What Substrate in Aggressive Setup?

[davidcanupp]

I just got a 55 gal and I am planning on keeping my brother's 5 inch V-Tail Grouper and 3 inch Niger Trigger in it. Firstly, is this a good idea and what other fish could i add to this tank. Secondly, I have considered buying a Banded Cat Shark or Leopard Shark. If so,do I need to use sand as a substrate? I have heard that Sharks can get infections from Crushed Coral but i don't know the whole story. Any advise would help a lot. Thanks

 

[tjswanson]

You cannot have a shark in a 55g. Sharks need a big aquarium, 300g. Personally, the grouper will get big and so will the niger... Those fish will prolly be enough if not too much for that tank. TJ

 

[davidcanupp]

ok so no sharks...what about the substrate. I understand that most aggressive fish can be messy eaters and it seems that a rock or crushed coral substrate would be easier to clean. Also, I have a Hot Pro Magnum filter, several skilters and many regular Biowheels. Will a combination of these be enough? OR do i need to look into other forms of filtration. Sorry so many questions . Thanks alot!

 

[pufferlover]

Yes many aggressive fish such as Triggers and Puffs are very sloppy eaters. I use CC in all my tanks as I like to clean them every week (I actually enjoy doing that) amd the CC is much easier to siphon and keep clean. On my Puff tanks I use Emperor 400's (2 on 123, 1 280 on 58 with Skilter 250, 2 400's on my 135) and have used that for years with no problems and very clean clear water. I do have a UV on the 125 and 135 which helps keep the water crystal clear and more disease free.

 

[dlight692000]

well no shark in a 55g, firstly for a shark you need very soft substrate because they tend to scrape their bellies on crushed coral becuase they tend to be bottom dwellers and when this happen they get serious infections , but for any aggressive tank i use crushed coral, it is very easy to siphon and for the messy eaters like puffers and triggers and groupers that comes in handy. sharks in the home aqaurium dont really do anything except for leopard sharks but they get a good 7 feet and need colder climate.
sorry PL i wrote mine before i saw yours
[ July 21, 2001: Message edited by: dlight692000 ]

 

[davidcanupp]

yeah i pretty much threw the shark idea out and now i am deciding on what filtration to use . if anyone has any suggestions for me i would appreciate them. My tank is a 55 gal. Thanks for the advice!!!