Converting 75g african cichlid setup to salt

Dave1NC · 09/30/2012, 09:09 AM

Hi,

I’ve been doing saltwater for about 5 years and I decided a while back to switch to Africans. I kind of like them but they are so aggressive and stocking is very limited if nonexistent as far as mixing inverts with fish.

My 75g has been running for about 2.5 months. Here is a list of equipment I am currently running.

- 75 with single overflow
- Wet/Dry filter w/bio-balls
- Dual T5 lighting
- Base rock and some lace rock
- Fine Agro. reef sand

Here are some of the questions/steps I was going to take to get the tank going. Please feel free to chime in if you can make it easier or other suggestions are always welcome!

1. Move existing (4) cichlids to my 240g big african tank
2. Empty tank and thoroughly rince substrate
3. Remove rock and soak in bleach solution to remove any FW bacteria
4. Replace wet/dry with homemade sump that would allow me to use Reef Octo in-sump skimmer w/LR and macro-algae
5. Add sand and rock back to tank
6. Add water and saltwater mix
7. Add around 20 lbs of live rock to kick start cycle
8. Test, Test and Test again

I still haven't decided if I want to replace the light and I was also considering converting my Phosban reactor to a bio-pellet or go back to usng Kalk with vinegar. That has always worked well for me in the past!

Questions

- Once I move the fish could I slowly start adding salt w/o emptying tank, say a cup or 2 a day until my salinity is capable to sustaning SW inhabitants? Would that allow me to remove the process of cleaning everything? I would imagine FW bacteria would all die, but would that kick in the cycle or is it better to start over per my steps above?

Any other suggestions are welcome

dc · 09/30/2012, 09:15 AM

I would add the salt all at once if you're going to put in LR first. Otherwise it looks like a plan.

And I moved this thread.

Dave1NC · 09/30/2012, 10:45 AM

Would you recommend cleaning everything first and add it back in or add salt, LR and let the tank cycle?

09/30/2012, 09:09 AM	#1
Dave1NC Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Burlington, NC Posts: 151	Converting 75g african cichlid setup to salt Hi, I’ve been doing saltwater for about 5 years and I decided a while back to switch to Africans. I kind of like them but they are so aggressive and stocking is very limited if nonexistent as far as mixing inverts with fish. My 75g has been running for about 2.5 months. Here is a list of equipment I am currently running. - 75 with single overflow - Wet/Dry filter w/bio-balls - Dual T5 lighting - Base rock and some lace rock - Fine Agro. reef sand Here are some of the questions/steps I was going to take to get the tank going. Please feel free to chime in if you can make it easier or other suggestions are always welcome! 1. Move existing (4) cichlids to my 240g big african tank 2. Empty tank and thoroughly rince substrate 3. Remove rock and soak in bleach solution to remove any FW bacteria 4. Replace wet/dry with homemade sump that would allow me to use Reef Octo in-sump skimmer w/LR and macro-algae 5. Add sand and rock back to tank 6. Add water and saltwater mix 7. Add around 20 lbs of live rock to kick start cycle 8. Test, Test and Test again I still haven't decided if I want to replace the light and I was also considering converting my Phosban reactor to a bio-pellet or go back to usng Kalk with vinegar. That has always worked well for me in the past! Questions - Once I move the fish could I slowly start adding salt w/o emptying tank, say a cup or 2 a day until my salinity is capable to sustaning SW inhabitants? Would that allow me to remove the process of cleaning everything? I would imagine FW bacteria would all die, but would that kick in the cycle or is it better to start over per my steps above? Any other suggestions are welcome __________________ A bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at the office! Current Tank Info: 240g Marine Aquarium

09/30/2012, 09:15 AM	#2
dc Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Wyoming Posts: 44,684	I would add the salt all at once if you're going to put in LR first. Otherwise it looks like a plan. And I moved this thread. __________________ Debi ~60 Cube~ Why? Because I said so of course. -Sent via Tapatalk Smoke Signals-

09/30/2012, 10:45 AM	#3
Dave1NC Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Burlington, NC Posts: 151	Would you recommend cleaning everything first and add it back in or add salt, LR and let the tank cycle? __________________ A bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at the office! Current Tank Info: 240g Marine Aquarium