debating predator tank...

[adee]

So my husband and I are considering getting a 75-125 gallon tank for our bedroom (we dont have enough room in our living room) He really wants to do a predator tank (lionfish, eel,exc) does anyone have any suggestions or basic info on them? I have spent the last couple weeks reading on the forum here but i figured i would get more info in one place by listing a thread here in this section.
Can hippo tangs live with eels? what about butterfly fish? what about lionfish, exc.
Please share any and all information/experiences we would like to gather all the information we can before we make a big purchase. Also, when doing a predator tank.. do most people just have live rock? Since lionfish arent good with corals for instance. What kind of "Decor" do you use? Is the lbs of rock per gallons of water stay the same? With a tank that large a sump is needed correct?

 

[small triggers]

I have a 150g aggressive tank. It has 4 triggers, a foxface, kole tang, toadfish, 2x maroon clowns, & a freckled hawkfish. It has 130ish lbs of LR and about 60ish (?) lbs of LS/Argonite mix. I also have a 45g sump. I would recommend a book called Marine Fishes from Scott W. Michael. It will rate the aggressiveness. Though his ideas for minimum tank size are a bit small sometimes. Any books from he, Julian Sprung ot Bob Fenner are really great. There are a plethora of books out there, just make sure they arent too outdated. Also, keep in mind the sound of the tank, depending on how its plumbed it can be really loud. Make sure to get a 'reef ready' tank which will be pre-drilled and have overflows included.

 

[adee]

there is sooo much to learn about the sumps and such. I wonder if any of them even come predrilled at our LFS... most of the larger tanks there have pumps built into the corners, is that typical? Do those call for sumps? (ive never opened the cabinets beneath the tanks) Are those ever adequate for live rock and a few aggressive fish?

 

[nigerbang]

Originally Posted by ADEE
http:///forum/post/2935153
there is sooo much to learn about the sumps and such. I wonder if any of them even come predrilled at our LFS... most of the larger tanks there have pumps built into the corners, is that typical? Do those call for sumps? (ive never opened the cabinets beneath the tanks) Are those ever adequate for live rock and a few aggressive fish?
Those arent pumps... Thats the overflows that have holes drilled into the bottom of the tank..and yes thats where the sump comes into play..

 

[small triggers]

I think what you are thinking is 'pumps' in the corners are either the overflow, has slots like teeth at the top, or a powerhead, a roundish proppellar looking thing, to help with water movement. The biggest problem without having a sump especially with aggressive tank (which are messy eaters) is not enough ways to filter all the detritus (poo and leftovers) and such. Also, I bet your LFS could order you a predrilled tank with built in overflows even if they dont have them their.

 

[adee]

im sure they are overflow units now that you say so!! Is there any risk of the tank actually literally over flowing considering the holes in it? or are they placed high enough to keep that from happening? what about bioballs,are they as useless as ive heard?

 

[nigerbang]

Originally Posted by ADEE
http:///forum/post/2935171
im sure they are overflow units now that you say so!! Is there any risk of the tank actually literally over flowing considering the holes in it? or are they placed high enough to keep that from happening? what about bioballs,are they as useless as ive heard?
If they are managed they work quite well... Just a PITA and a giant hassle..(bioballs that is)
The tank will overflow if you have more water pumping in faster than it is drain out..
A standard overflow will drain around 600gph.. Say you have 2 of them thats 1200gph give or take... You want to make sure the return pump is rated for about the same amount as what the combined total that is drain.. So say a Mag12 would work.. Or even a little bit bigger considering having to pump at X head height..

 

[adee]

Originally Posted by NigerBang
http:///forum/post/2935175
The tank will overflow if you have more water pumping in faster than it is drain out..
A standard overflow will drain around 600gph.. Say you have 2 of them thats 1200gph give or take... You want to make sure the return pump is rated for about the same amount as what the combined total that is drain.. So say a Mag12 would work.. Or even a little bit bigger considering having to pump at X head height..
huh? you lost me... i mean literally over flowing like onto the floor, exc... will the tank come standard equipped with the overflow system? What else would I need in addition to the overflow system in terms of filtration (or is that the filtration?)

 

[nigerbang]

Originally Posted by ADEE
http:///forum/post/2935186
huh? you lost me... i mean literally over flowing like onto the floor, exc... will the tank come standard equipped with the overflow system? What else would I need in addition to the overflow system in terms of filtration (or is that the filtration?)
Thats what I meant.. If the pump is to strong and you keep adding water because it is pumping all the water out of the sump and are not paying attention it will pour over the sides...
Reef Ready tanks(with overflows) arent really standard.. They do cost a little more than the same tank without Overflows.. The drain down to a sump where you would have things like a Sponge/bioballs/filter floss or really none of that.. I dont have any.. A skimmer, maybe a fuge, return pump and that would be the filtration.. my tank drains into the skimmer chamber, then threw some Chaeto then to the pump and back into the tank..