Want some advice on 72 Gal. salt tank

[capt.fish]

Hello,I want to get a 72 gallon aquarium (salt) new to all of this.I would like advice on equipment to use. (filtration system,sand,etc )I will not be using reef or live rock to start off with.But want to use to something for caves and hiding places.The fish that i want to use is Lion Fish and a Snowflake eel after those i'm not sure what else but really want those.

 

[beth]

You should reconsider on the live rock. It really makes life a lot easier in keeping the tank environment stable. Of course, use live sand, not crushed coral.
Welcome to Saltwaterfish.com!

 

[capt.fish]

How much live rock should i get for this tank ?

 

[saltfan]

If your going for that type of set up, I'd go with 50-75lbs. And get a deep sand bed, as this will help you out in the bio department. A sump with bio-balls will help you out even more, if you not using much LR.

 

[mikeyjer]

Originally Posted by SaltFan
If your going for that type of set up, I'd go with 50-75lbs. And get a deep sand bed, as this will help you out in the bio department. A sump with bio-balls will help you out even more, if you not using much LR.
IMO, I would 86 those bio-balls and go with live rock and or hirock(hawaiian base rock) rubbles in place. It is really up to you to go with deep sand bed or a light sandbed. IF you get a big enough sump/fuge system setup with DSB, it'll help with your problems without the need of DSB in the display. I would personally get as much live rock as possible that would fit into that tank without crowding any fish. You will be the judge on the amount you should have in that tank, I'm thinking about 75-100lbs myself.... :happyfish

 

[weberian]

Are you thinking about a sump/fuge?

 

[dmjordan]

If you don't have the tank yet I would look for one that is reef ready and go with a sump/fuge for filtration.
I like to use close to 1 pound of LS per gal ( I have a 55 gal so went with 60 lbs) and use about 1 to 2 lbs of LR per lbs ( I have about 90 lbs in mine).
Welcome to the boards!

 

[saltfan]

Originally Posted by Mikeyjer
IMO, I would 86 those bio-balls and go with live rock and or hirock(hawaiian base rock) rubbles in place. It is really up to you to go with deep sand bed or a light sandbed. IF you get a big enough sump/fuge system setup with DSB, it'll help with your problems without the need of DSB in the display. I would personally get as much live rock as possible that would fit into that tank without crowding any fish. You will be the judge on the amount you should have in that tank, I'm thinking about 75-100lbs myself.... :happyfish
With a 72 gallon tank, and a Lion Fish, I'm guessin he's goin aggresive full out. I just thought that the more room he gave the fish with some filtration and the bio-balls, would be a big benifit.

 

[phishface]

i think he means dont use them. ive notice ppl on hear say use/dont use. reason ive heard most is they clog, can crash tank. i have them in my sump. but its still pretty new, im gonna keep an eye on it to see if they do clog. im using a pre filter, skimmer, and another filter pad right above them, so ill be surprised if they do.