O.k this is what I have decided, to keep my 300 gal freshwater but change my 125 gal into a salt tank. First I plan on buying some cured live rock about 90lbs -100Lbs then this is where I'm confused, I don't have the space for a sump,just canisters (fx5's), however I do have space for a skimmer and a hang on Uv sterilizer. Would this be sufficient for a grouper set-up(miniatus). What I'am I missing in this set-up to make it work?
How much Live rock?
- Thread starter caribemob
- Start date
caribemob;4727250; said:
125 is good for a Miniatus set up. They max out at 14-15". Make sure to run some powerheads in there for flow around your rocks for biological filtration purposes. As I said before you could always put some live rock in your AC110's but groupers do like hanging out around the rocks and you have plenty of space given the groupers adult size. Make sure to keep those canisters clean, they trap nitrates and are famous for it. Make sure you get an appropriately sized skimmer and you should be good to go.
Your grouper will want caves more than swimming space, and the more caves he has, the more you will see him. I know that sounds wierd, but its true. Maybe it is security.
The old rules about 1 lb/gal are becoming less valid. The amount you need depends wildly upon the quality and porosity of the rock. You could have 150 lbs of farmed florida rock and it would do you less good that 60 lbs of premium figi, or even haitan rock.
Also, base rock, unless exceedingly porous, will never take on the denitrifying aspects of good live rock. Also be careful when buying base rock that you get calcium carbonate. You do not want lava.
I have never used or needed a UV setup, so I can't advise you there, but a skimmer in a tank like that is a must and a big one at that.
As JWorth said, clean those canisters often. I would use seachem's matrix in there, in time it functions just like live rock, can be rinsed, and isn't de-nuding a reef somewhere. Try it, I swear by it. It is one of the few filtration media I have used that will actually remove ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
good luck.
The old rules about 1 lb/gal are becoming less valid. The amount you need depends wildly upon the quality and porosity of the rock. You could have 150 lbs of farmed florida rock and it would do you less good that 60 lbs of premium figi, or even haitan rock.
Also, base rock, unless exceedingly porous, will never take on the denitrifying aspects of good live rock. Also be careful when buying base rock that you get calcium carbonate. You do not want lava.
I have never used or needed a UV setup, so I can't advise you there, but a skimmer in a tank like that is a must and a big one at that.
As JWorth said, clean those canisters often. I would use seachem's matrix in there, in time it functions just like live rock, can be rinsed, and isn't de-nuding a reef somewhere. Try it, I swear by it. It is one of the few filtration media I have used that will actually remove ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
good luck.
Good post by jworth.
Canisters will need to be cleaned at least once a month with SW tanks.
That being said, I have never used UV, but it cant really hurt you in a FOWLR tank.
Skimmer will be big on this tank, and bigger is better.
Last piece of advice, you will never see that grouper if you dont make nice, open rock work. So try and get some acrylic rods or zip tie the rocks so that he has plenty of caves, but also so that they are big and spacey so you can appreciate your fish other than when you are feeding him.
Canisters will need to be cleaned at least once a month with SW tanks.
That being said, I have never used UV, but it cant really hurt you in a FOWLR tank.
Skimmer will be big on this tank, and bigger is better.
Last piece of advice, you will never see that grouper if you dont make nice, open rock work. So try and get some acrylic rods or zip tie the rocks so that he has plenty of caves, but also so that they are big and spacey so you can appreciate your fish other than when you are feeding him.
thisissimple;4727434; said:
+1 with all the rock advice, but I dont really know about the cave advice.
My spotted grouper had probably around 100# of LR in a 75g tank. We never saw him minus feeding time. You must remember this.
He had no reason to come out of the rock, so he never did. Except when there was krill or silversides involved.
with the amount of live rock you already have have you thought of making you're own,although it will take time to cure it it will be cheaper and you can seed it from you're existing rock
thanks everybody for your info, its been very helpful
. Also should I take out everything out of my AC110 and fill it with broken live rock or leave them normal?. What about my canisters?and last question, what type of substrate and how much? This is for the 125 GAL NOT THE 300GAL
. Also should I take out everything out of my AC110 and fill it with broken live rock or leave them normal?. What about my canisters?and last question, what type of substrate and how much? This is for the 125 GAL NOT THE 300GAL
caribemob;4727775; said:thanks everybody for your info, its been very helpful
I would put live rock in the back of the AC110, yes. Not sure about the canisters, just keep them clean. Caribsea Aragonite sand is what you want to use. I put 140 lbs in my 125 and its a nice depth for a sandbed. You could use a little less if you want but I would use at least 100lbs. But aragonite is what you want.
If I were you I would do two canister filters (assuming two drilled overflows) 150lbs of live rock, and a good skimmer.
Andddd I should read page 2 before responding. My advice was for the 300. +1 for jworth and fleshy
