Tank Progression: 60 gallon

[Pufferpunk]

One piece should tightly slide inside the other. If not, bring to the hardware store (I believe you're using Lowes?) & explain the problem. You may need new pipes.

[*GSP*Fan*]

One piece should tightly slide inside the other. If not, bring to the hardware store (I believe you're using Lowes?) & explain the problem. You may need new pipes.

It definitely doesn't fit like that, seems there should be another pipe.
Yep, Lowes. Pretty much only hardware store in my area, no Home Depot. I'll try to get up there maybe tomorrow.

[*GSP*Fan*]

So I can get this skimmer http://www.aquacave.com/ASM-G-3-Protein ... P1243.aspx for just over $270 after applying a coupon code and with free shipping. If I get this brand I'd lean towards this one since there is not a big difference in price and that give me more leeway for any potential upgrades.

Still trying to research other skimmers as well. The Bubble Magnus is one I'm considering as well, anyone familiar with these?
Also, the Reef Octopus since I've been happy with my current skimmer. Not sure which would be sufficient for the 90g w/sump and for a upgrade to say a 125g or similar.

Like this one http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-octo ... immer.html

[Pufferpunk]

Both of those are great skimmer, I'm sure you'd be happy with either. I could not fot a G-3 under my canopy, nevermind, maneuver inside my sump. Be sure to measure everything!

[*GSP*Fan*]

Both of those are great skimmer, I'm sure you'd be happy with either. I could not fot a G-3 under my canopy, nevermind, maneuver inside my sump. Be sure to measure everything!

The chamber the skimmer will go in is just over 11inches by 26 inches or so. The G-3 will be a tight fit, I don't think the height is an issue but I would have to measure for sure. Its the footprint that will make it really tight. Thats why I began looking at the Bubble Magus.

This is the Bubble Magus I am leaning towards http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem. ... ld=4W07001

Another question, before I go to the hardware store, about the drain pipes and such. I know I need to raise the plumbing there to raise the level in the overflow but are all those pieces necessary? Like the plastic piece, with grid-like hole, and sponge? If just the piece with the bulb at the top is necessary then adding another piece of PVC to lengthen it will be easy.

[Pufferpunk]

I am perfectly happy with the G-2 for my 90g packed with corals, heavily-stocked system.

Keep in mind, you'll have that sump already installed under your tank & will have to maneuver that skimmer in & out of a much smaller space than you'd realize.

[Pufferpunk]

I am perfectly happy with the G-2 for my 90g packed with corals, heavily-stocked system.

Keep in mind, you'll have that sump already installed under your tank & will have to maneuver that skimmer in & out of a much smaller space than you'd realize.

[*GSP*Fan*]

I am perfectly happy with the G-2 for my 90g packed with corals, heavily-stocked system.

Keep in mind, you'll have that sump already installed under your tank & will have to maneuver that skimmer in & out of a much smaller space than you'd realize.

By heavily stocked do you mean corals or both fish and corals? I would usually think heavily stocked in terms of fish but guess that could go either way.

I didn't really think about having to pull it in and out in terms of space, was just looking at if it would fit in the sump/stand. Hmm..

I was just thinking the G-2 might not be quite enough for an upgrade down the road. I'm sure it would still be 1-2years because it would be after I'm moved, settled, etc but very likely to happen as I'd have the space. Though I may also want to keep the 90g up and running as well and would need to get another skimmer anyway. More so just because of the possible incompatibility between fish (puffers) and corals.

Still debating on whether or not to risk it with a dogface...just kinda hard to resist now that I've got the larger tank. Also called my LFS and they have two in stock...I know I could set up the 60g in the mean time for corals if necessary now and the only things I would need to really get is rock and sand for it. Completely aware I'm already risking it with the Toby, absolutely no issues so far when it comes to corals though, yet. I thought she was going to get one of the shrimp last night though, kinda lunged towards it once but left it alone afterwards. Even when I had a piece of her food in some forceps that she was eating off of and the shrimp decided to hop on the food. Brave or stupid shrimp one..

Her eating habits kinda concern me, thought she would be more aggressive with the food. I'm not sure how much of mysis and squid she's really ate, I've seen her go after it but I've also seen her spit it out. Put a piece of table shrimp in there the other day but she just pecked at it a bit and that was it. She did eat a piece of krill and I've still got clams to try. Ordered some freeze dried plankton as well. She does eye the snails and sometime pick at them. Is there any issues with a marine puffer being fed some Ramshorn snails, if she'd eat them? Can't think of any saltwater snails that would be easy for her to really eat, in terms of their shells.

There are a few fish I'd like to have if I didn't do the dogface as well. I'm sure it'd be close to stocked with the dogface and my current stock in the 90g or obviously I couldn't add as many fish without. The only other larger fish I'm interested in is the the Foxface (if not adding dogface), though I'm not sure of it with a puffer(toby), would have asked here before attempting that. All others are on the smaller side; goby, firefish, jawfish, royal gramma, etc (not all of course in any scenario). Thought about a tang but there are only a couple I'm interested in. Both the blue ('Dory), powder blue seem they would outgrow the tank and then the purple which stays smaller but is also quite expensive (don't know scientific names off the top of my head).


Wow, that post was all over the place Definitely got to rambling, guess it kinda helps me think though.

[purplecandle]

Just a question in terms of feeding. GSP fan, don't you have the type of puffer that will eat nori? That seaweed you put into a veggie clip?

Her eating habits kinda concern me, thought she would be more aggressive with the food. I'm not sure how much of mysis and squid she's really ate, I've seen her go after it but I've also seen her spit it out. Put a piece of table shrimp in there the other day but she just pecked at it a bit and that was it. She did eat a piece of krill and I've still got clams to try. Ordered some freeze dried plankton as well. She does eye the snails and sometime pick at them. Is there any issues with a marine puffer being fed some Ramshorn snails, if she'd eat them? Can't think of any saltwater snails that would be easy for her to really eat, in terms of their shells.

[*GSP*Fan*]

Just a question in terms of feeding. GSP fan, don't you have the type of puffer that will eat nori? That seaweed you put into a veggie clip?

Her eating habits kinda concern me, thought she would be more aggressive with the food. I'm not sure how much of mysis and squid she's really ate, I've seen her go after it but I've also seen her spit it out. Put a piece of table shrimp in there the other day but she just pecked at it a bit and that was it. She did eat a piece of krill and I've still got clams to try. Ordered some freeze dried plankton as well. She does eye the snails and sometime pick at them. Is there any issues with a marine puffer being fed some Ramshorn snails, if she'd eat them? Can't think of any saltwater snails that would be easy for her to really eat, in terms of their shells.

I was under the impression she would, that tobys puffers ate seaweed/algae.

I feed every 2-3 days and always put some of the seaweed/algae on a veggie clip. I have a starry blenny who was my first addition to the tank so the algae/seaweed has always been fed. This is in addition to what meaty food I'm feeding that day since I have a wrasse, two clowns, and now the puffer. So she's had the opportunity to eat the seaweed/algae quite a few times but I have not seen her touch it.

Just getting a little worried. Other than her being a picky eater she seems great. Not really shy any more and definitely active. Also haven't had any problems with her in terms of the other fish or corals (yet). She seems interested in the CUC from time to time but I haven't seen her actually eat any of the CUC. I wouldn't mind if she did so long as she was eating and those would help with her teeth as well.

[Pufferpunk]

I ABSOLUTELY WOULD NOT ADD A DOGFACE!!! Plain enough???

I didn't really think about having to pull it in and out in terms of space, was just looking at if it would fit in the sump/stand. Hmm..

Exactly!

[*GSP*Fan*]

Any other foods I'm overlooking for a toby/smaller puffer? I remember worms being mentioned, which I can try, I'll just have to see where I can get them first. Just expected her to eat a bit better or be more aggressive with food than she is. Also expected her to eat enough at a time to see her stomach get rounded. I've got a clam thawing in the fridge so that'll be my next try tomorrow.

Placed an order with Dr Fosters and Smith for Reef Crystals (I do have a full box of the 200g mix of Kents I haven't used yet as well), Purigen 100ml with mesh bag, and Jager 250w heater.

I ABSOLUTELY WOULD NOT ADD A DOGFACE!!! Plain enough???

I didn't really think about having to pull it in and out in terms of space, was just looking at if it would fit in the sump/stand. Hmm..

Exactly!

Yeah, understood. Just was thinking aloud mainly. I realized fairly quickly there would be more cons than pros with the addition of a dogface, trying to talk myself out of it I guess. Not happy about that but oh well.

Issues with a Foxface and toby puffer? I know lions and puffers don't mix so had my doubts about the foxface as well.

Or any other suggestion in term of stocking are great too. I obviously will be waiting a bit before adding any more fish and will add slowly at that. Just have some free time while at work a lot and like to spend time looking into things like this for the tank. I enjoy reading as is and especially when its about something I actually enjoy, feel little different about some subjects for class though.

Still haven't order the skimmer, still debating here. Leaning towards the Bubble Magus though because it is smaller. I'll have to double check the best I can to figure out what to look for in size when it comes to pulling the skimmer in and out. Still can't believe I didn't think about that to begin with.

[PufferMe!]

Hey, GSP Fan, I wanted to mention I was at my LFS store picking up fish food, and saw your same Toby puffer. So cute!! I really like them, but have decided to not get a puffer. . . for now. This one was about 3" and very curious. I put my finger to the glass and she was interested. Cute

[*GSP*Fan*]

Hey, GSP Fan, I wanted to mention I was at my LFS store picking up fish food, and saw your same Toby puffer. So cute!! I really like them, but have decided to not get a puffer. . . for now. This one was about 3" and very curious. I put my finger to the glass and she was interested. Cute

Thanks! She is cute, I hadn't seen one in person and had my LFS order her for me. Happy with my decision though.

Thats the same size as mine and sounds like her personality too

She was definitely shy at first and stayed behind the rock work but now she's always out in the open. She's definitely a curious little thing now.

I understand not wanting to risk it now. So far I know I've gotten lucky and know that can change. I have extra tanks though if that happens.

[supgirl]

Any other foods I'm overlooking for a toby/smaller puffer? I remember worms being mentioned, which I can try, I'll just have to see where I can get them first. Just expected her to eat a bit better or be more aggressive with food than she is. Also expected her to eat enough at a time to see her stomach get rounded. I've got a clam thawing in the fridge so that'll be my next try tomorrow.

I feel your pain GSP Fan, I have a Toby (Valentini) too and she has been such a joy these past 6 weeks, but man oh man is she a picky eater. She comes to the front anytime I walk by the tank and fans her tail and gives me those big blue puppy dog eyes.

I have tried raw shrimp, clams, squid, silver slides, live worms, snails, ghost shrimp (numerous live ones in the tank with her and unless I catch one and feed it to her, she pretty much leaves them alone). I have hung sea weed in her tank and she swims up, looks at it and swims away. I've tried frozen peas and she will occasionally pick at it, but the ghost shrimp enjoy them. I've tried not feeding her for a couple days, but feel so guilty when she keeps coming to the front.

I think she mostly wants a buffet. She will eat 4-6 bites of any of the items above and swim off, do a couple laps and come back for more, but unless it is something completely different, she'll look at me with this pissy look and swim off. This goes on a couple times before I've had enough and put everything away. BUT if I give her brine shrimp or mysis shrimp, she will eat for as long as I will feed her. Not sure what to think....