Cost/what? for convert of 45 gallon?

WilllisTooL · 02/20/2006, 02:47 PM

I have a small reef tank that is doing wonderful now, it's been up and runing for about 2 months. Now i am thinking of converting a 45 gallon tank that i have laying around into a larger reef tank. But the tank is all i have. How much do you think i could do the conversion for? What sort of equipment would you recomend?

Note: Not what sort of equipment would make up your dream system, but what will get the job done resonably well.

Thanks any input is appreciated.

aquaman67 · 02/20/2006, 03:21 PM

I'd use a skimmer.

Remora with Maxi-Jet 1200 $163 at www.marinedepot.com

Depending on what corals you have/want you'll need lights.

I'd use metal halide, but Power Compacts will do for lower light stuff.

Sand, if you want to use it.

You'll need more rock.

If you have 10 lbs in your current 10 gallon you'll need at least 35 #s more.

If you don't have a RO/DI, I'd get one.

Depending on lights, you're looking at $500 - $800, IMO.

WilllisTooL · 02/20/2006, 03:34 PM

I have an idea about the whole lr and sand situation from the previous tank, and i do have some corals, just some sps and some xenia right now. What i am really wondering about is how much would say a good power compact and skimmer run me? Do i need another filtration system besides the skimmer?

aquaman67 · 02/20/2006, 03:53 PM

A great place for lights is www.hellolights.com

Something like this? I don't know how long a 45 gallon tank is, but I'm guessing 36 inches long.

http://www.hellolights.com/362xcoraqpch.html

So that and the skimmer are gonna be close to $400.

You'll need more rock for filtering purposes.

chaseracing · 02/20/2006, 03:54 PM

The lights will only set you back a few hundred. There is always someone out there who is taking their tank down, and you can usually get the lights for cheap.

Don't get cheap on the skimmer. You will regret it in the long run. The skimmer will be a big part of your filtration. Skimmers are defeinitely one of those things where "You get what you pay for".

-=E=-

WilllisTooL · 02/20/2006, 03:58 PM

Ok, i will have to keep my eyes open for some lights then. I think this project will take more time than i thought, unless some one wants to donate say 400$?

WilllisTooL · 02/20/2006, 04:35 PM

Seriously though, what sort of skimmer should i buy?

02/20/2006, 02:47 PM	#1
WilllisTooL Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 46	Cost/what? for convert of 45 gallon? I have a small reef tank that is doing wonderful now, it's been up and runing for about 2 months. Now i am thinking of converting a 45 gallon tank that i have laying around into a larger reef tank. But the tank is all i have. How much do you think i could do the conversion for? What sort of equipment would you recomend? Note: Not what sort of equipment would make up your dream system, but what will get the job done resonably well. Thanks any input is appreciated.

02/20/2006, 03:54 PM	#5
chaseracing Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Bartlett, IL Posts: 1,208	The lights will only set you back a few hundred. There is always someone out there who is taking their tank down, and you can usually get the lights for cheap. Don't get cheap on the skimmer. You will regret it in the long run. The skimmer will be a big part of your filtration. Skimmers are defeinitely one of those things where "You get what you pay for". -=E=- __________________ I want my dog's life. Current Tank Info: 150gal RR Oceanic - (3) 250w. ReefLux 12K, (2) 96w PC 50/50, (3) Tunze 6025 modded, (3) Tunze 6045's, ASM G3, MRC-1, Melev F sump/fuge, all run off of an Aquacontroller Jr. Mixed Reef w/ lots of Fish and not enough rock.

02/20/2006, 03:21 PM	#2
aquaman67 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tennessee Posts: 7,629	I'd use a skimmer. Remora with Maxi-Jet 1200 $163 at www.marinedepot.com Depending on what corals you have/want you'll need lights. I'd use metal halide, but Power Compacts will do for lower light stuff. Sand, if you want to use it. You'll need more rock. If you have 10 lbs in your current 10 gallon you'll need at least 35 #s more. If you don't have a RO/DI, I'd get one. Depending on lights, you're looking at $500 - $800, IMO.

02/20/2006, 03:34 PM	#3
WilllisTooL Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 46	I have an idea about the whole lr and sand situation from the previous tank, and i do have some corals, just some sps and some xenia right now. What i am really wondering about is how much would say a good power compact and skimmer run me? Do i need another filtration system besides the skimmer?

02/20/2006, 03:53 PM	#4
aquaman67 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tennessee Posts: 7,629	A great place for lights is www.hellolights.com Something like this? I don't know how long a 45 gallon tank is, but I'm guessing 36 inches long. http://www.hellolights.com/362xcoraqpch.html So that and the skimmer are gonna be close to $400. You'll need more rock for filtering purposes.

02/20/2006, 03:58 PM	#6
WilllisTooL Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 46	Ok, i will have to keep my eyes open for some lights then. I think this project will take more time than i thought, unless some one wants to donate say 400$?

02/20/2006, 04:35 PM	#7
WilllisTooL Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 46	Seriously though, what sort of skimmer should i buy?