Contemplating

[malibupam]

I'm thinking turning my FOWLR over to reef in the coming months, but I have a 5" panther grouper I have become attached to. If there were no fish small enough for him to swallow whole, and no shrimp like those krill he loves so much, would it work?
By the way, since the tank was given to me--and I'm a newby--I'm not sure how much $ I need. But do know I need a chiller, and better lighting, for a 250 gal. Anybody have a ballpark guess as to the cost of what would be appropriate?

 

[aggie05]

Honestly, look to spend into the thousands, as in over 5,000 and closer to 10,000 by the time you get it fully stocked and to your liking. 250 gallons is a big reef tank.
Too bad there isnt a "monster aquarium" show on discovery.

 

[malibupam]

Originally posted by Aggie05
Too bad there isnt a "monster aquarium" show on discovery.
That's for sure! I'll tell you, when I sat outside all week and watched them carry steel beams into the house, and concrete, shoring up the house, and then the huge Catalina Saltwater tanker truck pulled up with about 5000 gallons in it, my mind flowed with the monster tides . . .

 

[bang guy]

Originally posted by MalibuPam
my mind flowed with the monster tides . . .
LOL that must have made for some great mystery!
If you go at it one piece at a time then by the time you're done you'll know what you want
I saw your tank on the show, that will make a great reef tank if that's your direction. I'm afraid you might be right about the chiller unless you want to lower the temp in the entire house (could be a plus )
Fans do an AMAZING job cooloing the water if used properly. How long is that tank? is it 6 feet or 8 feet?

 

[coralcollector]

Definately into the thousands I have over 5k in my 100 gal.

 

[nm reef]

Welcome to the reef forum...I also saw your "tank" and I gotta tell ya I was jealous big time.
The panther may not be a good idea in a reef...basically because most of us want to keep things in our reefs that your grouper would look at as meals...and that wouldn't work.
I'd urge you to slow way down and take this journey one step at a time. Most of us started with nothing and progressively built our reefs and our experience levels. That would be a good course for you too...except you got the system all at once. I'd imagine thats extremely overwelming!!! Take the time to research and learn then progress at a slow well ploted pace. You've already started increasing your experience level by seeking info at these type forums(I've seen you at a few others)...continue to learn all you can and develope a workable plan that you can stick to...best of luck and keep us posted as your piece of the ocean continues to develope.