55g tank setup?

[Conner]

Well, I was planning on my 125g tank being brackish, but I've had to change plans. I recently acquired a 55g tank for $35 and I am planning on making that a brackish tank sometime in the near future.

My current stock are a Figure 8 puffer and a "FW" moray eel. Would I be able to add a pair of archerfish to this tank, or will they get too large? What other options would I have? Maybe a "FW" lionfish?

I'm also trying to figure out what type of filtration would be best for the tank. It's not drilled, but I suppose I could fashion overflows and do a sump. However, I'm looking for a slightly easier option. What would be a good choice?

I'm planning on using play sand in the bottom, having a piece or two of driftwood, and either a couple rock piles or some type of cave for the eel.

What do you think?

 

[Finalfire9]

Drill it paint it does it have a stand?

 

[Conner]

It's tempered glass.

it's not painted. I may paint the back, but maybe not.

It doesn't have a stand, so I'll be building one (I've already built stands for 2 125g tanks with sumps, so a 55 stand will be a cakewalk).

 

[Conner]

What about mono's? Anything else that I could get?

Here's what I'm thinking so far, but it is definitely changeable:
Moray eel (currently have)
Figure 8 Puffer (currently have)
Lionfish (would like)
Archer (would like, but not if it gets too big)
M. argentus (would like)
M. sebae (would like)

any other suggestions?
Also, any suggestions as to filters?

 

[Dats.]

From all other sources i have used i have gotten the same reaction. No monos of any kind in anything lower than 80 gallons, which is a pain for me cause i have a sebae in a 45 gallon. Even if you read the sticky on brackish fish at the top of the forum it says that monos need at least 150 gallons. If you could get your hands on M. kottelati then you would be good since they stay small almost like a mini mono. But identifying them from M. argentus is very hard, and because of this when they are imported they are imported under the name M. argentus. Use the FAQ below to identify between M. kottelati and M. argentus.

The archer may work but its hard to say. There are different kinds of archers that get to different lengths. Try this site its helpful. http://homepage.mac.com/nmonks/Projects/brackishfaq.html

As far as the lionfish goes i have no idea at all because ive never heard of a "FW" lionfish. BTW are you talking about that fish that looks a bit like a stonefish and just sits on the bottom?

P.S. are links allowed?

 

[Conner]

Stonefish/lionfish its the same thing.

I've been reading about different brackish species online, but every site has different information on them . I was hoping someone with personal experience could help me out on some of these.