tayl0124
03/25/2013, 01:10 AM
Previously I had a 29 gal tank with crushed coral base and about 30lbs of live rock. Started out with an el-cheapo skilter skimmer/filter, then upgraded to a aquaC Remora hob skimmer with the surface "pre-filter". I had semi success with that skimmer. No fancy lights, except a dual bulb setup to add an atinic bulb to the lighting system. I just had the live rock and a few fish in the tank, and an infestation of bristle worms ( reading here that they weren't as bad as I had suspected). After a while I also had a lot of hair algae. (probably from water quality, as I started to get lazy). Eventually I let everything die off and the tank water eventually evaporated, yes I turned off all the pumps and heaters. That was about 3 years ago. I am thinking about converting our freshwater 55 gal tank to salt water now. I however don't have big $$$ to spend all at once on lighting, new filters, and all the other things that are required for a fancy tank. My plan is to start with spending some money on a ro/di unit so I won't be so inclined to be lazy. Could the once live rock be used again?? I have ready about the possibility of adding this rock to the tank and some live rock and eventually it will become live again. I am hoping to use sand/live sand this time also instead of the crushed coral. So here is my plan. I will set up the tank(using ro/di water) with live sand and the "dead rock" let it cycle for a bit and introduce fish. Then when I can, add more live rock. Eventually my next step would be to get better lighting or create a sump system with a new skimmer( if necessary). Then maybe someday get some corals and such, however that will be quite a ways down the line. Does this seem logical or doable??
Another question is just about ro/di systems. If one only has a 55 gallon setup, is it necessary to have a 75gpd unit?? Would a lesser gpd unit be better?? I am thinking about getting a 30-40 gal holding tank for the water.
Thank you in advance. Hopefully my idea isn't complete crap. I could re-start my 29 instead, however I would need sand and live rock for that also.
Another question is just about ro/di systems. If one only has a 55 gallon setup, is it necessary to have a 75gpd unit?? Would a lesser gpd unit be better?? I am thinking about getting a 30-40 gal holding tank for the water.
Thank you in advance. Hopefully my idea isn't complete crap. I could re-start my 29 instead, however I would need sand and live rock for that also.