Setting up an "educational" 500g tank.

[CoreyK]

Hello MFK,
Browsed the site from time to time before but I just now registered as I think this is probably one of the best places to ask the questions I have.

I just graduated with a degree in zoology with the intention of doing exhibit design/curating as a career, and as an avid fishkeeper (mostly reef and brackish) I hope to get a job doing fish-related setups.
So through a contact from a family member I found my first job!

It's a small local educational nature type place. They apparently just inherited a 500g round corner tank. Haven't seen it so don't know the dimensions or much about it all, whether it's drilled or not, has overflows, etc.
They don't know anything about fish tanks, and haven't given me a budget or anything. All they know is that they'd like to do something that fits with the theme of their place, so "educational" in some way.
Needless to say I'm pretty excited about this, as I've never had the chance to set up a tank anywhere near this size

So, I'm looking for ideas. I would definitely want to do a planted tank.
The obvious thing to do is a Michigan tank with native fish, but I don't know how exciting that would be, or how I would obtain said fish. It also might need a chiller which would raise costs tremendously.
The thought of doing an "invasive" tank crossed my mind, but perhaps just as an excuse to get a snakehead

I also don't know much of anything about filtration for a tank of this size (the biggest tank I have is a 45g).
Would big canister filters do the job? Perhaps supplemented by some HOB's? Or would a sump be a better option?

So, any ideas for an "educational" tank in MI?
What about filtration for a 500g tank?
What about lighting that would work for most FW plants?
Any input is appreciated,
Thanks!

 

[Danger_Chicken]

You can put some mid sized CA's in there for their parenting skills, add some larger fish to pick off the fry and you're on your way to a slice of nature in motion - lots of education there. Metal Halides would look great on a tank that size and be great for plants.

 

[Toby_H]

As much as I would like to push you in the direction of an SA/CA type set up... I think the purpose of the tank would be better served by making it a native species tank...

As for filtration...

If this is going to be a densely planted moderately stocked tank, your "filtration" needs will be minimal.

I believe it would be essential to put buried PVC (think/research Under Gravel Jet) to create adequate / logical water movement.

If it is densely planted 'biological filtration' will be naturally taken care of...

You will likely want to use something to remove fine particles that will be suspended in the water column. I would push you in the direction of a pond filter or pool filter for this purpose. Using one with a backwash feature will make servicing it MUCH more practical.

But before I took any advice from us, I would schedule a visit to local aquariums or zoos to see what they suggest. You may have professional access to options that none of us would ever think of...

By the way... where in Michigan is your tank going to be? Some of us might like to watch your work in progress...

 

[tcarswell]

Welcome to MFK!

IMO a sump would be ideal for a tank of that size. Otherwise some powerheads or a undergravel jet and a pressurized pond filter or two could work.

I would go with some of the Ancient species myself.
Kids love Knife fish and Aro's .
African Cichlids are a great choice as well lots of color and activity. Some Haps would love a tank that size.

As for lighting it in anticipation of planting it. That would take a ton of MH or HPS from what I recall.

You might have better luck posting the questions in these areas.

"Lighting for planted tank" Id post in the freshwater plants area.
"Filtration for the tank" Setup and filtration area.
And as for stocking ideas this is by far the best place to ask.

Best of luck with everything. Hope this helps ,
Tcarswell

 

[FSM]

If the tank isn't very deep (24" or so) then standard fluorescent is fine, but it's most likely much deeper, so you need to use more powerful light. A few metal halide bulbs (3 should do it) would be better.

 

[CoreyK]

Hey all,
Thanks for the replies. Sorry I haven't been more active in posting but I haven't had anything to update.
I got the chance to go check out the tank today; it's a dumbbell shaped Clarity Plus acrylic tank w/2 overflows, no equipment.
Some pics:
Tank is on it's side obviously.

As you can see, it's a little beat up, but I think it could clean up nice.
From end to end is about 8 feet, and it's about 3 feet deep.

We talked about stocking and it seems to make the most sense to do a native species tank. If it were up to me it'd be a reef tank lol, but it has to "fit" the location.
One of the directors seemed to like the idea of not filling the tank all the way and having some terrestrial creatures in there as well, but that would negate the use of the overflows, wouldn't it...?
I'm personally leaning towards an all aquatic native MI species tank.

I'm wondering though, where could you get such fish? Could you obtain them through a company?

But before I took any advice from us, I would schedule a visit to local aquariums or zoos to see what they suggest. You may have professional access to options that none of us would ever think of...

Definitely planning on it, as well as trying to get the LFS involved.

By the way... where in Michigan is your tank going to be? Some of us might like to watch your work in progress...

The tank is at Dinosaur Hill in Rochester Hills.

 

[CoreyK]

BTW, they have a close contact with a builder who can do the floor bracing, depending on where they decide to put the tank, and probably build a stand. They say they might have hoods for the tank but they're not sure.

So at this point, I'm wondering about filtration, and stocking native Michigan fish. Would love to hear ideas.

 

[tcarswell]

Its all set up for a sump id most definitely go with that.

 

[MonsterMinis]

personally I think a small group of panfish would be an excellent choice for such a set-up. or possibly a pair of largemouth or small mouth bass. But even in a 500 gallon you'de be pushign it imo if you went with both. Typically if you want "easy" stay with pond type species. walleye will need a chiller, as well as saugers and any of your deeper water lake fish. northern pike and Musky will need larger tanks and likely require expensive feeding requirements, and some impressive filtration to handle their larger sizes. Panfish and Bass ime take very easily to cichlid pellets. And either of these species well cared for can get some truely nice colorations imo. a Bullhead catfish might also work depending on what you intend to stock. But imo one of the panfish species in a planted tank of this size would indeed look nice. Lily's and other native plants can be also accessable threw many of the fisheries as well, or they'll know who to call.

For aquireing these fish Talk to your DNR, they can give you a list of local fisheries that can supply you these fish. or a Local plant nursey/native restoration company. I'll check w/ a frined here in WI who does native plant collection for a company and see if I can get the number for you as well, Its in Wildrose, WI. They will likely also be able to stear you in the right direction. But call up your DNR. They will also be able to provide you with any information the store might need if permits are required, ect. WI i know is very strict on native fish keeping. So calling your DNR will likely kill a few birds w/ one stone.

GL and can't wait to see how your project ends up.

 

[Bottomfeeder]

Get a Mudpuppy!
For some reason, when I think of tanks in schools or for educational purposes I usually think of amphs...