Newbie GSP checklist and questions

[sbc580]

I've been lurking this website for a while, deciding if I should start a GSP tank.
Right now, I am pretty set on starting a GSP tank, but need help deciding on which equipment I would need.

Tank:
I am looking at getting a 45 gallon tank. I've read that minimum requirements is 30 gallons for 1 GSP, and 55 gallons for 2. So I am thinking a 45 gallon would be more then enough room for 1 GSP.

Filtration system:
I know GSP require over filtration and I am looking to get something as quiet as possible. I have read great reviews on the Fluval External canister filter, and was looking at getting the Fluval 406.
Would one 406 be sufficient for the 45 gallon, or should I get 2 of the Fluval 306?

Substrate:
I would like to use white sand for this. I am looking at this here: http://www.petco.com/product/115881/Pet ... -Sand.aspx

Heater:
I've read 5 watts per gallon, so I am assuming any decent heater around 200 watts should do.

Testing Equipment:
I would need a hydrometer and a testing kit.
For the hydrometer, I was looking at this one: http://www.petco.com/product/12201/Inst ... eter-12201
For the Testing kit, I am not sure which one too get. Can I just get any kit found at my LFS?

Tank Cycling:
I was planning on using this for instant tank cycling.http://www.amazon.com/Tetra-77962-SafeS ... safe+start

Water Changes:
This has me worried the most. Since GSP are messy eaters, I've read I should be doing 50% WC weekly. The problem is I live on the 8th floor in a condo, and would have to siphon the water out into several buckets. Could I get away with doing 5%-10% weekly WC instead?

[Pufferpunk]

Not sure if you found this: library/puffers-in-focus/an-introductio ... d-puffers/

I'd go with aragonite sand. Your plans look great otherwise.

If you can start your puffer out in FW (probably what they are at in the shop) & slowly raise the SG .002 weekly all the way to SW, you'll only need to about 30% WC to month, with all the biological filtration SW offers.

[purplecandle]

I love it when someone has a plan!

I don't see any thing super wrong with your plan, however others will chime in on that. But, I will ask a few questions so that people can better help you.
Do you plan on cycling the tank, then introduce the puffer and then convert to brackish? Or do you plan to take the tank to high brackish/marine and then introduce the puffer? Do you intend for this tank to eventually go to marine or would you keep it at high brackish? Answering these questions will help determine the substrates and products you need.

I use the same hydrometer, but I do wish I had a refractometer as they are more accurate.

45 gallons is ok for 1 gap, however, you may find better prices and deals if you go for a 55 gallon. On craigslist and eBay there are far many 55s for sale, and pet stores often have more 55 tank kits for sale. You could put two gaps in a 55, but my two quickly out grew their 55 and they are now in a 75.

For water changes can you buy a long python/vacuum and drain the water into your bathtub?

[sbc580]

Thanks for the replies.
My plan is to introduce the puffer (will most likely be purchased form walmart) in FW. As of now, I am not sure if I wanted to do high brackish or marine. The 30% monthly WC for marine sounds very appealing and am leaning more towards that.

Converting to full marine brings up another question. I know I will need live rock and a protein skimmer, but what will happen with my canister filter? I've been reading that these become nitrate factories.

I'll look into refractometers, thanks for the tip.

As for the size, I am going with 45 gallons because that's all I have space for. I am looking at tanks with a maximum length of 40" and a width of 15".

The long python/vacuum might work, but it will have to be really long. My tub is about 40 feet away from where I plan to set up the tank. I could use the kitchen sink, it's about 20 feet away.

[Pufferpunk]

Yep, for SW, you dump the canister. Look into the 46g bowfront--beautiful tank!
My Python dumps into the basement. 100' long hose.

[purplecandle]

http://www.petco.com/product/2762/Pytho ... SiteSearch

I have the 75 ft one and for 2 of my tanks I must drain into the spare bathtub. You just have to remember to clean the bathtub before use, which is a pain but a far better alternative to buckets, your back will thank you!

EDIT: draining to your tub will probably give you more suction than draining to you sink.

[Tim]

Yep, for SW, you dump the canister. Look into the 46g bowfront--beautiful tank!
My Python dumps into the basement. 100' long hose.

One could put liverock rubble in the canister and still use it.

[Pufferpunk]

Tried that--clogs with detritus pretty quickly.

[sbc580]

wow, that python system looks great! I was mentally preparing myself to lift multiple 5 gallon buckets every weekend!
Could the python system be used to put water back in the tank in a marine setup? I thought I read somewhere that the water should sit for a day or two, and the salt should be premixed with the water.

Could the canister be using in place of the power head?
If I am going to convert to a marine aquarium, I rather not spend $150 on a canister filter that will only be used for a few months.

Thanks for the help everyone!
Sorry if my questions seem a little dumb, but these have been stumping me when researching about puffers and aquarium setups.

[PufferMe!]

Totally agree about the canister. Just changed over to an entire new tank myself with a refuguium and skimmer all underneath the tank. Canisters are nitrate machines. I was told to ditch mine, and I did. Sold it on CL. In the week, I had just one filter (emperor 400) running without the canister, my nitrates went down, by half, and I did nothing else! With lots of live rock, I think a monthly water change will work with a GSP, but not without it

Gwen

[defool89]

My only suggestion, shop around before you buy from walmart. They are known to be fish abusers of any kind. Puffers are nutorius for being sickly from all the stress of travel. Mixing that with walmarts practices = a very low success rate. You may get lucky and snatch a pretty healthy one, but I do suggest a more credible store... Good luck!

[sbc580]

Good point about purchasing from walmart. I'll look into other local places.
The more I research the canister filter in marine aquariums, the more i seems like it is a waste. I would hate to spend $150+ on one and only use it for a few months.
Could I run it empty, and use it as circulation?

[G S P Freak]

wow, that python system looks great! I was mentally preparing myself to lift multiple 5 gallon buckets every weekend!
Could the python system be used to put water back in the tank in a marine setup? I thought I read somewhere that the water should sit for a day or two, and the salt should be premixed with the water.

Could the canister be using in place of the power head?
If I am going to convert to a marine aquarium, I rather not spend $150 on a canister filter that will only be used for a few months.

Thanks for the help everyone!
Sorry if my questions seem a little dumb, but these have been stumping me when researching about puffers and aquarium setups.

Try Ebay or CL or amazon for used fluvals, even new ones on these sites cost around $90 shipped for a 305. Used ones go from $60-70. Plus when you're done with it you can resell it on the site you bought it from =P. I won my fluval 305 in an auction on ebay, got it for about $60 shipped.

[sgtmyers88]

Or save the money and get a big HOB filter with 400+ GPH for a third of the price.

[sbc580]

Or save the money and get a big HOB filter with 400+ GPH for a third of the price.

Well, the reason why I went with the canister filter is to try to keep the noise to a minimum.