Turning a 60g cube salt
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41041
Printed Date: July 18 2026 at 11:47pm
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Topic: Turning a 60g cube salt
Posted By: bstuver
Subject: Turning a 60g cube salt
Date Posted: May 17 2010 at 8:17pm
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So I have decided to turn my 60g cube tank to salt. Right now it is a freshwater discus tank so as soon as I can sell everything that is inside it I will be converting. So what I need to know is what will I need?? It has an overflow that I run a pond canister filter with UV on. Can I still use this filter just change all the media? I really would rather not run a sump unless I have to and I can only fit a small one under the stand as it is a square 24" tank. Lighting... not sure what direction to go on this, I would need fairly inexpensive but the tank is 24-30" deep. And I would like to be able to keep any coral I want. Would I need anything else equipment wise? I plan to follow the thread that you buy live sand, live rock and hopefully someone will be doing a water change in a large tank that I can get the water from:) |
Replies:
Posted By: Aquaristnewbie
Date Posted: May 17 2010 at 8:24pm
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Sounds like you are on the right track. I would say you would be fine with the canister just use floss and carbon in it. As far as lighting I would say keep your eye out for a 250 or 400w halide. maybe the t5 guys can point you in a better direction but thats what I would do on such a deep tank. You could keep anything under those. Good luck with the switchover. Just get sand and rock in ASAP to start cycling and you can worry about the rest while you wait for it to cycle. ------------- 150 gallon Reef Millcreek Utah |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: May 17 2010 at 8:31pm
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T5's would still be able to light your tank without any issues. LED's would also be a good solution on this tank size. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 17 2010 at 8:34pm
| What wattage T5 would I need? I love metal halides but they get so hot so I may check into the t5's |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: May 17 2010 at 8:39pm
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I would go with an 8 bulb fixture if it were my tank. That way you can get the exact color you want by playing with your bulb combo as well as having plenty of power to penetrate to the bottom of the tank. Depending on your budget an ATI Sunpower or a Sunlight Supply Tek lighting woul both work great; especially if you use ATI bulbs. Reefgeek.com is a great place to buy either fixture. You can buy them in a package deal that will let you pick your own brand and spectrum of bulbs included in the price. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: badfinger
Date Posted: May 17 2010 at 8:41pm
| 6x24 of a good brand ( ati, let, tek) would be plenty for T5. You would be able to grow whatever you want under them too.. I have a 60 cube set up myself if you ever wanna stop by and see it feel more then free |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 17 2010 at 8:45pm
| Ok is there any DIY routes to go? It has a hood so I would not see the lighting. |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 17 2010 at 8:46pm
| The other problem is that the hood will only accomidate something that is less than 24" :( |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: May 17 2010 at 8:46pm
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They do make a Tek retrofit kit to install it on your hood. Just make sure that if you don't buy a kit that you buy a high quality reflector. Reflectors really are the key to T5 lighting. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 17 2010 at 8:48pm
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Has anybody ever used these: http://www.fishneedit.com/new-light.html I had a metal halide from them that I loved. |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 17 2010 at 10:37pm
| When it comes to LED what do I need to look for? |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: May 18 2010 at 12:19am
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If you want to go the LED route you need a heat sink, cooling fan, high intensity LED's wire, a power supply and driver, soldering iron and solder, and optics. Chad just finished building his own fixture and I'm sure he would be happy to answer all of your questions. If you don't want to go the DIY route you could get a couple EcoRay 60 fixtures. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 18 2010 at 1:29am
| Capn I can't PM you any more your message box is full:) |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: May 18 2010 at 1:43am
Cleaned out the inbox we're all good  ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 18 2010 at 2:41am
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OK so other than lighting do I need anything else? Skimmer? Also how many times does my pump need to overturn the water/ |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: May 18 2010 at 3:26am
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It depends on what types of corals you want to keep. Softies require the least flow, while LPS, and SPS require substantially more. For an SPS tank you need LOTS of flow. My 180 gallon currently tuns at just over 34x turnover all pumps included. But the key is you're not moving all your flow through your sump and return. You need to supplement that with powerheads like koralias, maxi-jets, vortechs, etc. to create the turbulence needed on a reef. So really we need to know what kinds of corals you want to keep before we can tell you how much flow you need. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 18 2010 at 11:24am
| I like softies and LPS the best, so give me what I would need for them and then what I would need for SPS to be added. |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 19 2010 at 12:49pm
| Anybody?? |
Posted By: Ahanix
Date Posted: May 19 2010 at 12:55pm
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Honestly, its personal preference for the skimmer, some people absolutely love them. Regardless of the fact, you wont need one for at least a month or two after your tank is set up. Since you have a canister filter instead of a sump, I would probably get a HOB Skimmer after your tank is cycled, up to you though... Flow is really personal preference, LPS and Softies don't require a ton of flow. You will need to do some research, but you could probably get away with two Koralia 3's along with your canister filter. (this would give you around 25x turnover)
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Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 19 2010 at 2:51pm
| K thanks that's what I needed to know:) |
Posted By: Luckedout
Date Posted: May 19 2010 at 4:09pm
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Skimmer isn't necessary for a softie LPS tank. They like the water a bit dirtier. If you wanted high end SPS, then I would consider a skimmer. Lighting. I would really start out with some T5's. Just a couple bulbs, nothing big, No more than 4 for sure depending on wattage. This would be ideal for what you want to do, can be cheaper than MH set-ups depending on brand and quality. Plus you can easily upgrade it if you decide to go the SPS route down the road. LED's are awesome but still pricey. Flow. More the better. Even with softies and LPS you really are hard pressed to have too much flow. You can always create better flow with more powerheads, so start out with a couple of koralia's and if it seems too little, you can upgrade down the road. Do you have pics of your tank you are converting?? ------------- -Ben 90g Mixed reef www.body-balancechiropractic.com |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 19 2010 at 4:38pm
Sure here is a pic however it still has all the fish in it right now:) |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: May 19 2010 at 5:37pm
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If you are going to go t-5 don't buy a fixture just to get by! Remember the quality of the reflectors and bulbs is very important no matter what you want to keep. ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 19 2010 at 6:01pm
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I think I am going to go with a metal halide as I like the lighting better from them. Will a 250 watt be enough? I really hate to try and have a 400 watt and keep the tank at the right temp. |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: May 19 2010 at 6:57pm
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again the question is what you want to keep. 400w for sps and 250 watt for lps ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 19 2010 at 8:00pm
| Yea I think I will stick with LPS and softies. Maybe later down the road I can change out the lighting so that I can keep SPS but honestly they aren't my favorite anyhow. |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: May 19 2010 at 8:24pm
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lol that's what I said! ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: May 19 2010 at 8:44pm
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If you can find a T5 setup you like you can buy that, and then never have to upgrade when you catch the SPS bug. LPS will also appreciate a skimmer, and will grow faster in the absence of excess nutrients. So plan on adding one after your first couple months. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 12:09am
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K so I am buying a 46g bowfront set up tomorrow night and plan to just transfer it all to my 60g cube. I will transport all the livestock, sand, rock and what not in buckets and I have a 55g drum barrel I plan to take to put all the water in. However it will obviously need more water as my tank is 60g. Will I be ok adding that extra 15-20g of RO water or will I have a problem. I guess it would be just like a larger water change right? The tank comes with a metal halide so I am going to use that until I find what T5 I can do. I will have a 46g bowfront tank and stand for sale soon as well:) |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 12:27am
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You won't be able to just add 25-30 gallons of RO. You'll need to mix up more saltwater of the same sg as the water they are coming with. Otherwise you'll drop your salinity, pH, alk, calcium, mg, and pretty much everything else by diluting it with massive amounts of RO. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: Ahanix
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 12:34am
| just go to aquatica and buy 20 gallons of salt water, its like .39 cents a gallon... speaking of that, I wish I could fill up my car with salt water :( |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 12:40am
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Sorry yes I meant I will mix up the RO with salt. So as long as I have the salt mixed to the same as the water I am good right? |
Posted By: Ahanix
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 12:42am
| yeah, just make sure its 1.025 and you will be golden, unless for some reason theirs is way off from that, just test it first to make sure, oh... make sure its close to 78 degrees too if you can do it easily |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 1:16am
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Really you should just make sure it's above 72 degrees. I keep my tanks at 75. It's generally smarter to keep your tank cooler than 78 so that in case of an accident or stuck heater you have more time to notice/fix it before you reach the danger soon of 82+ ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 1:49pm
| Cool thank you:) |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 2:34pm
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K so another question, once everything is stable and down the road what fish would be good for this tank. I think I will probably transfer everything that is in my 29g biocube so I will have: 2 peppermint shrimp 2 clownfish 1 firefish 1 Cryptocentrus leptocephalus (shrimp goby) I think the tank I am picking up has another shrimp but other than that no other fish. What fish would go well with what I currently have? |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 4:43pm
| Oh also how can I get the anemones moved to the new tank? Right now they are on the back wall of the tank. |
Posted By: Ahanix
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 4:44pm
| is the back wall of your tank glass? if not you will have to just move them on the rocks that they are on. |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 4:50pm
| No and they aren't on any rocks, they climbed to the top corner of the tank when I was on vacation. There is a thread in the coral section titled anemone help saying what happened. Anyway the one split into 3 yesterday as well and all the pieces are now on the back wall of my biocube. |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 6:26pm
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Ice cube will probably work. ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 6:30pm
I wondered about that I thought I had read that somewhere. Thanks |
bugzme wrote:Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: May 20 2010 at 6:38pm
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Just rub it next to the foot ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 22 2010 at 3:00pm
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Ok so I got the 46g and transferred everything into my cleaned out 60g cube. It was a long night especially since we didn't leave Provo until 6:30pm and had to go to Clearfield to get the tank. Not to mention the fact that we had to disassemble the entire thing by ourselves and it was upstairs! What a pain. Anyway the 60g is looking great I now need to transfer all my stuff from my 29g biocube as I have decided just to go with the one tank. Any suggestions on other fish I can add along with the ones that are already in my biocube? |
Posted By: Ahanix
Date Posted: May 22 2010 at 3:07pm
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I would probably wait about a week before you pick up some more fish, just to make sure your tank doesnt try to cycle again (die off from rocks.etc). You could probably handle a small tang, blue spot jawfish, midas blenny just to name a few |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 22 2010 at 4:01pm
| Yea I didn't plan to add any yet just wanted to get an idea of what I can:) |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: May 22 2010 at 7:56pm
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Lets see a picture. ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: May 23 2010 at 6:23pm
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Just make sure to have a good tight fitting lid. Bluespot's are jumpers big time. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: May 23 2010 at 7:26pm
Here are some pics, the light is a bit too blue/purple colored but I plan to add another halide in the 150 watt range with a 10k maybe:       |