55-75 Gallon FOWLR?

[ryanpaul]

So, Suppose I should start with the back-story before I ask the questions,
Currently the only saltwater tank I have at home is a 14 gallon fish-less tank, mostly inverts (crabs/worms/snails/and lots of "hitchhikers") that should eventually include some coral.
I work at a pet-store, and today A customer came in converting a large saltwater tank to a freshwater tank,
I helped him a bit, and He left his card and told me If I wanted to swing by and see what he was getting rid of.
He Gave me at least 10-15 pounds of live rock, and has at least another 30-40 pounds (probably more as a few of the pieces were massive) I can have as-well, he also gave me near 100 gallons worth of instant ocean salt mix, some extra testing equipment, And he also has a very nice Protein skimmer he'd take $50 bucks for, Looked like it must have cost somewhere in the $200-$300 range)
How Could I resist starting a bigger tank?
So, now the question, I have a 65 gallon freshwater tank (36x19x24)With A large jaguar Cichlid and a pleco, I'm thinking I'll buy either a 55 or 75 gallon tank, Now Im just torn between Moving the cichlid (at least 12" long with fins who I've had for at least 3-4 years now and am very fond of) into either a 55 or 75, making the 65 a saltwater tank, Or If I should just start a 55-75 gallon saltwater tank and leave the cichlid in the 65. So, Any opinions?
Keep in mind I want the best for the new tank And my Fish I already have.

 

[aquaknight]

Well with the cichlid being at least 12" I think that would rule out a 55gal for him. A 11" deep tank for a 12"+ fish just seems wrong.
So for the saltwater tank being either a 65gal or 75gal, to be honest both are on the smaller side for a FOWLR and would limit your fish options. It would be well suited for smaller reef fish, but things like most tangs, most triggers, large puffers, would be just a tad too big for a 75gal.
So IMO, the best scenario would be to get the 75gal for the cichlid and then setup the 65gal as a reef tank.

 

[vinnyraptor]

leave the freshwater tank alone and buy a new tank if you want another marine tank. 125 gallon long tanks are the best bang for the buck, especially for FOWLR tanks. this tank is 6ft and gives large fish room to swim or makes an excellent reef if you ever wanna upgrade. (wish i bought one)

 

[ryanpaul]

Thanks, Messed up on that part, The only way I'd move the Cichlid out is were I too Get a 75 Gallon Tank, I'm not putting him in a 12" wide tank, Frankly I like him more then Many of The saltwater Fish I'd be able to keep, And down the line Planned on Setting up a 75 gallon+ "Amazonia Tank" for him anyway. Just Planned on waiting...
As for The FOWLR being a 55-75 gallon tank, I really don't plan on going with many fish, or large fish at that...
And With all the Live Rock I'd really be aiming to set it up More like a reef, with a water channel then An open water tank, just no coral/anemones Keeping Primarily Smaller to medium sized fish, nothing bigger then A Yellow Tang.
I'd love a small school of Chromis, Perhaps different Blennies, gobies, wrasse, and other more "reef type fish" Maybe a pair of Ocellaris clownfish and then Ideally a Larger "centerpiece fish", perhaps a smaller Tang, or possibly a Dwarf Angel.
The list would need quite a bit of hammering out and research of course, But First I have to Decide What tank I'll be Starting With.
Another issue Is that The 65 gallon tank Is on my dresser In my room, No other tank Will fit on it, And I was hoping to put the Saltwater tank out in the living room..
Though of course I'm willing to put the health of the fish above that if need be.

 

[ryanpaul]

Originally Posted by VinnyRaptor
http:///forum/post/3063810
leave the freshwater tank alone and buy a new tank if you want another marine tank. 125 gallon long tanks are the best bang for the buck
125 Is a bit out of the question at the moment.
Would take up too much Space, and Out of my budget.
I'd like to just start up another tank, But also see this as a possible chance to upgrade my Cichlids tank and recycle his tank.

 

[vinnyraptor]

Originally Posted by RyanPaul
http:///forum/post/3063820
125 Is a bit out of the question at the moment.
Would take up too much Space, and Out of my budget.
I'd like to just start up another tank, But also see this as a possible chance to upgrade my Cichlids tank and recycle his tank.
if your getting a skimmer and LR for basically nothing then the cost of glass is minimal. as far as space goes i can understand but a 125 long is basically the same dimensions as a 55 only 24 inches longer. every house has 6ft of wall space that can be found, if you can find room for a 75 you should be able to find room for a 125. you'll be MUCH happier in the long run and who says you need to go out and spend a bunch of money anyways. you got the salt, the LR and the skimmer. you can find on old sturdy bench/buffet/table or build a stand cheap. if its gonna be a FOWLR then lighting will be minimal, all you'll need is a 6ft wall space something strong enough to hold the tank, and either a homemade sump or large canister filter.
if you go thru all the trouble and cost to set up a 55 or even a 75 you'll regret you didnt take my advise a year down the road. TRUST ME!!!

 

[ryanpaul]

While I'd love to setup a 125, And will Admit I am still tempted.. I am currently Living at home.
My moms great about Not getting on my case too much about all the pets in my room, But she's not very hot on having animals in her living room, I agreed to Replace the Railings on the deck for her If I could Setup A tank In the living room.
She's seen the 75 gallon tanks My boa and Python Live in, And she can handle having something near that size, I just doubt she'll Feel the same way going larger.
Additionally, When I move Out I'm sure I'll have room for a 75 gallon tank, But If its a apartment, or condo, I may not be on the ground floor. Hesitant to put too much time and money into something I won't have for more then 1 year.
I'm sure sometime down the road A larger tank is in my future, but just not currently.

 

[zippgirl]

I have freshwater and a reef tank, and I think we sometimes neglect the freshwater fish when we get into saltwater. But we have just as much responsibility to take care of the freshwater fish as we do the reef tank. I would get a 75 gal and move the jaguar into that (will give him a little bit more room) and use the 65 for saltwater. Have you thought about a 120 gallon,has the same lengtj as a 75, just wider. Your jaguar is a large fish he would really love being in a 120 gal, he would have more wiggle room. Remember this is just my opinion, but I believe we have a responsibility to any animal we take into our home, they depend on use for their food and shelter. Good luck with your decision. But it sounds like you are going to do what is best for your current fish, which is the right decision.

 

[fishkid13]

Want to post a pic of your ciclid?

 

[ryanpaul]

Well, Figured Since it's a saltwater Fish tank Forum There's not a huge interest in that...
I do have one picture of taken over a year ago on my old cell phone camera.
Pretty bad quality...