Billaney Posted April 11, 2006 Report Share Posted April 11, 2006 Hi I would just like to get a quick idea on what i'd need to do if i wanted to turn this AR980 210L freshwater tank into a salt water tank, thinking of just a few fish and corals nothing major but is it possable and what new equipment would i need ? I have 2 spare canister filters and the tank also has a built in filter. Sorry for the silly question but i know so little about marine tanks and was just dreaming. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trinity Posted April 11, 2006 Report Share Posted April 11, 2006 Hey Billaney I always thought a marine tank would only ever be a dream. Than I said to myself oneday, just do it! :bounce: :bounce: glad I did now. I have the 850, when it was fish only we used the existing filter that came in the hood plus we also used the Jebo 819 cannnister filter, plus we added a pump to create water movement in the tank. The fluoro lighting was changed from the stock standard that came with the tank. A few rocks and sand in bottom and thats it. I so desperately wanted an anemone for the clowns. So changes had to be made. The complete top that came with the tank (filter and lighting) was removed. We now have a hanging Aqua one MG 1000 mixture halide and fluoro (gave up waiting for my partner to make one) The jebo 819 cannister filter, pump for water movement. I dont used a skimmer or a sump, those will be used when the big tank gets under way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghostface Posted April 11, 2006 Report Share Posted April 11, 2006 initially, you could get away with: some rock a cheap-ish skimmer a couple of grunty powerheads for current any maybe use a canister for carbon - dont use them as you would on a freshwater tank, with all the filterwool bioballs etc. if i was starting again, i would avoid sand for the first few months, and have heaps more current in the tank, along with as good a skimmer as i could afford - try to get one second hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted April 12, 2006 Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 I htink it is time you got back to full time work billaney - too much time on your hands! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jude Posted April 12, 2006 Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 LOL Caryl, I was thinking the same thing - if he's well enough to dream about more tanks, he's well enough to work :lol: :lol: :lol: I was also a bit worried that it might be Adele's cichlid tank he's talking about :roll: :roll: Jude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misnoma Posted April 12, 2006 Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 Cichlid tanks make the best saltwater tanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petplanet Posted April 12, 2006 Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 I would sell the AR980. Lets assume you get $400 for it. That would get you a new 3ft tank with overflows ($150ish), a sump tank ($100) and a return pump (Pondmaster of some type). Then you just need a stand. The return pump would supply your initial flow in the tank. More than enough to establish the tank with rock and a few fish. You can then add lighting and a skimmer later as well as another pump or two for flow. If you use the AR980 and stick with marine, I guarentee you end up throwing the filter and lights away. Leaves you one expensive glass tank and a wheatbix stand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billaney Posted April 12, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 LOL Caryl, I was thinking the same thing - if he's well enough to dream about more tanks, he's well enough to work :lol: :lol: :lol: I was also a bit worried that it might be Adele's cichlid tank he's talking about :roll: :roll: Jude I'm back at work 3 1/2 days a week and as of the week after next i hope 5 1/2 days a week on light duties so i'm getting there but your right too much time on my hands makes me want to do something ....lol :roll: :roll: :roll: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachy Posted April 12, 2006 Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 I would sell the AR980. If you use the AR980 and stick with marine, I guarentee you end up throwing the filter and lights away. Leaves you one expensive glass tank and a wheatbix stand. I totaly agree, very nice tanks, i have AR620t. My lights and filter are out in the garage collecting dust. If i could start again i wouldnt buy an Ar tank, definately go for a tank with an overflow and sump. Then again, you already have the tank, so if you are keen then, Hob skimmer, loose the top filter. Live rock, a couple of good power heads. As for light i will leave that to the pros :lol: i will be getting a halide for my tank soon, at the mo i have two aquaone AL20D lights(easier access than the standard hood), but dont have any corals. Hope this helps, you wont be dissapointed either way, i put off going marine for years, and wish now i had done it earlier. Here is my tank so far My tank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted April 12, 2006 Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 My old marine tank is for sale, in the T&E section, is all ready to go, including some soft corals, just needs fish. Cheap easy way to get started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wasp Posted April 13, 2006 Report Share Posted April 13, 2006 Go for it Billaney! You'll love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.