20 gallon questions

[Andy6]

i've been hoping to make my tank SW for months now and i still haev some questions. First of all, do i need a protein skimmer and a UV sterilizer? I know that LR is just about all the filtration i need, and i heard that you don't need bio-wheels yet other people say \that you should have one. I have a penguin so should i take out the bio-wheel? I decided that i am going to leave my HOB filters on since it cant hurt.
also, since the tank that ill be turning into SW is already cycled, would i need to cycle it again with new water, or just keep the water a add the salt, LR and LS?
i might be able to get LR from my brothers tank but im not sure yet. i hope so cuz i don't want to wait until i can afford it.

thanks in advance!

[steve1s]

One question back at you first... Is this an already running freshwater tank?

If so I would tear it down, clean everything and start new using the equipment suggested. The penguin with the bio-wheel attached will do just fine, I wouldn't alter it. The use of a skimmer is a good idea, but not 100% escential in all cases. You just need to be very careful of bio load and possible chemical interaction of corals. In most cases running a high grade carbon will help with the chem part.

A UV can also be a benificial piece of equipment but I personaly have never found a need for them. It is a choice you will need to determine based on what is going to go in the tank.

Make sure you do not use the substrate if from a freshwater set up, chuck it. The gravel will be of no use in a SW tank. Getting LR from someone will be a great idea, but I would also suggest a cup of his sand as well. You will need to cycle the tank.

If I've misunderstood and your tank is already a SW tank let us know...

http://members.shaw.ca/steve-s/welcome.gif To ReefLounge.com

Cheers
Steve

[Andy6]

it is an already running FW tank. i might get a protein skimmer like a year after my tank is up and running. im on a tight budget. it is really gonna be a reef tank right of teh bat. maybe in hte future when i can afford some new lights. as of now i dont have any powerheads.

[RazerCorals]

Hey where in wisconsin do you live? I'm frequently in Hayward at my cabin, but I live in Anoka, MN. I also have a 20 gallon and maybe I could help you along the way.

Are we talking about a 20L or a 20H here?

I would go with a refugium over a skimmer and bio-filter.

[Andy6]

im way down near milwaukee so it would be to long of a drive anyways even if i didnt have to parentals.hehe