Newbie looking for advice

[Tim85]

First off hi everyone.

Secondly comes the essay...

So ive never kept any fish before so forgive any ignorance or anything thats miss worded. Me and my gf own a tattoo shop and we decided that itd be cool to set up a marine tank so its something to keep our customers attention and give them something to look at whilst getting some pain.

Anyway after talking to our local shop we put a deposit down on an ex display tank. (naively i didnt note the gallon size but i think it was 4ftx2x3 high, around that size) And were off in the next few days to get filter/skimmer/lights etc and getting it all set up and ready for next month.

Being fish beginners weve been advised to stick to a fish only setup and ive kind of got my heart on a porcupine puffer. I think itl need a tank upgrade by the time its an adult which is fine.

So basically i need advice on what can live with them and not get bullied/eaten and any tips. The fish have to be interesting and colourfull for people to look at if possible

[Pufferpunk]

A porcy would definitely keep folk's interest, it'll be like having a wet puppy in there!
If you are correct on those measurements, then that should suffice for a singleton. See if the shop can supply enough live rock for that tank (1 1/2-2lbs/gal) Make caves for him to hand out in. Are you going to plumb in a sump?

[Tim85]

to be honest id never heard of a sump until just now. The shop guy never mentioned it. Just had a quick read about them, Is it something that can be added later. Is it basically a 'reserve' tank that cycles into the main tank that contains extra filtration? So increases the capacity and making it more stable?

[bertie 83]

That's around 170 usg. Are you adding a sump? Welcome to the forum. +1 to adding plenty of live rock.

[bertie 83]

Just realised I asked the same question lol. Yes it's main function is filtration, it's very handy to keep your heaters etc in. You are best off starting with it, adding one later can be a pita

[Pufferpunk]

Best to have the tank drilled for a sump to be plumbed into it.