Another Avenue - WEEEEEeee!

[lilacamy931]

As some of you will know currently in mode of picking puffer type. It is a toss up between F8 and Porc.

After visiting local store and being there for a good hour and a half, I am thinking along the lines of the following set up for a Porc.

110/125 litre tank
internal filter (comes with tank as well as submersible light etc)
canister external filter
corel gravel as base
non live normal rock
plants (as many as can fit)
resin barrel home as safety spot

I was going to opt out of live rock as had the two filters and would plan on getting the protein skimmer at christmas. I would also as a later addition add pump and bubbles to the equation to help oxygenate and also provide fun for the puff.

The lady at the store said couple of tankmates would be best, but was unsure as limited space to begin with. I was thinking perhaps clownfish? Any suggestions would be great, I would also introduce these a week or two before the puff to help cycle tank further and also hopefully have a peaceful tank!

Any tips on how to better my setup etc would be wonderful. I would as said get the larger tank 18 months later.

Just to restate, this would be a starter tank for about a year and then I would go the full whack to a proper full sized tank, the Porc would be 1 and half to two inches and by general research should grow to about 4-5 inches in the first year (obviously depends fish to fish). I would love views and opinions and do know I will eventually end up with full 100 UK gallon tank. I am here to learn thank you for anyones help.

P.s. weird that sneeze is coming up on a word that is used as alternative for aquarium!

[Pufferpunk]

IMO, go with the LR & forget about both those filters. Get a protein skimmer. Use sand instead of crushed coral.

[LilGreenPuffer]

I think that the minimum tank size for a porc is 120g.

Porcs are so cute! I'm jealous.

[lilacamy931]

Thanks Pufferpunk, I do keep hearing Live rock is best beneficial, it is difficult to judge exactly what need as different opinions. But do trust the views given on here best due to the amount of experience.

I think I need to look into Live Rock more..was worried about the up keep, is it so beneficial that you do not need a internal or external filter and the protein skimmer and this works perfectly well together?

[lilacamy931]

Having talked to some others, it seems to be the best option to get the 120g for their home for life (if can go bigger than the better). I have understood it from other forums it is the cheaper way than going with smaller tank for first stages of life and then upgrading later. I can't afford the mega huge tanks and currently am on third floor flat, wouldnt wish to go through the floor! We would be moving in next 8 months (ish) so after could get larger and in meantime save the necessary for the loveliest largest tank I can fit! Obviously if my sum up is mega wrong please correct me.

[Woodbutcher]

Thanks Pufferpunk, I do keep hearing Live rock is best beneficial, it is difficult to judge exactly what need as different opinions. But do trust the views given on here best due to the amount of experience.

I think I need to look into Live Rock more..was worried about the up keep, is it so beneficial that you do not need a internal or external filter and the protein skimmer and this works perfectly well together?

The avenues to heaven and hell are many, pick one teacher, one avenue, follow their map. With many teachers and many maps you will become hopelessly lost. Woodbutcher

[lilacamy931]

LOL that is extremely true. Must start making the decisions

[Pufferpunk]

Trust me--I wouldn't lead you wrong.

[lilacamy931]

LOL I love the friendly people on here!!!

[lilacamy931]

Yay! Just got my tank off of ebay it is a nice beechwood and silver finish. Believe it to be a 180 litre (that was what was confirmed) and got it for £128.00 (think that is good considering the new 125 litre was going to be £169.00) it comes with lights, hood, etc just need the filters. Yay! and weeeeee!!! No going back now, I am scared!! Just need to save now for the rest that will come later. (havent figured photos out yet, but when have gotten and placed tank will see what you guys think). Sorry for the excitement it is my first tank past a bowl.

[trekenk]

Hi lilacamy just wanted to comfirm with you that 180 litre tank is only 50 gls. You will need a tank more than twice that big for the porc puffer. Good luck in what ever you decide.

[lilacamy931]

This will only be a starter tank for his first year or two of growth and will be updating to a beautiful larger tank (450 litre) later. I will double check on the size of the tank and see it and go from there!

[lilacamy931]

Another idiotic question I am afraid.. for a 180 litre which is just under 50 gallons US and 40 UK gallons. If you were just to do live rock as the filter with protein skimmer how much kg's would you need? 10kg?? Was really unsure as reading all over the net the equation varies from 0.5lb/1lb/1.5lb per gallon and find it really mixed. Thanking you again in advance.

[Christemo]

This will only be a starter tank for his first year or two of growth and will be updating to a beautiful larger tank (450 litre) later. I will double check on the size of the tank and see it and go from there!

In the first year, you can easily stunt their growth, causing death.

[marksrush]

IMO, go with the LR & forget about both those filters. Get a protein skimmer. Use sand instead of crushed coral.

Live rock is amazing. I never would've gotten over my skepticism over what people say it does for the water quality if I hadn't seen it for myself when I recently started adding it to my marine tanks.