55g SW tank Journal

[MeggyPuff25]

Ok so I have a 55g tank FW with mbuna cichlids and considering selling the fish and changing it to a marine tank FOWLR. But I'm not sure, It has sand for substrate and nice slate caves and fake plants. I know I want something different in there because the fish that are there now are very boring lol. I was considering making the change to salt then I could move everything in my 10g nano to the 55g, in the 10g I have caramel clowns and a few small zoas. I just don't know, any ideas would be awsome

[JoseDepacos]

Almost any sharpnose puffer would be quite at home in a tank that size with plenty of room for a couple other fish. Any corals wont be safe. Some wont bother them but some will make a meal of em. I've had my valentini a couple weeks now and she nips at everything. They're adorable though and you wouldnt be disappointed.

[Brent]

I agree on the Canthigasters, however I disagree that no coral would be safe. Many leather corals are extremely quick growers so damage shouldn't be too hard to overcome, and they have a very bad taste as a deterrent to pick at them. I'd avoid Sarcophyton Elegans though if possible, as they do have a rather strong toxin within them that could perhaps pose problems when injured (or if you decide to propagate).

Another idea would be an invert only tank. I hardly ever see them (except as food)! You could even do a partially land partially water tank to accomodate, perhaps, fiddler crabs, sea roaches, etc. Perhaps even a non aquatic species if you have a large enough land mass provided. Terrestrial plants would be cool.

And lastly, you could do a macroalgae tank or incorporate them into your display somehow. This could offer countless opportunities for livestock such as scorpionfish and syngnathids.

Hope that helps you along in your decision,

Brent.

[MeggyPuff25]

Thanks for all the ideas so far and keep em coming

The only fish I know so far that will be in there are the 2 caramel clowns from my 10g nano. What will I be able to add to the possible 55g that will get along with those clowns??

[Brent]

I'm rubbish when it comes to specific species of things, usually, but as long as these clowns aren't overly aggressive (like maroon clownfish) you should be fine with everything except the syngnathids. You may be able to get some stronger/bolder species of pipefish. A dragonface would be cool!

If you go with a puffer though, introduce the clowns first. This should help it tolerate them better. I doubt clowns would be very enticing to the puffer anyway, so all should be well there.

[Pufferpunk]

My sharpies were totally safe with leathers & most any other softie.

[MeggyPuff25]

I've got a few ppl interested in buying my cichlids ) hopefully they all go. Quick question, once all the fish are gone and I take out the fake plants and slate I will siphon any waste and put clean water in can I mix the salt and add it or should I do it slowly?? Because for now I still have my nano set up and I was just thinking instead of going freshwater than to brackish then to salt to just go right to start and get the cycle going. Would that be ok?? Also would I be able to possibly use some of the slate once its a saltwater tank? Because there are some nice pieces that can be turned into caverns and base to support rock.

[Pufferpunk]

You will be starting from scratch here--all new bacteria, so go ahead & mix the salt to the desired SG, right in your tank. I'd add the sand 1st though.

[MeggyPuff25]

The tank already has sand, playground sand actually, so we're gonna keep that sand. Should I do a quick vaccum to get rid of some of the waste or just add the salt and get the cycle started??

[MeggyPuff25]

In my 55g I have a lot of slate, would i be able to use some of it once i turn it to salt water?? I would like to make some caverns and use some for a base support for the rocks??

[jdak]

I have heard that slate may contain metals which can leach. It isn't very porous which is where filter feeding life and other biological activity thrives. Also, it's kind of a land rock that isn't from the natural reef environment. Just my opinion...

[MeggyPuff25]

I read about that, but im just wondering since its been it the tank for 2 yrs with my cichlids that it would be ok to use it as a support base maybe and to build some caverns. I know its not poruse and thats ok for me I will be getting alot more tuffa and live rock shortly here.

[Pufferpunk]

I've never seen slate in a SW tank. How long has that sand been sitting? I'd remove it into a bucket & rinse well. Must've been heavy, moving that tank with wet sand inside!

[MeggyPuff25]

LOL This tank has been in my living room for 2 yrs, we have found a buyer and she'll be picking the rest up shortly here I will siphon the sand and rinse like you said PP

[MeggyPuff25]

Would it be possible to use the slate though, I have so much and I though I could make up a few caverns and then place the tuffa and live rock around and on top to hide the slate a bit and give some extra support, any thoughts?