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If this is an existing
FW tank, you will need to tear it down and start from the begining.
FW and
SW is kind of like the "apples/oranges" comparison. You can certainly use your exsisitng equipment and substrate, but it will need to be cleaned before hand. You will need to get all new media for you Emperor 400.
Yes, one or two will add the needed current to your tank. Go with a couple Maxi-jet 900s.
do i need to cycle the tank with
LR? since it's already an est
FW tank.
As mentioned,it is not as easy as just adding
LR and salt. You will need to break down the tank, clean everything and set it back up again. Look at a 4-6week new cycle time prior to adding fish.
can any of you nice enough to tell me step by step how to convert?
there are some great articles on getting started in the "Articles" section at the top of the page. In a nutshell...take out and clean all equipment and let it dry. You will need to get new filter pads and biowheels for the for the Emperor. New
GAC as well if you are running that. If you plan to use your substrate, it will need to be rinsed very well. You can also just buy some new sand. For a first time set up you can add the sand to the bottom, add the premixed
SW to the tank and turn on the powerheads. the water will be pretty cloudy for a few days, that is normal. Add
LR a couple of days later. I suggest 1.5-2lbs per
gal of
LR for good biological filtration. You can also add a cocktail shrimp from the grocery store to the tank. This will jump-start your cycle. After that it is just a matter of waiting. Pick up some basic test kits (Ph,
NH3,
NO2,
NO3) and after a few days beigin testing your water daily. You will notice a spike and fall of
NH3, a spike and fall of
NO2 followed by a rise in
NO3. Once
NH3 and
NO2 are at zero (3-4 week) do a 50% water change using aged
SW. You can now add your first fish. One and only one for a few weeks to see how it goes. It is not hard, it just takes time and patence. Pick up a copy of "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner and do some reading while you wait. Good luck and keep stopping by AA.