The Puffer Forum

So, I was talking to the BF about it, and we were tossing around the idea of possibly, maybe setting up a tank for a GSP. I was trying to explain the set up to him and why it was cheaper than a brackish water tank, and I am having a hard time doing so because I am so new myself. I was also looking for those pics that PP linked of her sump and refugium (sp?) and couldn't find them. I am sorry, it's a ton to ask, would you guys mind giving advice on a new marine tank set up? If we wanted a 55 gallon marine set up for a GSP, what size tanks would we need for the two bottom tanks? (I am not sure it's called a sump the more I think about it). Sorry, dumb it down for me. This is my first step of research. I am still combing the forum looking for more things to read. Thank you guys!

You don't need a sump to set up a marine tank, a FOWLR can be a pretty simple set up of aragonite sand, liverock 1.5 to 2 lbs per galllon, circulation pumps, and eventually, if not initially, a skimmer would be recommended.
It *can* be more elaborate, but it doesn't have to be in order to be a successful set up.

sevenyearnight wrote:You don't need a sump to set up a marine tank, a FOWLR can be a pretty simple set up of aragonite sand, liverock 1.5 to 2 lbs per galllon, circulation pumps, and eventually, if not initially, a skimmer would be recommended.
It *can* be more elaborate, but it doesn't have to be in order to be a successful set up.

How often do you do WCs on Balki's (I hope i spelled that right) tank? How often would a 55 gallon need? Sorry, trying to sway the BF hahahaha. I need to come to him with complete information so he can see my way of thinking

For my GSP I change the water 50% every weekend and sometimes a 25% change midweek if Pig has been particularly messy with his eating.

I am personally hoping to lessen the waterchanges once the live rock, uv filter, skimmer are all in.

Not quite at full marine yet though.

I have read everywhere that a marine set up is way cheaper than say, a brackish. Why is that? Is that because of the skimmer, filtration etc? Sorry, please forgive my lack of knowledge.

goldielocke76 wrote:I have read everywhere that a marine set up is way cheaper than say, a brackish. Why is that? Is that because of the skimmer, filtration etc? Sorry, please forgive my lack of knowledge.

The initial setup is definitely much more expensive but just like you I read that over time its cheaper due to less water changes. If this holds true for the mess that that puffers make I have no idea.

When Balki and Orangjello were in the 29 galllon FOWLR, because that tank size is considered too small, I did weekly water changes of about 5 gallons sometimes less. The nitrates were always undetectable. When the tank did not have enough live rock, the nitrates would get to about 10 ppm in about a week.
I don't yet know what his water change schedule will be now that he and Orangjello are in a bigger tank.

My tank is reef ready--drilled, with a built in overflow.

Ive been told that with enough LR that you can get away with a wter change was a month.

Which saves you on salt

I just set up one and the most expensive part was the LR. I had about 70 bucks in rock, 35 for a circulation pump, and 15 bucks for premixed SW. I already had a tank and stand and a old filter(empty) for added water movement

I do them about every 3-4 weeks but have about 2.5lbs/g.