Converting 210 from Freshwater to FO Saltwater

[Kenny]

Hello everyone. I've been away from saltwater for about 10 years now. I have a 210 with cichlids that I am considering converting to salt water for a fish-only tank, but I'd like to get some expert opinions before jumping into it.

My main question is around filtration. Right now, I have a CPR CR2000 wet/dry, an FX6, and everything runs into a Trigger Systems Crystal sump and is controlled by a Neptune Apex system. It's a bit overkill for a freshwater tank, but I knew I'd eventually get back into saltwater so I bought some of my components with that in mind. I've attached a picture to give you a better idea of what my setup looks like.

So my question to you guys is what would you do different or change to make this a nice fish-only tank.

- Would you ditch the wet/dry and use live rock instead? I was thinking of using the BRS Reef Saver Dry Aquarium Rock for starters.

- Would you ditch the FX6? I've read that canisters and saltwater don't mix well and would require a lot of regular maintenance.

- Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Kendall

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag63/kendallkann/image1%201_zpsokjawouh.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/kendallkann/media/image1%201_zpsokjawouh.jpg.html)

[3dees]

I converted my 120 gal. wild discus tank to sw almost two years ago. sold the two canisters. 150 lbs. of live rock, a hob skimmer, and powerheads got me started.

[NTP66]

Personally, I'd ditch your current filtration and go with BRS dry rock (I personally used a combination of Reef Saver and Pukani and can't say enough good things about them) and a good skimmer. Live rock is going to do most of the work for you. In terms of other equipment, do the opposite of what I did and buy the better/pricier equipment first (instead of going the cheaper route only to upgrade later on) :)

[jjk_reef00]

Agree, good skimmer and live rock.
Make sure you QT all new fish.

[Kenny]

Thanks for the responses everyone. What's the rule of thumb for pounds per gallon of live rock? I'm pretty sure I'll be buying the BRS dry rock. Any suggestions on skimmers? Was thinking of the Reef Octopus 10" Regal 250INT Internal Protein Skimmer from BRS.

[jjk_reef00]

For rock I would decorate the display, I have never followed any rule of thumb and I have never had a problem. I have a medium stocked tank and I prefer to use filter socks and have a fairly high turn over rate in my sump so things get pushed into the overflow and removed with the socks. For that reason I keep my sump fairly empty (low amounts of rock) so detritus doesn't build up down there.

Reef Octopus is a good bang for your buck.
Also look at Vertex Alpha, anyone I know who has one loves it.
I'm sure there are more good ones and I am not up to date on the latest. Look in the equipment forum and research before you buy.

[azjohnny]

Your canister filter would work if you could take it apart and clean it every other day, filter socks are much easier to deal with. I have 6 that I rotate and wash them in the washing machine with a little bleach when I am using the last one.

I have used various skimmers and I like the venturi skimmers with them you can use any pump which meets their minimum flow requirements. They are an older technology but I have found them to be rock solid and almost maintenance free

My 2 favorite skimmers are Life Reef and MTC MVX

Life Reef
http://www.lifereef.com/venturi.html

MTC
http://www.marinetechnical.com/page19.html

[Kenny]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I have a LifeReef VS3-30 skimmer on order. 200 pounds of dry reef rock from BRS was delivered yesterday. The fiji pink sand and Instant Ocean will be delivered tomorrow.

I'm going to remove the FX6 and the wet/dry and use only the trigger sump and the skimmer.

Any suggestions on cycling this tank since I'm starting with dry rock?

Thanks again!
Kendall

[NTP66]

Any suggestions on cycling this tank since I'm starting with dry rock?

Not everyone will agree, but I've used both Dr. Tim's One & Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria and IO Bio-Spira with success in my display tank and QT, and wouldn't hesitate to go that route again. Otherwise, you could rely on simply adding some flakes/pellets every so often and just playing the waiting game.