New tank for my GSP

[zookey]

I went out of town two weeks ago and came across a very nice opportunity for a new tank. It had been a special order tank that when it arrived at the store the people that ordered it refused to accept it because of it's size.

It is 30 inches long, 18 inches deep, and 16 inches wide. Approximately 37 1/2 gallons.... for $29.

I thought it would be perfect for my GSP who is still only about an inch or so long. I have found someone to build me a stand since this tank is not Normal in dementions for any type of standard tank stand.

I bought a couple rock/clay formations and have quite a few plastic plants to add to this tank.

I am planning on using a sand substrate.... approximately 35 pounds which makes the bed a little over an inch to an inch and a half.

I have a large filter to set up on the new tank that should use 2 of the filter pads that fit the current filter so I stacked a second filter in his current filter to help get it established and ready.

I have a heater rated for a 55 gallon tank.

Is there anything else I should consider for his new tank?

Eventually I would like to take it fully marine with live rock and only the fish. So eventually I know I will need a protein skimmer.

But for now is there anything else I should consider adding / not adding to his tank? I really don't want to mess with changing it up too much after he is in it. He really does not like change much. Makes him turn dark and moody. I do understand moving decor to give him some change and encourage his exploration of the tank, and not becoming bored. But I was wondering more if there is anything I am overlooking in setting up his tank?

Any suggestions are very welcome!

And thank you all for the help you have already given me (directly and indirectly). This is a great site and I am sure my puffer is very appreciative of the Puffer Forum Creators! Thanks again to you all!

[Pufferpunk]

Sounds wonderful! Make sure you have plenty of decor for him to investigate under & around. Use the entire height of the tank too.

[Flutter]

If he doesn't do well with change then try to decorate it all with not-so-live live rock. I don't know what else to call it Just buy the dry rock and build it up that way once it's ready to go marine you can seed it with some live rock and won't need to change any decorations. If you wanted you could add fake plants to the more open areas. Personally, I like the large silk ones, they spread out nicely and your puffer will easily be able to explore them.

[zookey]

Where could /would I buy "not so live" rock? And how much would be needed if I plan to add "live" rock later?

Do I need to worry about how large of "gaps" I leave between the rocks? I mean are puffers smart enough not to try to swim though a hole to small for them to fit through?

[Pufferpunk]

http://www.marcorocks.com

[Flutter]

I think they're smart enough

[zookey]

So how many pounds would I need to use if I plan on adding live rock later? (thanks for the link to the "not so live" rock)

[Pufferpunk]

Eventually, you'd want a total of 1-1.5lbs/gal.