Hi All!
I'm currently in the research phase of converting my 29 gal freshwater tank to a reef tank. The tank has been empty a couple of years (lots of moving, thank you military) so I'm basically starting with a new tank. I've done freshwater for 15 years or so but I know basically zip about saltwater. I've been researching the last couple of weeks and am thinking I'd like to do a reef with live sand and live rock to start with the cycling process. I plan on letting the tank do a longish cycle (8 weeks or so) before I start adding critters...
I'm a little confused about the filtration required. I've heard that a biowheel filter coupled with the live sand should be fine, but then I've also heard that the biowheel can cause nitrate problems. Is the biowheel really just a preference type thing?
Lighting is another thing I'm a little confused about. I know specialty lighting will be needed for corals, with my freshwater tank I used the lighting hood that came with the tank and just used full spectrum plant lights. Can I do the same thing with a reef tank, and just use reef specific bulbs?
As far as rock goes. Is it better to start out with all live sand or rock, or start with some live stuff and some dry stuff? With the long cycle I plan on doing will dry rock become live?
I appreciate whatever guidance you guys can give me, I'm excited about getting into this, but it seems like there's a lot of conflicting information out there!
I'm currently in the research phase of converting my 29 gal freshwater tank to a reef tank. The tank has been empty a couple of years (lots of moving, thank you military) so I'm basically starting with a new tank. I've done freshwater for 15 years or so but I know basically zip about saltwater. I've been researching the last couple of weeks and am thinking I'd like to do a reef with live sand and live rock to start with the cycling process. I plan on letting the tank do a longish cycle (8 weeks or so) before I start adding critters...
I'm a little confused about the filtration required. I've heard that a biowheel filter coupled with the live sand should be fine, but then I've also heard that the biowheel can cause nitrate problems. Is the biowheel really just a preference type thing?
Lighting is another thing I'm a little confused about. I know specialty lighting will be needed for corals, with my freshwater tank I used the lighting hood that came with the tank and just used full spectrum plant lights. Can I do the same thing with a reef tank, and just use reef specific bulbs?
As far as rock goes. Is it better to start out with all live sand or rock, or start with some live stuff and some dry stuff? With the long cycle I plan on doing will dry rock become live?
I appreciate whatever guidance you guys can give me, I'm excited about getting into this, but it seems like there's a lot of conflicting information out there!