I want to switch my fowlr to a reef tank. Currently I have a 20 gallon long with 20 pounds of live rock and 2-3 inches of live sand coverage. My equipment is no where near the best nor do I have everything I should but it has been working for me for the last three years. I am currently running a nicrew 24in led (got it cheap, don’t know model or wattage), 1650gph wavemaker, HOB Cascade 150 quad filtration(I have penn Plax filter cartridge, bio-sponge, and filter floss), Aqueon preset 100w heater.
Current water parameters:
Ammonia- 0
PH- 8.0
Nitrite- 0
Nitrate- 40ppm (I know this is high, usually around 10-20ppm, but my gf feeds the tank when I have work and lately she’s been putting enough food in for 10-15 fish when we only have 3)
Salinity- 1.025
Temp- 78 degrees Fahrenheit
Calcium- Unknown ( I have purchased fusion 1 and 2 but can't find a calcium test kit)
Magnesium- Unknown ( I have purchased Kent Magnesium but can't find test kit)
Alkalinity- Unknown
Phosphates- Unknown
For the unknown parameters I have been looking for test kits but can't seem to find decent ones that won't break the bank, if anyone can suggest anything. I also plan on replacing the Cascade filter with the Aqua Clear HOB 10-30g. I wanna replace my old light with either a Hipargero LED 30w or Phlizon 165w. I know I could use a protein skimmer but all the ones I've seen are a few hundred, if anyone can recommend a good one for a decent price. Will this equipment be okay?
Current residents:
1 emerald crab ( about 1 year)
1 scooter dragonet (about 2 and half years old)
2 ocellaris (about 2-2 1/2 months old)
I had a Fiji blue devil damsel but he was too aggressive and I had to bring him to LFS
I don't have yet but would also like to get a scarlet shrimp
Goal is to grow just soft corals and maybe a few sps down the line. I would also like to get an anemone for my clowns. Will this be sufficient enough Also seeking knowledge about anything and everything is appreciated. Im sure there is more I am missing and can't think of right now but if anyone can help me out id really appreciate it.
Current water parameters:
Ammonia- 0
PH- 8.0
Nitrite- 0
Nitrate- 40ppm (I know this is high, usually around 10-20ppm, but my gf feeds the tank when I have work and lately she’s been putting enough food in for 10-15 fish when we only have 3)
Salinity- 1.025
Temp- 78 degrees Fahrenheit
Calcium- Unknown ( I have purchased fusion 1 and 2 but can't find a calcium test kit)
Magnesium- Unknown ( I have purchased Kent Magnesium but can't find test kit)
Alkalinity- Unknown
Phosphates- Unknown
For the unknown parameters I have been looking for test kits but can't seem to find decent ones that won't break the bank, if anyone can suggest anything. I also plan on replacing the Cascade filter with the Aqua Clear HOB 10-30g. I wanna replace my old light with either a Hipargero LED 30w or Phlizon 165w. I know I could use a protein skimmer but all the ones I've seen are a few hundred, if anyone can recommend a good one for a decent price. Will this equipment be okay?
Current residents:
1 emerald crab ( about 1 year)
1 scooter dragonet (about 2 and half years old)
2 ocellaris (about 2-2 1/2 months old)
I had a Fiji blue devil damsel but he was too aggressive and I had to bring him to LFS
I don't have yet but would also like to get a scarlet shrimp
Goal is to grow just soft corals and maybe a few sps down the line. I would also like to get an anemone for my clowns. Will this be sufficient enough Also seeking knowledge about anything and everything is appreciated. Im sure there is more I am missing and can't think of right now but if anyone can help me out id really appreciate it.
