Need Advice Converting

I am now looking at starting a saltwater FOWLR using my existing tank. I started a Nano tank (FOWLR) at work and it is going great but as you know a Nano tanks are different than a larger as far as setup. I can actually get away with using a HOB protein skimmer and bio filter.

Now I know that these two (Freshwater/Saltwater) are completely different setups but I want to get advice on something’s before I start. My existing freshwater will be broken down cleaned and prep before I start.

I don't have a reef ready tank so I will be using an overflow box. I will be using the C- Siphon overflows by CPR Aquatic model CS-100 which will give me an 800 GPH flow rate with their Cyclone Bio Filter which has a protein skimmer and is rated for a 200 gallon tank and I will be also installing an additional sump for added volume.

Thus far I am good with this equipment unless anyone has had prior bad experience using them. My questions begin with my existing equipment. I am currently running 2 Fluval 305, 1 Fluval 306 and 1 Fluval 405. I know 4 filters. As you can imagine I had a pretty big bio load. Each one of these filters has either an inline UV Sterilizer or inline heater.

I would like to know if I can use these filters. (maybe not all of them) I would like to run them empty without any filter media so that I can benefit from the additional equipment (uv & heater). Basically my thought is that they would be used to overturn water and flow (current) in the FOWLR.

Can I do this without creating a nitrate or nitrite nightmare? I have read on posts regarding the use of these filters and they all say they can be a factory for these no no's in a saltwater.

Also has anyone used the Mag 12 pump? How noisy is it? Is it best used in sump or as an external? I know this pump is rated for 1200 gph but I am running at least 5 for head of pressure which with this particular model according to the manufacturer would be fine at 800 GPH (which would match my overflow). I also spoke to CPR Aquatics regarding these prepackaged deals found on line for their equipment and their return pump packaged with the system fall short.

How can set this equipment (sump) so that I can shut it down without worrying that my tank will empty out? Can check valve be installed? Any additional tips you can give for plumbing in this equipment would be appreciated.

Thanks. I look forward to hearing for everyone.

 

That's a lot of questions for a guy from..............where were you from again?

J/K

In short, I'd ditch the cannisters all together, and make a DIY sump out or a sturdy rubbermaid tub, the largest you cna use to fit your needs.

I'm sure others, with more experience than me will chime in.

PS- I thought I was going to go with FWLR, and I now have 20 different kinds of coral including sps, lps, softs, and zoas. It's been up and running nearly 9 months now.

Enjoy!

 

I use a canister for GFO, and some bio filtration,,,,,seems to work for my tank IME. no sump here.

 

I personally dont have the room for a sump so i use a bak pak protein skimmer a fluval 305 canister and a magnum back pack filter with over a 125lbs (55 gallon) I know its not ideal but over all my tank does pretty good as long as u keep ur filters clean. I also started out FOWLR but went reef weeks into it LOL I keep carbon only in my filters along with the pads. I used a uv when i got a fish with a diease but my reef didnt like it at all. I had problems for a lil bit because of it but that was just my experience.

 

Todd I'm from Miami.

 

How big is your tank?

 

I would like to know if I can use these filters. (maybe not all of them) I would like to run them empty without any filter media so that I can benefit from the additional equipment (uv & heater). Basically my thought is that they would be used to overturn water and flow (current) in the FOWLR.

Yes, but I would run 1 with Carbon 1 with bio pellets

Can I do this without creating a nitrate or nitrite nightmare? I have read on posts regarding the use of these filters and they all say they can be a factory for these no no's in a saltwater.

Yes, but it is always a risk

Also has anyone used the Mag 12 pump? How noisy is it? Is it best used in sump or as an external? I know this pump is rated for 1200 gph but I am running at least 5 for head of pressure which with this particular model according to the manufacturer would be fine at 800 GPH (which would match my overflow). I also spoke to CPR Aquatics regarding these prepackaged deals found on line for their equipment and their return pump packaged with the system fall short.

I have one I use from my sump. It is not to bad and works both wet and dry. I would get a pump rated UNDER your overflow. The overflow will only work as fast as your pump puts water back into the tank. You really want to have around 10x turn over in your sump. So unless its huge, get a mag 8

How can set this equipment (sump) so that I can shut it down without worrying that my tank will empty out? Can check valve be installed? Any additional tips you can give for plumbing in this equipment would be appreciated.

Check valves, ball valve, syphon breaks and many more. I like to keep the return line high in my tank so it only siphons 2 gallons max. Many other options though

Tips for plumbling;

1. Run it with fresh water to make sure it holds water!

2. silicon can seem like an easy fix but it can absorb into the water and cause an algae bloom

3. measure everything before cutting- I have made this mistake!

4. find a way to T your drain and have half go to a refuge and half to the sump with equipment. I really like having my fuge NOT drain into my skimmer (kills pods)

5. Breath deep when things don;t work and jump on here

6. Gravity is your friend, or enemy. Only your setup will decide!

Good luck. I converted from an african cichlid setup and haven;t looked back

 

Great! Like my comment said- the J/K = Just Kidding

Imagine a budget, keep using advice you get here, and things should go fine.

I too started with a HOB aquaflow and a HOB protein skimmer, and a cannister filter. I now see these same Aquaflow HOB's used as a HOB fuge. MInes in my garage.

I slowly advanced and one by one got rid of them. My cannister filter was the last to go. I eventually was just using it to power my UV filter, with only Carbon in it. That was OK, but I decided with a maxi jet I can run my UV, and a mesh bag hold my carbon in the direct flow from my now in sump PS- to the Chaeto basket portion- to the return pump. this gave me losts more space under my stand again, and one less thing to clean out, etc.

I realize you can do well using various types of filters, pumps, sumps, etc. Advantages and disadvantages to all. That's why for me I've now graduated to my current set up. My sump adds at least 25-30g water volume to my system.

It can be seen at the end of my very short DT vid in my signature, if you care to look.

Cheers

PS- I have lived in Cocoa Beach, Boynton Beach, and Winter Haven in the past. Good times

 

I converted from a cichlid tank also... and glad i did!! I was reluctant to get rid of my Rena canister and used one for carbon for a while. I would recommend drilling your tank while you have it down and save yourself the hassle of an overflow box. Drilling is VERY easy, makes for a clean look and costs next to nothing. Make yourself a sump/fuge from the start, as big as you can fit and it will serve you well into the future. Getting the set up correct now will save headaches in the future!! Good luck and post pics when your done!

 

Make sure that your glass is not tempered, tempered glass cannot be drilled.