The Puffer Forum

I would like to get a brackish tank set up for a couple figure 8's but I'm still only in the research stage. Currently the tank I have is set up strictly as fresh water and is 40g. It's been running for about 5 months and currently has 2 jewel cichlids housed in it. I am also in the process of cycling them a new home in a 25g. I've read a few articles about brackish set ups and have a few questions about what kinds of equipment I would need? Would it be similar to a full marine set up or could I just use the equipment I have for the freshwater set up? Are there any additional pieces I would need? I already have a hydrometer and know that I would need to purchase marine salt.

Also what would you recommend as my stocking limit for figure 8s for the 40g?

Thank you!

have you read:
ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Brackish/T_Biocellatus/ ??

Yes I have. But it doesn't really say what type of equipment to use, which is what I'm most confused about.

Yes normal FW equipment does the job. Its marine when you need all kinds of stuff. BW with a HOB filter or a below the tank canister filter would be better but both work fine. Don't raise or lower the SG by .002 a week either. I'd to two or three tops in a 40 gal.

As its going to be lowe end brackish for F8's standard equipment you would use in FW is fine, most of it these days is suitable for FW and Marine so whatever you have should be fine. I would probably say 3 F8's for a 40G

Freshwater equipment is fine, except you'll want to avoid anything that splashes, like biowheels or bubble wands/stones. Salt creep is a crunchy white coating of salt that forms anywhere the water spashes, even tiny little spashes like the bubbles popping will cause it. This will eat into things like the paint on the wall, woodwork, dressers, etc.

So don't place the tank too close to the wall, be sure you have room.. I found out the hard way what salt can do if the filter is too close and the salt creep gets on the wall. It makes a big nasty mess and you'll be doing some painting!

Definitely wouldn't want to be doing any painting anytime soon Glad to hear I wouldn't need to get any new equipment. Also I will move the aquarium out a bit from the wall. I have a glass cover on it to help with the splashing and I do have 2 bubble stones in there right now which I can transfer to one of my fresh water tanks. I'm sure the dp's would appreciate them Thanks for the tip! Should I consider a power head or something for extra cirrculation?

Also not sure exactly what HOB filter means The one I have is a regular power filter.

I'm getting so excited about making the move to brackish and Figure 8s I think they are just so cute

That should explain what HOB stands for

http://ozsoapbox.com/goldfish/filtering ... b-filters/

Thanks, guess I already have one of those