So I have been doing months of research on discus care. Partial because of a bad experience getting information in another forum and partially because I read its easier (from a maintenance perspective), I have been toying with the idea of doing a saltwater tank instead. I am a marine biologist, so I have a decent amount of understanding of the ocean (even though I have never owned a saltwater tank), but my job centers around marine mammals. Now I understand the ocean is not an aquarium (well....it kind of is a REALLY big and complex one LOL) and there will be several things I haven't got a clue about, so teach me just like any other newbie.
So I will be looking to acquire a large gallon tank around 125 gallons soon since I understand larger water volumes are more forgiving with rookies. I would slowly building up the equipment I need to successfully run the tank. I have thought about just buying an entire used setup, but I would rather have a clean slate without having to worry about if someone else's equipment works properly or if it might hold disease. I want to start off relatively easy with a fish only tank and work my way into corals and such down the road once I have enough experience to confidently run a fish only tank.
I know I will need 1 pound per gallon of live rock, 1 pound per gallon of live sand, a protein skimmer, filter(s) (can anyone recommend a good one for salt because I haven't the slightest what works best for saltwater?), heaters, a refractometer, powerhead(s)(?), and salt mix. So beyond what I already have listed, what else will I need to setup a fully functional saltwater tank? Also, please give any pointers you have on the type of equipment I should buy (either a best brand/model or a better design aspect).
Now how is the salt mix used? Clearly you add it to water before you add it to a tank, but do I need another tank to age/mix the water in or do I just mix it in a bucket until I get the right refractometer reading?
I also would love any pointers on stocking. So far I have picked some of my favorites and done a lot of research into compatibility. I have studied for 3-4 hours just to see if the three types I picked out are compatible. LOL The only things I have planned for stock are a flame angelfish and a school of Bangaii cardinals. I know the cardinals do best in numbers, but how many is enough to make them happy without picking on the weakest one all the time? I love tangs and definitely want one in my tank. My favorites are the blue hippo, the powder blue, the lieutenant, and the sailfin. However I know some of these get too big for a 125 gallon tank. Would any of the four I mentioned work and if not, can you make some recommendations for small tangs? I know yellow tangs are a common small tang, but I don't really want one. Yellow isn't my favorite color. LOL I also know the tang can't be too big or it may try to go after the cardinals. Beyond these three species, I don't have anything planned out. Is there a best cleanup crew? Any other recommendation on stock that will work with the three I have in mind is greatly appreciated.
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So I will be looking to acquire a large gallon tank around 125 gallons soon since I understand larger water volumes are more forgiving with rookies. I would slowly building up the equipment I need to successfully run the tank. I have thought about just buying an entire used setup, but I would rather have a clean slate without having to worry about if someone else's equipment works properly or if it might hold disease. I want to start off relatively easy with a fish only tank and work my way into corals and such down the road once I have enough experience to confidently run a fish only tank.
I know I will need 1 pound per gallon of live rock, 1 pound per gallon of live sand, a protein skimmer, filter(s) (can anyone recommend a good one for salt because I haven't the slightest what works best for saltwater?), heaters, a refractometer, powerhead(s)(?), and salt mix. So beyond what I already have listed, what else will I need to setup a fully functional saltwater tank? Also, please give any pointers you have on the type of equipment I should buy (either a best brand/model or a better design aspect).
Now how is the salt mix used? Clearly you add it to water before you add it to a tank, but do I need another tank to age/mix the water in or do I just mix it in a bucket until I get the right refractometer reading?
I also would love any pointers on stocking. So far I have picked some of my favorites and done a lot of research into compatibility. I have studied for 3-4 hours just to see if the three types I picked out are compatible. LOL The only things I have planned for stock are a flame angelfish and a school of Bangaii cardinals. I know the cardinals do best in numbers, but how many is enough to make them happy without picking on the weakest one all the time? I love tangs and definitely want one in my tank. My favorites are the blue hippo, the powder blue, the lieutenant, and the sailfin. However I know some of these get too big for a 125 gallon tank. Would any of the four I mentioned work and if not, can you make some recommendations for small tangs? I know yellow tangs are a common small tang, but I don't really want one. Yellow isn't my favorite color. LOL I also know the tang can't be too big or it may try to go after the cardinals. Beyond these three species, I don't have anything planned out. Is there a best cleanup crew? Any other recommendation on stock that will work with the three I have in mind is greatly appreciated.
Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app