what should I do?!?

[staylor21]

I am getting a 200-300 gallon tank and want to start what you can in a way call a "Shark Tank". I currently have a 55 gallon saltwater tank that is running without a refugium or sump and has a protein skimmer, live rock, a filter, and a powerhead. What I would like to know is if I can run this 200-300 gallon tank with like two or three protein skimmers that will be strong enough for the tank and a couple of filters for the filtration part along with some live rock and live sand? I am fully aware that there is no hang-on protein skimmer strong enough as well as hang-on filter and money is kind of an issue here for that is the reason I do not really want to get the refugium or sump. I know this is a rethorical question but I would just like know if there is a chance to run this tank with the hang-on protein skimmers and filters and just place them around the tank and if so/not can I get some suggestions on how to run it without spending too much money.

 

[touchthesky00]

this isnt really the correct forum to post this in
try the aggressive forum
or if you are more concerned about the equipment aspect, post in the equipment forum

 

[aw2x3]

Honestly...if you're planning a shark tank and "money is an issue", then you don't need to start a shark tank.
With the tank size you've mentioned, about the only species you could get (that'd be suitable) would be a Coral Cat Shark. Unless you had a straight custom tank built, that size really isn't suitable for any readily available shark species.
You're "stuck" with having to incorporate a sump system, with as much filtration as you can manage, with species of shark. A few HOB skimmers just isn't gonna cut it. For a 200 - 300 gallon tank, you'd need a minimum of 400 - 600 gallons worth of filtration.

 

[el guapo]

If money is an issue , Then you really should avoid a shark . As AW said your going to need a sump set up . But in honesty what your gonna spend on 2-3 H.O.B skimmers and 2-3 good H.O.B filters you could easily be most of the way to setting up a sump/refugium system .
I'm not going to get into the big debate about proper size but honestly a 300 is a bare minimum and if you truely researched the cost of a tank that large then you will realize that the cost of the filtration is not the major part of the cost .

 

[staylor21]

well decided to go with the wet/dry sump and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on some cheap skimmers and a return pump that will be good for the 300 gallon tank.

 

[aw2x3]

You're gonna need a skimmer that's rated for double whatever your water volume is.
So, let's say you've got a 100gal sump, with this 300gal tank...that's a total water volume of 400gal.
You're gonna be looking for skimmers that are rated for 800 gallons of water. Have you checked prices on that, yet? You're looking at $1000, easy.
There are hundreds of pumps, out there...I'd say at least 1200gph...probably a few hundred bucks.
Even if all of this is doable, monetary wise, you're still greatly limited to what species you can get. The most common, Banded Cat Sharks, still aren't suitable for a 300gal tank. You're gonna be stuck with something along the lines of a few Coral Cat Sharks.

 

[hammerhed7]

Depending on your experience level with marine tanks you may want to go another route, as AW mentioned standard dimension tanks are not suitable for most sharks, and the filtration and water movement needed result in a high start up cost, anything less than the absolute best equipment and water quality will leave you disappointed with the results. With a tank that size you could set up a great aggressive tank.

 

[staylor21]

well thats my plan.....making it an aggresive tank......hopefully put some rays with lionfis, puffers, banded cat sharks, etc.......if its not a pain in the butt can someone suggest a protein skimmer that will be compatible with my wet/dry sump because i cant seem to find one online.

 

[aw2x3]

Not a pain in the butt, at all...but...
The particular fish you're wanting don't mix. You can't put Puffers with Sharks, as they'll pick at the sharks (particularly their eyes and tail). Puffers will pick at the Lions fins, foregoing those.
In all honesty, you might as well count out any shark species, as well as rays...and just go with a nice, aggressive setup, if you're set on an aggressive setup.
Skimmer wise, I'd suggest looking into ETSS skimmers. They're reasonably affordable, but you're still gonna be looking at dropping quite a bit of money on them. ASM skimmers are gonna be good, also, but they're gonna be a little more expensive than ETSS, for the amount of water volume you're gonna have.

 

[bioneck47]

I completely agree, there are lots of very nice aggressive fish out there and getting a shark or a ray really limits you to what you can have. Are you new to saltwater fish? Sorry, but it really sounds like you are and I really believe that you are not ready to own a shark. Especially if you're planning on keeping a lion and a puffer with one. Sharks and rays require excellent water quality and going cheap on filtration isn't gonna cut it.

 

[el guapo]

Keeping sharks of any kind and taking the cheap route DO NOT MIX. When it comes to a budget aggressive saltwater tank there are a few things you must avoid .Those are Sharks/rays, Larger eels, large triggers. Even with expirence sharks are tough . As said before that size tank is not going to cut the mustard long term .
But hey its your money and if you want to waste it then who am I to say.