. Still need to upgrade several pieces but I'll do one thing at a time.
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I have a 29 gallon reef tank with a fluval 305 and a aqua clear 50. I also have a 50 gallon cube with a sump. In my opinion they are both great ways to run tanks. Sumps definitely make it easy to maintain and hide equipment. I do clean my canister every week with water changes. You will want a powerhead in your 55 to give you some more flow. I still have two freshwater tanks I keep but going the saltwater route takes a lot of patience. It is also a lot more demanding as far as care and husbandry. The information to read is endless. Enjoy the switch to saltwater!
 
Would it hurt anything to add a couple more small chunks of live rock at this point? Been up and running for 5 days now.

I was going to the store today anyway to grab RO water to top off. Thought I might grab a couple rocks.
 
Should be fine in regards to the cycle and chemistry. I personally never add live rock to my systems, many people do, but it's almost guaranteed you'll end up with some unwanted hitch hiker you're going to have to deal with later. Even if the supplier can vogue that the rock is clean, it's extremely hard to guarantee. You might be better off to just add dry rock since you're so early into the process. I've added dry rock to my system after 2 years of running time, just rinse it thoroughly.
 
I'll stick with dry. I thought the live stuff might be good for my cycle because I'm impatient.
 
I'll stick with dry. I thought the live stuff might be good for my cycle because I'm impatient.

It will help, but probably won't make that much of a difference in the total time it takes to cycle. IMO I would add dry rock, but to each their own. You can add a bottle of bacteria to help speed it up some, but you still need to let it do its thing. Learn patience now because you'll need it more as time goes on. Take things slow, patience is a must!
 
Wasn't expecting them that fast. That's great.
 
I came back to a pretty big diatom bloom. Probably need to start checking the parameters. What test kits are people using?
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
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