Change of plans

[TheBlueMeanies]

Hello everyone I'm new to these forums and I have been looking into starting my first saltwater tank and getting a puffer. I have been doing lots of research i will continue to seeing as it will take me a while to build my tank and get everything i need before i can even think about getting fish. I will be getting no less then a 30 gallon but probably a 50 gallon tank and wanted a smaller breed of puffer like the Canthigaster Papua or Valentini. there are a few fish i was looking at to keep with the puffer like 2 clown fish maybe a gobby. I have always wanted a saltwater tank and from what i have read puffers are messy but easy to take care of. Please suggest tank mates or anything that is a "must have" for a puffer ill be happy to answer other questions about how i am going to set things up as i get them or find good deals. Any help will be greatly appreciated and please remember this will be expensive and take me some time to set up.(oops i just realized this should be in the meet and greet section of the forms sorry)

[edmlfc1]

You actually posted in the right section to get your questions answered. I would get the biggest tank you can afford. Check your local paper, cragislist or local reef forums for used equipment. Someone in your area may be taking a tank down, if so you can get live rock for pretty cheap. Even if your tank isn't set up and you have the opportunity to get live rock just get some salt, a powerhead and a large enough tub to keep the rock in until your ready. If someone is taking their tank down you may be able to pick up a few more other items like a refractometer and test kits that they no longer need. Even a protein skimmer. Also check out pufferpedia for all types of saltwater puffers. The kind of puffer you get will greatly depend on if you want corals or not. Pufferpedia is located under the learn tab.

Btw: Welcome to the puffer forum, it's a great place to be!

[Pufferpunk]

I agree--if you want tankmates, go bigger than a 30g. Also easier to keep a larger SW tank stable than a smaller one. I have found valentinis to be the most reef safe of all the puffer species, so then if you ever decide you want to try corals you've got a fish who won't eat them. Mine seems to get along with everyone too--from small clown gobies, to wrasses, to larger Copperband butterflies.

[TheBlueMeanies]

Thanks i have been looking on craigslist and I'm waiting on two people to reply about a 45 gallon corner tank and a 55 gallon hopefully i get on of them. I live in Indianapolis Indiana so if anyone lives close and could help that would be great.

[edmlfc1]

Sounds like your on the right track.

[TheBlueMeanies]

yay it looks like we are getting the 55 gallon for a great deal $150 for the tank, lighting, (one bulb burnt out) and a nice stand ill put some pics up soon i think we are gunna pick it up tonight.

[TheBlueMeanies]

Used 55 gallon tank with stand (a little water damage on the stand not bad) and lights (blown fuse not light bulb) 150$ i dont think it was a bad deal. Now to plan getting all the other like pumps, filter, heater, testing kits, and everything else. (PS i am going to check for leaks but i dont think there will be any, always good to be safe )

my kitty named kitty checkin out the tank. It was a fresh water setup before i got it maybe she smells that

[edmlfc1]

Nice find.

[Idontknow]

A 55 with stand and lights for $150 is an awesome deal. A stand itself can easily run more than $150. Good find!

[TheBlueMeanies]

Ok so here is what I'm thinking... i don't have a hole or built in overflow and it is a glass tank. I don't want to drill the glass so what are some good hang on overflows (brand names would be helpful) to get or stay away from? I would also like to know what a good protein skimmer would be for my 55 gallon tank. Thanks for any comments

[Sponge bob]

Nice cat =D

[Dadof4]

Best overflow I have found are the CPR overflow boxes. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... catid=3642
Easy start, quiet, and easy to maintain.

[TheBlueMeanies]

thanks i have been looking at CPR overflows and an Eheims over flow also I'm considering an external canister filter maybe a Rena Filstar xp2 or Eheims ECCO 2234 filter. Would this be the best solution for me seeing as i am a beginner in SW tanks?

[Dadof4]

I wouldn't use a canister filter on a SW tank if you can avoid it. You are best to use a sump, live rock, and live sand.
If you do not have experience with sumps or know anything about them (I'm assuming since you're new) this is a great place to start http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

[marksrush]

...You are best to use a sump, live rock, and live sand...

Is live sand something that actually works? It seems like I see and hear more people saying it's a waste of money than I do people who say it's a good thing. I'm talking about the bagged-up stuff.