Starting a Reef in Chi, Helpful Hints?

ChicagoReefOne · 12/03/2008, 02:37 PM

Hello Everybody!

I was wondering if I could get some advice about a specific conversion to saltwater with some older equipment I have.

So, a long time ago I had a 30 gal freshwater tank, then I had to go to college and it got put away. So about ten years later, my mom wants it the heck out of the basement and my friends had some really great reef tanks and I had wanted to do saltwater for a while, so now I am going to.

I ended up with:

my 30 gal aquarium, a Penn Plex glass tube heater (I have no idea about the wattage), a single fluoro tube light, 2 660 Penguin powerheads, a Emperor 400 Power Filter (the one with the double bio wheels).

I want to start a reef tank with corals and I want the option to try any corals. To that end I am planning on buying a Odyssea metal halide/actinic flouro hood combo, protein skimmer, and all the other chemicals, etc.

So I was wondering what parts of my old set up I could use. Obviously the single tube light is out, (1) but is the heater still usable? (2) And the Emperor 400 Power Filter I had used on my freshwater aquarium, is it the sort of thing one uses for saltwater reef tanks? Sounds like a dumb question, but I don't want to buy all the new filters if it's not needed or an inappropriate thing to have. Can anyone recommend a good saltwater aquarium store in chicago? I looked them up and such, but I value others opinions. Thanks for any and all help!

D_Hood87 · 12/03/2008, 03:20 PM

i would say if you are skimming you dont need a filter. i wouldnt even use a filter b/c they can cause bad effects on thw water quality. but the powerheads would prob. be fine and also the heater. are you planning to use a sump or were you going with a hang on back skimmer. also get a skimmer rated for a larger volume of water than you have

ChicagoReefOne · 12/03/2008, 03:44 PM

Thanks D Hood.

I was planning on getting a hang-on skimmer. I haven't decided on a brand, I am guessing I probably want to avoid the Jebo brand skimmer. And I am planning on getting one that will run at about 300 gph if not more, since I have read multiple places that getting a good skimmer is a priority.

imchris · 12/03/2008, 05:15 PM

I'd throw it all out and buy a complete setup. You'll spend less money in the long run plus if it's a complete setup you'll know that all the trials and tribulations of finding the right equipment to work together has already been done. Good luck and have fun. -Chris

Darkstar22 · 12/03/2008, 05:50 PM

I've heard good things about the AquaC Remora Skimmers. Get a couple Korallias or modded Maxijets. Keep the old powerheads for mixing salt.

Darkstar22 · 12/03/2008, 05:53 PM

Lighting there are many options. I like MH, but have also used PC'S with good results. Never tried T5's but have heard all good things!
Good Luck

12/03/2008, 02:37 PM	#1
ChicagoReefOne Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northside, Chicago Posts: 732	Starting a Reef in Chi, Helpful Hints? Hello Everybody! I was wondering if I could get some advice about a specific conversion to saltwater with some older equipment I have. So, a long time ago I had a 30 gal freshwater tank, then I had to go to college and it got put away. So about ten years later, my mom wants it the heck out of the basement and my friends had some really great reef tanks and I had wanted to do saltwater for a while, so now I am going to. I ended up with: my 30 gal aquarium, a Penn Plex glass tube heater (I have no idea about the wattage), a single fluoro tube light, 2 660 Penguin powerheads, a Emperor 400 Power Filter (the one with the double bio wheels). I want to start a reef tank with corals and I want the option to try any corals. To that end I am planning on buying a Odyssea metal halide/actinic flouro hood combo, protein skimmer, and all the other chemicals, etc. So I was wondering what parts of my old set up I could use. Obviously the single tube light is out, (1) but is the heater still usable? (2) And the Emperor 400 Power Filter I had used on my freshwater aquarium, is it the sort of thing one uses for saltwater reef tanks? Sounds like a dumb question, but I don't want to buy all the new filters if it's not needed or an inappropriate thing to have. Can anyone recommend a good saltwater aquarium store in chicago? I looked them up and such, but I value others opinions. Thanks for any and all help!

12/03/2008, 03:20 PM	#2
D_Hood87 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 323	i would say if you are skimming you dont need a filter. i wouldnt even use a filter b/c they can cause bad effects on thw water quality. but the powerheads would prob. be fine and also the heater. are you planning to use a sump or were you going with a hang on back skimmer. also get a skimmer rated for a larger volume of water than you have __________________ DONALD Current Tank Info: 160gal REBUILD....GOING SPS ALL THE WAY!!!

12/03/2008, 03:44 PM	#3
ChicagoReefOne Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northside, Chicago Posts: 732	Thanks D Hood. I was planning on getting a hang-on skimmer. I haven't decided on a brand, I am guessing I probably want to avoid the Jebo brand skimmer. And I am planning on getting one that will run at about 300 gph if not more, since I have read multiple places that getting a good skimmer is a priority.

12/03/2008, 05:15 PM	#4
imchris Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Weeki Wachee, Florida Posts: 468	I'd throw it all out and buy a complete setup. You'll spend less money in the long run plus if it's a complete setup you'll know that all the trials and tribulations of finding the right equipment to work together has already been done. Good luck and have fun. -Chris

12/03/2008, 05:50 PM	#5
Darkstar22 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Denver Posts: 718	I've heard good things about the AquaC Remora Skimmers. Get a couple Korallias or modded Maxijets. Keep the old powerheads for mixing salt.

12/03/2008, 05:53 PM	#6
Darkstar22 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Denver Posts: 718	Lighting there are many options. I like MH, but have also used PC'S with good results. Never tried T5's but have heard all good things! Good Luck