I'm currently tryng to convert a tropical aqarium into a reef aqarium. The tanks holds 65litres of water. I bought a protein skimmer for it but i don't know was other fitrations i need. Could you kindly help. Also what substrate do i need to do ?

Thanks

Et

Hi. as filtration you could use the live rock because it is very good at filtering water. you wouldn't need any thing else, because the skimmer and the external filter or sump will do all the job. all you need is a wave maker (not expensive). it's just like a little fan in the water to create some current so that the fish can swim against ,  help the coral clean them selves and also it helps the fish and invertebrates to get rid of their wastes. as substrate nowadays they are suggesting more to go for the sand because it keeps less nitrates and nitrites in it. if you keep gravel it will keep nitrates and plenty food leftovers underneath and when the gravel is moved by fish or by you to clean , you will release a lot of nasty stuff in the water. Also i have a U.V  steriliser in line with the filter to kill parasites  but not really a must have item in my opinion but it  helps. Hope that I answered your questions and good luck with your new reef tank

If you have a canister filter at hand, you could use it too. I use a 1000l/h canister in a 60l tank to drive a chiller, and to house carbon and purigen. I do also use filter media to trap fine debris but rinse the media every 10 days.  But obviously you need to stock on live rock, that is your main filter. Your tank will stabilise after about 3 months. Your skimmer will need time to set in. Mine began to produce dark skimmate after 4 months, obviously due to the increase in bioload.

I did some research and its true that the amount of live rock needed is 1kg per 4liters of water?

Thanks

Et

I have 5Kg of rock in a 60l. 3kg live rock and 2kg dead rock which got seeded.

1Kg per 4L seems a little bit excessive to me I would not add 50Kg to a 200L tank. 1Kg every 8 to 10L is what I would consider a reasonable amount.

jigsaw:

I have 5Kg of rock in a 60l. 3kg live rock and 2kg dead rock which got seeded.

when you say dead rock  i don't think you could purchase it right?

I think you could purchase it, but I got mine from the countryside, you have to look around and see what's readily available scattered around. Mind you for my nano I needed only a few pieces. You have to find the porous gagazza type which is full of tiny holes, you'll need to boil it a few times..