size opinions please

[therealtoddius]

I am going to install a large aquarium in my home and would like to get everyones opinion on the tank size. Would a 10'x3'x6' be wide enough for a shark (leopard)? I may even go with a 12' long. I am also thinking about using a pvc frame to support the LR so I can acieve the hiegh I am wanting and then using the space behind the rock to plumb return lines which will push water back up through the rock. Also on a tank this size what are everyones thoughts on not using any substrate just LR covering the bottom of the tank so I can keep dietrius from accumulating. Thanks for everyones input. I just want to get things setup correctly from the start since it will be such a large tank.
Has anyone had any experience with the eco-wheel system (good or bad)? I will be transfering my mangroves and refugiums for filtration and possibly a skimmer and fluidized bed.Fish room 1 page updated weekly

 

[tdragon]

i think your best bet would b to talk to novice150 he built a 1700gal tank in his basement.as for keeping a lepord you could keep one in there but not for life but like i said post a message for novice his tank is dedicted to sharks

 

[sandman12]

wow dude why dont u just open ur own pet shop!!!
How do the mangroves help filteration? Should i add some to my fuge?

 

[therealtoddius]

Their roots draw phosphates and nitrates out of the water. People that I have talked to and have tested it say that they can eventually run without a skimmer but I have yet to test or trust that and I still use a skimmer. Although I have noticed that it does work a lot less. I like to use the natural approach as much as possible. The 135 aggressive tank in the pictures only uses 2 refugiums and mangroves along with one skimmer and I do a 10% water change every other week. It has been running like this for over two years now without any problems. I don't even use ro/di water on it. I will test my Ph, amonia, nitrites, nitrates once a month and it has always been 8.3, 0, 0, 0-20 nitrates. I have yet to see the full effects of the mangroves but when I do I am going to start documenting it a lot closer.
I am really just worried that a 30 or 36 inch tank will be to narrow but it will be much harder to get anything wider into my house unless it is built here.
Thnaks for the input.

 

[therealtoddius]

Novice 150 if you could give me your input on the matter and what you think about a shark in this type of setup I would really apprieciate it. (Possible types of sharks that may work other than coral banded and cat). Thanks so much.

 

[cincyreefer]

All I recommend... Build a tank as big as you have room and money for. You will regret it later if you don't. I have helped setup a 10,000 gallon tank and a 2,200 gallon tank as well.