Number of F8's in a 45 gallon?

[SeCon]

How many Fig8's would you keep in a 45 gallon? I just got a 45gal (36x18x18 inches) and was wondering if 3 would be alright, or if I should stay with 2.

Also, the aquarium came with an Emperor 400 with biowheels. Even with just 1.005 SG would the salt cause problems for the biowheel?

Got a 45gal, cabinet stand, glass top, strip light, emperor 400, and misc. accessories for $50 today.

Thanks.

[Nick]

I'd say the biowheel might stop from salt creep, but they work just fine stopped anyway, if you don't mind cleaning all the extra salt buildup it will cause it will work fine. The filter will work without the wheel too, so just take if off if you want to avoid the extra cleanup. You could definately put 3 in there, and I have noticed with my puffers that aggression divides better among 3 fish than two, should one of them have an attitude problem.

[SeCon]

Sounds good. Now to buy more plants, decor, gravel, and fish.

Thanks

[Nick]

I'd hesitate to use live plants wiht F8's, unless perhaps java fern and moss, slowly acclimated, as brackish water will melt 95% of tropical aqarium plants quickly, and most of the remaining 5% slowly.

[SeCon]

You can pretty much assume that when I say plants I mean plastic. I haven't attempted live plants besides some javamoss for my snails, and wouldn't start in my F8 tank. Thanks again.

[Nick]

no problem, good luck