Another Person Setting Up First Marine Tank, Could Use Some Advice

[Tony44]

Well here are pics of the tank that I am buying. This is a different one then what I said I was going to buy. I was wondering. Do you guys think it would be a better buy, or a better idea to buy this one, that comes with a catshark, a type of grouper, about 50lbs of liverock, sand, already establised tank so I wouldnt have to wait, wet dry with sump, 4X96 watt lights, and I think a skimmer. This obviously sounds like the better deal, but my question is will I be able to still make a sump, or refugium with this tank, even though it is not drilled?

The other tank comes with just the tank, stand, canopy, and a UV sterilizer, but the tank is drilled.



Which is better BTW, a fuge or sump? I have got mix reviews on that, but from the sound of it I think I want to make a refugium. But anyways, I would appreciate if you guys told me which would be the better buy, and if I can still make a refugium or sump onto this tank even though it is not drilled? And will it still be as effective? And what do you guys know about catsharks?

Thanks

 

[Ter]

well, I feel like that tank is a waste with the catshark and the tank is to small for that type of fish. The real question is... what do YOU want? what direction do you want this tank 2 take? do you want a reef with hermit crabs? clowns? corals? ect... do you want a fish only tank?



you can have a sump with a large refugium...
Ter

 

[Tony44]

I dont plan on keeping the catshark, I want to buy the whole setup, then sell the grouper and the catshark.

And I would like to turn this tank into a reef, with hermit crabs, inverts, and have a peaceful reef community.

Will I still be able to have the refugium even though my tank is not drilled? Will it be as effective?

 

[Ter]

well in that set of images.. I see a bioballs, a skimmer and a return pump... so if it isnt drilled it might have an overflow.... there is water activity under the tank...
Ter

 

[Tony44]

Forgive me because I am new to this, but where is the skimmer? Which device/thing is it? I have seen skimmers before, but I dont see one in that picture.

I know you and Ski told me that I wouldnt even need a wet/dry, and that if I got enough rock, I wouldnt even need a filter. Do you think it would be a better idea to keep this wet dry, or to get rid of it, get rid of the sump, and just make a refugium?

Thanks

 

[Ter]

3rd picture, far right with a black wire beside it.. looks like a tube.. might also be water in.
humm, keep the pipes, rebuild a sump with large refugium... do you have more details about the tank?
Ter

 

[Tony44]

Well what do you need to know? I am going to pick up the tank tomorrow, so I will be able to take as many pictures of everything, and show them.

But what do you need to know for now?

 

[Ter]

tank volume, sump flow... for now
Ter

 

[Tony44]

Its a 125, 72X20X18or20.

I am not sure about the sump flow or anything like that.

Would you, or anyone else happen to know about catsharks? This shark is cool, but a 125 is not enough room so I want to sell it. Its close to 2 foot long, just wondering where I could sell it at? And how much these sharks at this size normally go for?

 

[Ter]

100$US about I guess
Ter

 

[SkiFletch]

Yeah thats prolly about right