Converting mixed reef to mainly SPS, need help

luther1200 · 02/20/2010, 11:44 PM

So I have a mixed reef and I want to do basically SPS and a few LPS. But I have a few big LPS I need to get rid of or store temporarily somewere while I make the transition. So I need to set up a 20-30 gallon tank for now. But I don't want to tie it into my system because I will use it for a QT when I'm done. I also want to remove some LR from my DT so I have enough to put in the small tank already. But my question is what should I do for filtration because I am not going to do a sump? I have never not had a sump and I am clueless about how to set it up. I have a K3 I can use for flow, is that all I need with the LR? And just do WC's? I don't think I need a skimmer, maybe a small hang on if I find a decent 1 thats not to expensive. Also what is a good enough T5 light for this? It would be nice if it was strong enough for SPS for when I make it a QT. I don't even know what dimensions a standard tank that size is to get a light. 24" long? I'm going to keep it BB for ease of cleaning. Any tips or suggestions would really help. Thanks.

plyle02 · 02/20/2010, 11:56 PM

luther1200,
I did the same thing basically, ran out of room in my 70, so thought to pull all my lps, softies, zoos, and a couple of sps frags. I ran a tunze nano skimmer that did a fairly decent job, I was lighting with a 250 watt halide that I had lying around though, this was on a 20 long. I would use the water from your maintank as the new water for w/c's when changing on the maintank, especially if done weekly. You would probably be changing a larger percentage on the smaller tank, so you could keep the nutrients down that way. I don't think your lps or softies will mind that much. I would still skim, given the tank has no sump, you might deprive oxygen otherwise...
GL

luther1200 · 02/21/2010, 12:11 AM

Thanks, I think I will get a skimmer. And do WC's like you said, thats a good idea. I actually have 2 extra HQI 150w ballasts. I could just get a decent reflector and use 1 of them for lights. Probably be cheaper anyway.

Was the 20 long big enough? I have 1 large branching hammer, 1 5-6 head frogspawm, and 1 10" Pagoda. I think that might be a good size tank. Those are the biggest 1 I have to worry about. I hate to part with them. The Pagoda was the very first stony coral I ever bought.

lordofthereef · 02/21/2010, 12:20 AM

Personally I would temporarily tie it into my main system, mainly because it would be the easiest option IMO. Some don't like the look and/or efficiency of these overflows, but they would be temporary anyway. All you would really need is some lengths of pvc, the proper fittings (elbows, etc.), and a 200-400gph return pump (I would do a submersible again for ease of use). You could even do a couple of MJ1200 powerheads as returns in a pinch. The overflows would cost you about $25 (a very liberal guess), the return, maybe $35-$50 unless you have something on hand you could use.

plyle02 · 02/21/2010, 12:23 AM

That is certainly another approach, I think you have an I-tech don't you? That thing will more than skim an additional tank, you can always take it offline at a later date when time to QT...

luther1200 · 02/21/2010, 12:55 AM

Yes I do have a I-Tech, it could easily handle another 20-30 gallons. Maybe I will do that. And I have a Ehiem 1262 for return and a manifold. I could probably T off again and have enough flow still. So if I did that what kind of overflow could I use? Like a Glass-holes drilled 1 or a hang on?

02/20/2010, 11:44 PM	#1
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	Converting mixed reef to mainly SPS, need help So I have a mixed reef and I want to do basically SPS and a few LPS. But I have a few big LPS I need to get rid of or store temporarily somewere while I make the transition. So I need to set up a 20-30 gallon tank for now. But I don't want to tie it into my system because I will use it for a QT when I'm done. I also want to remove some LR from my DT so I have enough to put in the small tank already. But my question is what should I do for filtration because I am not going to do a sump? I have never not had a sump and I am clueless about how to set it up. I have a K3 I can use for flow, is that all I need with the LR? And just do WC's? I don't think I need a skimmer, maybe a small hang on if I find a decent 1 thats not to expensive. Also what is a good enough T5 light for this? It would be nice if it was strong enough for SPS for when I make it a QT. I don't even know what dimensions a standard tank that size is to get a light. 24" long? I'm going to keep it BB for ease of cleaning. Any tips or suggestions would really help. Thanks. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

02/20/2010, 11:56 PM	#2
plyle02 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lake Helen, FL Posts: 5,526	luther1200, I did the same thing basically, ran out of room in my 70, so thought to pull all my lps, softies, zoos, and a couple of sps frags. I ran a tunze nano skimmer that did a fairly decent job, I was lighting with a 250 watt halide that I had lying around though, this was on a 20 long. I would use the water from your maintank as the new water for w/c's when changing on the maintank, especially if done weekly. You would probably be changing a larger percentage on the smaller tank, so you could keep the nutrients down that way. I don't think your lps or softies will mind that much. I would still skim, given the tank has no sump, you might deprive oxygen otherwise... GL __________________ Perry "Anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die" ~Buddha~ Current Tank Info: 50 Gallon AIO Cube, Aquamaxx WS-1 Skimmer, LED/ Hybrid 4x24 watt t5

02/21/2010, 12:11 AM	#3
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	Thanks, I think I will get a skimmer. And do WC's like you said, thats a good idea. I actually have 2 extra HQI 150w ballasts. I could just get a decent reflector and use 1 of them for lights. Probably be cheaper anyway. Was the 20 long big enough? I have 1 large branching hammer, 1 5-6 head frogspawm, and 1 10" Pagoda. I think that might be a good size tank. Those are the biggest 1 I have to worry about. I hate to part with them. The Pagoda was the very first stony coral I ever bought. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

02/21/2010, 12:20 AM	#4
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Personally I would temporarily tie it into my main system, mainly because it would be the easiest option IMO. Some don't like the look and/or efficiency of these overflows, but they would be temporary anyway. All you would really need is some lengths of pvc, the proper fittings (elbows, etc.), and a 200-400gph return pump (I would do a submersible again for ease of use). You could even do a couple of MJ1200 powerheads as returns in a pinch. The overflows would cost you about $25 (a very liberal guess), the return, maybe $35-$50 unless you have something on hand you could use. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

02/21/2010, 12:23 AM	#5
plyle02 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lake Helen, FL Posts: 5,526	That is certainly another approach, I think you have an I-tech don't you? That thing will more than skim an additional tank, you can always take it offline at a later date when time to QT... __________________ Perry "Anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die" ~Buddha~ Current Tank Info: 50 Gallon AIO Cube, Aquamaxx WS-1 Skimmer, LED/ Hybrid 4x24 watt t5

02/21/2010, 12:55 AM	#6
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	Yes I do have a I-Tech, it could easily handle another 20-30 gallons. Maybe I will do that. And I have a Ehiem 1262 for return and a manifold. I could probably T off again and have enough flow still. So if I did that what kind of overflow could I use? Like a Glass-holes drilled 1 or a hang on? __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.