Converting Rena Aqualife 100 From Tropical To Marine

[Kate09]

Dear all

Does anyone have any knowledge of my current tank, a Rena Aqualife 100? I am running a tropical tank presently but I wish to convert to a reef marine set up. However, I'm not sure whether the present filtration and lighting system can support my endeavours - any suggestions you may have will be most welcome

Thanks for reading.

 

[BigDysonPleco]

I am currently converting the same tank, if is the same age as mine it has large alum rim on inside top and 2 cuts in back lip for light cables etc with little space for skimmer etc the tank top from outside is woodgrain mines beech with alum strips looks a little like an Aquaone tank and needs a little thought to convert although possable.
Do you want to keep corals or fish only?
Has the tank two large alum bars that support the lights at moment which only allows t8 lights of which there are 4?
If so I will post what I am doing and equipment am using.

 

[Kate09]

I am currently converting the same tank, if is the same age as mine it has large alum rim on inside top and 2 cuts in back lip for light cables etc with little space for skimmer etc the tank top from outside is woodgrain mines beech with alum strips looks a little like an Aquaone tank and needs a little thought to convert although possable.
Do you want to keep corals or fish only?
Has the tank two large alum bars that support the lights at moment which only allows t8 lights of which there are 4?
If so I will post what I am doing and equipment am using.

Thank you for your reply. Yes, sounds like we have exactly the same tank.

Please do let me know what equipment you will be using! I cant wait to get started

Sorry, I forgot to add, I would like some corals and some fish

 

[seffieuk]

Kate, look forward to watching your progress

Seffie x

 

[BigDysonPleco]

For lighting Ive removed the t8 light and supports they just unclip and as I want to keep the tank lids (Dont fancy overtank luminaire) have opted for 3 Arcadia twin light controller Ace254 54w for 1200mm T5 tubes of which I will use 2blue and 4white on timers so blue on first then white and blue together then blue to complete the natural light cycle. These are 49.99 each controller on net and have to be mounted on aluminium home made frame(B&Q warehouse sell 10mm square(no bigger there is no room) u sections which need cutting to size and joining using plastic bolts from lfs(no self tapping screws inverts dont like metals)fastened to back tank lip with alum hinges so all lifts up for easy access.This is the cheapest way to get required lighting that can be modified to space in lid.Ps the hinges must be fastened in open mode or will not lift up fully.
For flow need min 4000l so any powerheads to suffice am using 4 Koralia myself the new type as using liverock in tank as filter.
I am keeping on one external filter with just white first filter media and Rowaplus to reduce phosphate.
If using skimmer there is no room without cutting tanklids and as I dont want to drill tank or have tank sticking out into room(was going to have compact skimmer on side Tmc V2 500 not just because of price but the distance needed to get over aluminium tank rim you will see the problem)am now using homemade overflow system into a sump in cabinet where can use any skimmer and heater out of site.
You have no space for overflow boxes as cuts in back of tank too short and to safeguard aqainst overflow in sump and also sump back into tank have used DIY system off net made with plastic overflow pipe 22mm and plastic ballvalve in sump with water pump to return water to tank I would recommend read off net about sumps and fully understand how it works(have used plastic water tank type sold for water in lofts as sump) eeerrr thats about it, its my first go at DIY on larger tank 464l will post pics of build any advice,suggestions welcome for me too plan to keep reeftank, moving me salty mates into their new home soon.
WOW WHAT A BIG POST!!!!!! Hope this helps

 

[Kate09]

For lighting Ive removed the t8 light and supports they just unclip and as I want to keep the tank lids (Dont fancy overtank luminaire) have opted for 3 Arcadia twin light controller Ace254 54w for 1200mm T5 tubes of which I will use 2blue and 4white on timers so blue on first then white and blue together then blue to complete the natural light cycle. These are 49.99 each controller on net and have to be mounted on aluminium home made frame(B&Q warehouse sell 10mm square(no bigger there is no room) u sections which need cutting to size and joining using plastic bolts from lfs(no self tapping screws inverts dont like metals)fastened to back tank lip with alum hinges so all lifts up for easy access.This is the cheapest way to get required lighting that can be modified to space in lid.Ps the hinges must be fastened in open mode or will not lift up fully.
For flow need min 4000l so any powerheads to suffice am using 4 Koralia myself the new type as using liverock in tank as filter.
I am keeping on one external filter with just white first filter media and Rowaplus to reduce phosphate.
If using skimmer there is no room without cutting tanklids and as I dont want to drill tank or have tank sticking out into room(was going to have compact skimmer on side Tmc V2 500 not just because of price but the distance needed to get over aluminium tank rim you will see the problem)am now using homemade overflow system into a sump in cabinet where can use any skimmer and heater out of site.
You have no space for overflow boxes as cuts in back of tank too short and to safeguard aqainst overflow in sump and also sump back into tank have used DIY system off net made with plastic overflow pipe 22mm and plastic ballvalve in sump with water pump to return water to tank I would recommend read off net about sumps and fully understand how it works(have used plastic water tank type sold for water in lofts as sump) eeerrr thats about it, its my first go at DIY on larger tank 464l will post pics of build any advice,suggestions welcome for me too plan to keep reeftank, moving me salty mates into their new home soon.
WOW WHAT A BIG POST!!!!!! Hope this helps

Thank you very much for your comprehensive and detailed response. In particular, thank you for advising of the required lighting - I didnt know what to buy! A bit of effort, cost and planning and we'll both soon be in the world of marine!