New to Site "asking before buying"

224Mako · 04/23/2012, 03:06 PM

Was given the link to this forum yesterday as I'm really close to pulling the trigger on a big tank for my first saltwater setup but I had a few reservations and was hoping I could get some insight before I started spending money.

Some info- the tank is a 96 gallon corner bow front with a Eshopps 125 bio-ball wet dry filter built into the tank. Drains are in the back of the tank with the filter in the cabinet below. System is about 3 years old, but was previously used for freshwater.

What i am looking to make is a saltwater "local" fish tank. I live on Long Island so not much some rocks and various other stuff i can bring up from diving, lobsters maybe??, and then have various fish inside the tank, pufferfish, seabass, flounder and whatever I can catch thats legal but will still fit.

I want to use ocean water for the water changes, cant really afford all the salt and live rocks. I guess the question is does the tank/filter meet the needs of what I am looking to do or should i look for something else? I have never worked with saltwater before but helped setup a buddies tank and it was less difficult then i made it out to be, basically I just need to keep up with water changes right? Last one sorry, is the wet dry filter. Never used one before always used cartridge with the freshwater setups before and im comfortable with them, I like the idea of the wet dry but would like some feedback first.

Hope this wasn't too long of a post, really want this tank but as you can imagine its pretty pricey but it should last a long time.

Phil

ken55 · 04/23/2012, 03:21 PM

I think you may be a little ambitious on your stocking list. Saltwater hobby fish are actually quite small compared to the ones you are talking about. For example: A hobby tang that gets to 12 inches is considered huge!! That flounder you mention isn't even a legal keeper untill it gets to 15 inches (in VA anyway). A real lobster in a 96 is going to be like one of those in the seafood restaurants where you pick your dinner. Sea bass the same way. You get the idea.

Also, the local seawater seems to be the subject of much debate. I'm sure you will get both sides of the coin on that one.

Anyway.... Welcome to the hobby. I hope I haven't scared you away.

SKurj · 04/23/2012, 03:31 PM

I think a "local" tank would end up being a cold water tank which is a whole different beast...

Maybe the cheapest route would be to do a fish only tank with live rock (you can buy dead rock, it will seed in time) but of the more standard fare..

Waddleboy · 04/23/2012, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken55

I think you may be a little ambitious on your stocking list. Saltwater hobby fish are actually quite small compared to the ones you are talking about. For example: A hobby tang that gets to 12 inches is considered huge!! That flounder you mention isn't even a legal keeper untill it gets to 15 inches (in VA anyway). A real lobster in a 96 is going to be like one of those in the seafood restaurants where you pick your dinner. Sea bass the same way. You get the idea.

Also, the local seawater seems to be the subject of much debate. I'm sure you will get both sides of the coin on that one.

Anyway.... Welcome to the hobby. I hope I haven't scared you away.

+1... i have to agree the idea is and idea and is fine but those size fish in that size tank i dont think is feasible. Thats a lot of fish in a small body of water

224Mako · 04/23/2012, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddleboy

+1... i have to agree the idea is and idea and is fine but those size fish in that size tank i dont think is feasible. Thats a lot of fish in a small body of water

Haha i think I'm a little over the top on what i can fit, would be really cool to have a nice striper but not thinking that will happen.

Maybe i need to take a step back, will the setup / filter be good for a saltwater tank or do i need additional parts/ pieces?

dakineacct · 04/23/2012, 06:54 PM

You could start with the setup you derscribed, but would probably want to make some changes or additions to the setup. I have used wet/dry filters in the past, but if you spend some time reading here, you may find that there are other options that may be better, such as a simple sump with a protein skimmer.

I would suggest you wait and read as much as possible before buying anything, deals come up all the time, don't feel pressured to buy right now. Good luck.

04/23/2012, 03:06 PM	#1
224Mako Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: copaigue, LI Posts: 3	New to Site "asking before buying" Was given the link to this forum yesterday as I'm really close to pulling the trigger on a big tank for my first saltwater setup but I had a few reservations and was hoping I could get some insight before I started spending money. Some info- the tank is a 96 gallon corner bow front with a Eshopps 125 bio-ball wet dry filter built into the tank. Drains are in the back of the tank with the filter in the cabinet below. System is about 3 years old, but was previously used for freshwater. What i am looking to make is a saltwater "local" fish tank. I live on Long Island so not much some rocks and various other stuff i can bring up from diving, lobsters maybe??, and then have various fish inside the tank, pufferfish, seabass, flounder and whatever I can catch thats legal but will still fit. I want to use ocean water for the water changes, cant really afford all the salt and live rocks. I guess the question is does the tank/filter meet the needs of what I am looking to do or should i look for something else? I have never worked with saltwater before but helped setup a buddies tank and it was less difficult then i made it out to be, basically I just need to keep up with water changes right? Last one sorry, is the wet dry filter. Never used one before always used cartridge with the freshwater setups before and im comfortable with them, I like the idea of the wet dry but would like some feedback first. Hope this wasn't too long of a post, really want this tank but as you can imagine its pretty pricey but it should last a long time. Phil Last edited by 224Mako; 04/23/2012 at 03:25 PM.

04/23/2012, 03:21 PM	#2
ken55 A wing and a prayer Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SoChes Posts: 635	I think you may be a little ambitious on your stocking list. Saltwater hobby fish are actually quite small compared to the ones you are talking about. For example: A hobby tang that gets to 12 inches is considered huge!! That flounder you mention isn't even a legal keeper untill it gets to 15 inches (in VA anyway). A real lobster in a 96 is going to be like one of those in the seafood restaurants where you pick your dinner. Sea bass the same way. You get the idea. Also, the local seawater seems to be the subject of much debate. I'm sure you will get both sides of the coin on that one. Anyway.... Welcome to the hobby. I hope I haven't scared you away. __________________ Current tank info: Last time I saw them they were leaning against a tree in my ex's backyard.

04/23/2012, 03:31 PM	#3
SKurj Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Oshawa Posts: 539	I think a "local" tank would end up being a cold water tank which is a whole different beast... Maybe the cheapest route would be to do a fish only tank with live rock (you can buy dead rock, it will seed in time) but of the more standard fare.. __________________ 40g Long since Mar 2012, 20lbs marco rocks, 25lb live rock, Aquamaxx HoB-1, sumpless, CPR Fuge, 4 tube T5HO, Mixed reef, softies and LPS Current Tank Info: 40g Long sumpless

04/23/2012, 06:54 PM	#6
dakineacct Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 217	You could start with the setup you derscribed, but would probably want to make some changes or additions to the setup. I have used wet/dry filters in the past, but if you spend some time reading here, you may find that there are other options that may be better, such as a simple sump with a protein skimmer. I would suggest you wait and read as much as possible before buying anything, deals come up all the time, don't feel pressured to buy right now. Good luck. __________________ 120 gallon, 55 gallon basement sump.