Nemesis84

Brian, Do you have any recommendations on starter corals? Zoas and hammer/anchor seem nice although maybe my final selection of lights, among other things, makes a difference. How/what do you feed them? Thanks, Frank

Thanks for all the great info. The tank is drilled on the back right side with an overflow. However, I expect with the upgraded return pump the overflow might be too loud (I took out the filter long ago claiming it as a nitrate trap). Since I have to empty the tank anyway when I insert the new sump, I think I may have to replace the overflow with a wider one (more room for the Durso) and look into a Durso. Two more questions: 1. Where can I find an overflow to glue into the tank? 2. I have not been using RO/DI water. Once I get the RO/DI set up, should I continue to run it as fish only for awhile to leach out the metals? 3. Ok, three questions - I have no idea how to set up the RO/DI filter. The tank is not near a water source. I wanted to set up something near the deep sink that could fill a 5 gal bucket for water changes. Not sure how to start this. Once again, thank you for all of the info. Frank

Hello all! I have had a 45 gal fish-only tank for about 12 years. I am in the process of planning the conversion to a reef tank. I would like to start simple with corals to ensure slow success. I am planning to start the conversion with a custom sump (in order to maximize the size inside the stand, the base of the sump can't be larger than 11"x30") that will include a refugium and protein skimmer (I have a CPR protein skimmer I will use). I have also identified a T5 kit with 4 bulbs I can refit on the hood and I have a RO/DI system still new in the box. Looking for some guidance on a couple of things: 1. I am considering a Mag 5 for my return pump. Thoughts? 2. What 4 T5 bulbs should I select? 3. Haven't thought too much about calcium yet - what should I be considering? 4. Any recommendations on how to monitor critical parameters? Thank you for any help. Frank