Need Help With Reef

[emperior911]

Here is the question, i have a 210 fowlr thats been running for 1 year plus. i have a all glass sump 4 with a huge euro reef skimmer. also a 28 gallon bowfront connected to the system with it's own overflow box and return pump. i'd like to make the 28 gallon tank as a reef. would it be better to not run the two tanks together? or would the more water volume be better.

the only downfall i see with it hooked up to the 210 is that i'd have to add alot more trace elements to the tank.

[Blown 346]

The only probelm I see is maybe a nitrate problem if there is differnt substrate used, or if the FOWLR has bio balls.

If none of those apply I wouldnt see why it will be a problem.

[Fishcounter]

What are you using the 28 gallon for right now? The only thing that I can think of that might make turning the 28 into a reef is the high bio load that your fish are producing. The high bio load might have a nasty affect on the coral. However, you have such a large tank right now that that might not be a problem. Do your water parameters fluctuate a lot right now?

[steve the plumb]

More volume is better but you would be dosing trace for a larger tank.More volume also means more stability plus larger room for error.If your paramaters are fine and your water is clean you could maintain the tank.I have many fish in my reef tank and so far water quality is good.Would you rather have the system as a seperate one.It would be less costly on trace elements.Plus if something goes wrong and a coral dies you won't have to second guess yourself.

[emperior911]

blown, the sump does have bio-balls. fishcounter, the 28 gallon is filled with live rock and a pair of clowns right now. I have a float switch hooked up to the tank so the salinity never fluctuates. haven't really tested my nitrates. temp level is always at 78-80

[LOTUS50GOD]

This will depend on your nitrate level in the big tank. Reefs like little (under .20) nitrates... Even at .20.. that is truely pushing it IMO. With a 12" Queen Angel, 8" Emperor Angel, 12" Blonde Naso male, 7" inch puple tang, & 7" stars and stripes puffer that is going to be one heck of a bioload on your little reef. Start testing your nitrates... If you come back under .20 go ahead and do it... But with bioballs and those big fish I would bet you are north of .50.....

Good luck.