new to saltwater.. a quick question

cisc · Jan 31, 2015

if you please..

I am converting a 55g freshwater tank to marine. I have moved the fish to the bedroom tank.
I have 40 pounds of live sand on it way, as well as 40-50lbs of live rock from dr foster. I also have a 1200 gph powerhead and a rodi unit.

I want to make this a FOWLR, a pair of clowns and other fish as well.

my main question is tis, I have 2 bio wheel 350's.. should I include one on the marine tank since I dont have a skimmer? maybe to get some circulation at the top of the tank?

Mike J. · Jan 31, 2015

I ran a 55 gal. tank for 9 years with HOB skimmer and a bio wheel with carbon filters. Changed the filters every two weeks and 10% of the water every week. I used two power heads and had a five inch sand bed.

cisc · Feb 1, 2015

Mike J. said:
I ran a 55 gal. tank for 9 years with HOB skimmer and a bio wheel with carbon filters. Changed the filters every two weeks and 10% of the water every week. I used two power heads and had a five inch sand bed.

So, with my setup, should I add the bio wheel? Or will the live rock /sand be enough?

Mike J. · Feb 1, 2015

It's your choice. I preferred to have the added mechanical (filter) and chemical (carbon) filtration. I'd highly suggest a skimmer be added.

Reefing Madness · Feb 1, 2015

Without using the skimmer, your going to have to change out more than the usual water amount, the bio wheel will help some, but not really a huge help.

saltyphish · Feb 1, 2015

The live rock will do most of your filtration, but I would add the bio-wheel that way you can put a piece of reticulated sponge or something in there for mechanical filtration. You can also place a bag of activated carbon , purigen, chemipure elite, phosban or what ever type of chemical filtration you would like to add in the pumps compartment. IMO multiple methods of nutrient export is key.