Convert FW to SW

tony098 · 02/16/2006, 08:07 AM

Hi,

I want to convert my 55G FW into SW and have some questions
1) Can I or should I use the HOB filters. I have 2 Penguin 330. I don't plan to do a sump at this moment.
2) If this is FOWLR, do I need good lighting? I only have 2 24" NO right now.
3) Do I need a glasstop to separate the lights and water?

Thanks.

tibbs2 · 02/16/2006, 09:03 AM

1) Live rock will provide your primary filtration. I'm not sure if those filters would be a benefit or not.

2)Any lighting will work. You only need strong lighting if you have coral.

3) No glasstop required. I just have a canopy with nothing in between. Once in awhile i have to wipe the bulbs of salt but that's it. You would only need a glass top if you plan on having fish that are known to be jumpers or something like an eel.

Pandora · 02/16/2006, 09:50 AM

Good answers by tibbs, just adding a little:

1) If you are pretty sure you are FOWLR, mechanical filtration like a HOB is not too bad an idea, it can give a boost and help convert waste through the nitrogen cycle at a faster rate. I would not do it if you are ever planning on keeping corals or more sensitive inverts, because these filters can be nitrate factories (fish are generally not bothered by nitrate, and are big waste producers, so a mechanical filter can help the conversion rate).

3) Generally it's no big deal to wipe the bulbs off in setups with proper endcaps. But make sure you have quality endcaps that are designed for this SW exposure, since you'll get a lot of salt creep on everything. If you have unguarded bulbs, you may have a problem with rust very fast if this is the case and there isn't anything in between.

BurntOutReefer · 02/16/2006, 10:18 AM

Keep your Penguins..you'll need them for FOWLR..IMO...

02/16/2006, 08:07 AM	#1
tony098 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 161	Convert FW to SW Hi, I want to convert my 55G FW into SW and have some questions 1) Can I or should I use the HOB filters. I have 2 Penguin 330. I don't plan to do a sump at this moment. 2) If this is FOWLR, do I need good lighting? I only have 2 24" NO right now. 3) Do I need a glasstop to separate the lights and water? Thanks.

02/16/2006, 09:50 AM	#3
Pandora Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Maryland near DC Posts: 1,706	Good answers by tibbs, just adding a little: 1) If you are pretty sure you are FOWLR, mechanical filtration like a HOB is not too bad an idea, it can give a boost and help convert waste through the nitrogen cycle at a faster rate. I would not do it if you are ever planning on keeping corals or more sensitive inverts, because these filters can be nitrate factories (fish are generally not bothered by nitrate, and are big waste producers, so a mechanical filter can help the conversion rate). 3) Generally it's no big deal to wipe the bulbs off in setups with proper endcaps. But make sure you have quality endcaps that are designed for this SW exposure, since you'll get a lot of salt creep on everything. If you have unguarded bulbs, you may have a problem with rust very fast if this is the case and there isn't anything in between. __________________ Where are we going... And why am I in this handbasket? Current Tank Info: 75gal reef tank, 30 gal octopus tank, Other: 75gal planted Amazon tank

02/16/2006, 09:03 AM	#2
tibbs2 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: IA Posts: 1,422	1) Live rock will provide your primary filtration. I'm not sure if those filters would be a benefit or not. 2)Any lighting will work. You only need strong lighting if you have coral. 3) No glasstop required. I just have a canopy with nothing in between. Once in awhile i have to wipe the bulbs of salt but that's it. You would only need a glass top if you plan on having fish that are known to be jumpers or something like an eel.

02/16/2006, 10:18 AM	#4
BurntOutReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 4,376	Keep your Penguins..you'll need them for FOWLR..IMO...