fowlr to reef

[biscuit]

What are the differences between a fowlr and a reef tank? Besides the lighting, what are the differences in water parameters to be concerned with, maintenance, additives, etc.
I see pics of reefs and think oh my, what a work of art. I have to have that. But, this 120g tank is my first tank period. I am waiting for something drastic to happen, b/c of all thethings I've heard about saltwater tanks. So far, so good. And anyway, I want a reef. But, I want to know a little more of what I may be getting myself into.

[Electrobes]

the thing about reef tanks (that I started (from freshwater to reef) about 3 months ago is that a world of change comes. water perameters are now the most important thing as opposed to lighting which comes at a close second. Such things like calcium, pH (udderly important), magnesium, nitrites and nitrates, iodine, etc all are important. Additive-wise is yet another mess alltogether because not only do you need to know exactly what you need, but then you have the problem of finding out that corals have preferences of their own in your water.. some like it more, others less... but they're the same coral... swear these things have personalities : P The great thing about your tnak is the size.. I have a 45.. so any change in water perameters and my corals world's shows it in a heart beat. I can be more specific.. just want to let you know the slight reality check of it. Lots of trying out, death, toying, expenses, brainstorming, figuring out.. etc!

[kali22]

i started a fowlr to reef transition a few months ago and think that it's probably a little easier than freshwater to reef. i suggest you go through and read a lot of the threads before sinking too much money on corals, etc. and i agree with electrobes on parameters, lighting, yada yada...