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AC2020x
10/09/2009, 08:31 AM
Hey, I'm going to try to make my 29g FOWLR tank into a reef. This will mainly be for med light corals as the lights have are ok but nothing very good.

These are the lights- http://www.petmountain.com/show_product/512404/?utm_source=shoppingdotcom&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=515778

I have 2 clowns and a firefish as of now along with snails and hermits. Also I have a couple zoas but nothing special and they seem to be alright but over the last 4-5 months I havn't seen any growth or anything.

What are some things I need to do to make the change to a reef tank?
I don't have a sump so reactors and stuff like that are a no for me.

I was thinking of using kalkwasser- would that be a good idea. I know your suppossed to add it slowly- would I be able to use the tom aqualifter? First mix the kalkwasser with 1 or 2 gallons of RO/DI water and then pump it in for like 20 mins? Since it only pumps 3.5g/hr? Or would that be too fast in a 29g system?

What other things will I need to do to prepare for a change from FOWLR to reef???

Thanks alot!
-AC

HighlandReefer
10/09/2009, 02:56 PM
Randy goes into detalils about your questions in these articles:

Reef Aquarium Water Parameters
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 1: The Salt Water Itself
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/rhf/index.php

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 2: What Chemicals Must be Supplemented
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

The "How To" Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 3: pH
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
Part 4: What Chemicals May Detrimentally Accumulate
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/rhf/index.php

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

What Your Grandmother Never Told You About Lime
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.htm

edvale
10/09/2009, 04:21 PM
I have a 29 gallon reef tank and I am running 2 65watt bulbs. Looking at the link I am guessing you are running 48 watts total. seems a little low to me. I top my tank off in the am and at night with a kalk top-off mix w/ lights off. I would add the kalk w/ lights out and watch your ph levels. Also what is your calcium and what salt are you using? Don't use Instant Ocean because its calcium levels are at 350. Whats the Alk at?

AC2020x
10/09/2009, 04:28 PM
I was using instant ocean, what would you suggest? a reef salt mix i'm guessing? Do you have an online link of what lights your using? What can they support? I may be willing to upgrade. Currently my calc and alk levels are around 340 and 7dkh- I know not currently very good but i'm going to try to fix that before adding anything.

edvale
10/09/2009, 04:43 PM
I have been using Oceanic Salt Mix, been buying from lfs. Do a few water changes 5-10 gallons at a time for a few weeks. Doing the water changes will help bring you levels up. The water I get comes out at 500cal. I need to add a 1/2 to 1 teaspoon a week of baking soda to tank (mixing w/ ro 1st) to maintain 10dkh. I had a hard time keeping proper levels ph/alk/cal w/ the Instant Ocean. I have a custom hood that house the 2 50/50 corallife 65watt bulbs.
Also water flow!!