Reef Question

[ssericz]

i want to convert my local cold (cool water 72 degree) over to a reef tank. The tank has been fully cycled and i was wondering if changing it over would i need to recycle? Also would i need to change out my LR? My current LR is more rock type stuff, nothing like tonga or any tropical reef stores carry. its like a marble or something.
Thanks for any tips

 

[barometer]

I think you'd be able to just slowly warm the tank to convert to a reef, though anything living that requires cold water might not acclimate. But if the rock is dense rock like marble it's not going to do much for you as a LR filter. LR needs to be porous.....the more surface area the better for beneficial nitrifying bacteria. That being said, I'd switch out the rock for real LR and recycle the tank. HTH

 

[ssericz]

i forgot to mention, the LR isnt really for the filtration, i have a full wet dry system that could support a much bigger tank, the rocks would be merely decoration. do you think that the wet/dry trickle would be fine or should i still upgrade to LR. I really cant afford the LR right now though. Reef on a budget...

 

[EyeReef]

if your planning to keep a reef with corals then I would drop the full wet dry and looking into a refugium, large skimmer, and live rocks.

 

[ssericz]

what kind of lighting do i need for a ref. and whats the min lighting for a FO tank