Convert 55g or start new nanotank? sw newbie

[sardonicscorpio]

I posted about the new kit I was given, but now I'm thinking about exchanging it for a fluval canister filter and converting my 55g cichlid tank into sw. I have standard flourescent lighting on my 55g, so I wouldn't be able to get any funky corals without upgrading, but would that be enough light for a fish only tank with some live rock and some invertebrates? Or do all invertebrates require upgraded lighting? Is it better for me to start witha smaller tank that will be less work to maintain (but requires more frequent checkups), or a larger tank that is more work but easier to maintain the quality of the water? Also, is it absolutely necessary to have r/o water, or can I use our tap water and let it stand for 24/48 hours? This is what I did with my discus, and worked well for them...
I've gotten lots of conflicting info from LFS (big surprise), so if anyone could point me in a better direction, I'd appreciate it!! :strip

 

[johnanddawn]

the std 55 is it is a very poor choice for reef. its narrow and tall - not that it can't be done it's just the wrong shape for aquascaping and lighting. T5,s or VHO'vs would be your best options if you stick with this tank. get a descent light set and then we'll talk about flow and start you reefing
but if you are willing to change:
there are a lot of tanks both smaller and larger that are better.
1) smallest size i would go is a 20g - nice option to learn and build.
2) breeders are always nice = 18" wide so a 40 or 60 breeder are nice shaped for a reef
3) cubes of any size are always cool the 30 is a beauty! as are many of the prefabs
4) if you want bigger the 75 and 120 are also very nice shaped

as far as work and maintenence though i will say from experience my 125, 35, 22, 20, and 2 - 12's, all take almost the same amount of work (but not money) this is a very personal decision you have to make. we each have our own issues

all that being said, if you wanted a staight foward opinion-

i think if i were starting all over and knew what i know now - i would buy a 75 (18" x 22" x 4') or 120 (4' x 2' x 2') and equip it with the best equipment i could afford even if it took me years to accumulate. they have all the merits in size, shape, stability, and footprint to make a beautuful reef that you won't outgrow for many years.

 

[fishfan]

I just recently had to make the same decision. In my case the bottom line
was money. The lighting upgrade was the deal breaker. The cost of entry level lighting was more than the 29 gallon Bio Cube we started.

In our case the decision to start out with the Bio Cube and keep our 55 gal freshwater was a good choice. This will allow us to develop our reefing skills as we go in a more controlled environment.


The good news is that we placed the liverock yesterday and are in that dreaded month of waiting and my wife seems to have caught the saltwater bug and is already talking about the possibility of converting the 55 gal next year.

Hope this helps,


Jack

 

[reefman23]

I agree with John on this 100%. Even down the the tank size... 120g! It is my absolute favorite tank size. Jack made a great point too. You may want to start with a 24 or 29g all-in-one tank to get you going. Either way, a 55g is not a good choice for a reef simply because of it's dimensions. I had a friend that had a 55g reef and got so frustrated with the dimensions that he ultimately sold the entire setup.

Look at what you are willing to spend and double it (j/k!). Then look around, read and find out exactly what livestock you want to house. Then go from there.

Jesse

 

[Trogdor]

IMO, it would be best to use RO water but it isn't necessary. I would plan on eventually moving towards it though. I would call your water company and they should have the most updated water test available (mine is via a website). Check it and see what they are adding to the water. I use Prime water conditioner on mine because they add chlorine and chlorimine (and a few other chemicals).