Transitioning FOWLR to a Mixed Reef

[dcinky]

Hello everyone! I’ve kept marine fish for a number of years and after following numerous posts in this forum I’ve decided I’d like to try my hand at maintaining a mixed reef. I currently have a 150 gal FOWLR setup that I am upgrading to a Red Sea 750xxl and hopefully transitioning to a mixed reef. Hopefully this won’t become a complicated undertaking. I’d greatly appreciate any beneficial advice you can offer to help make this a success. I believe I have collected much of the necessary lighting and hardware. Thanks

 

[SPR1968]

Whatever you need to know just ask away and maybe start a build thread when you get a chance

And welcome to R2R as well!

 

[Crabs McJones]

Were you using RO/DI water in the FOWLR setup? That'd be my main concern, starting out the gate with good water. FOWLR can tolerate alot more than a reef setup can as far as contaminants.

 

[Pntbll687]

My advice is to start slow, but get coral you like/want. Never pick a coral saying "i'll use this to test it out" because you won't like it and it will be the fastest growing thing in the tank.

 

[Reefrookie220]

@Crabs Mcjones is on target for sure!

Normally a lot more bound up no3 and po4 in a fowlr due to the demand for food and generally over fed/populated.

New sand is a must, in my book. A thorough cleaning of the rock would be second. Water chemistry is gonna take some getting used to because as mentioned the fowlr is was less demanding.

 

[dcinky]

Were you using RO/DI water in the FOWLR setup? That'd be my main concern, starting out the gate with good water. FOWLR can tolerate alot more than a reef setup can as far as contaminants.[

I do use RO water and recently purchased a new 6 stage RO/DI in preparation for the change over. Thanks, I really appreciate your input!

 

[dcinky]

@Crabs Mcjones is on target for sure!

Normally a lot more bound up no3 and po4 in a fowlr due to the demand for food and generally over fed/populated.

New sand is a must, in my book. A thorough cleaning of the rock would be second. Water chemistry is gonna take some getting used to because as mentioned the fowlr is was less demanding.

Ok, I will not use the existing sand and will purchase new. Could you offer a type and minimum amount needed?

 

[Snookin]

Have you ever used any medications like copper for example in your tank while running FOWLR? If so, you may never be able to keep corals without completely changing everything.

 

[dcinky]

Have you ever used any medications like copper for example in your tank while running FOWLR? If so, you may never be able to keep corals without completely changing everything.

Fortunately I have not in the DT only in QT

 

[Snookin]

Fortunately I have not in the DT only in QT

Nice.

 

[Reefrookie220]

Have you ever used any medications like copper for example in your tank while running FOWLR? If so, you may never be able to keep corals without completely changing everything.

This is an excellent point that was overlooked!!

Ok, I will not use the existing sand and will purchase new. Could you offer a type and minimum amount needed?

It’s a hot topic these days with folks going bare bottom and whatnot.

I prefer a good 1.5-2in sand bed. Which normally equates 100lbs-120lbs in a tank that size. Assuming it’s a six ft tank.

 

[dcinky]

This is an excellent point that was overlooked!!



It’s a hot topic these days with folks going bare bottom and whatnot.

I prefer a good 1.5-2in sand bed. Which normally equates 100lbs-120lbs in a tank that size. Assuming it’s a six ft tank.

Thanks

This is an excellent point that was overlooked!!



It’s a hot topic these days with folks going bare bottom and whatnot.

I prefer a good 1.5-2in sand bed. Which normally equates 100lbs-120lbs in a tank that size. Assuming it’s a six ft tank.

I think I’ll do the same, thanks

 

[Reefrookie220]

Any progress over the weekend?