Nebbie here researching/planning for a reef tank

[Antics]

I appreciate that info. Whats a rough number of fish that a 40 gallon breeder can hold if running a sump and refuguim? After reading through some of the "starting a saltwater posting" I have determined I will not be doing coral because I want a dog faced puffer.

Can't really give you a blanket answer for this because it really depends on the size and type of fish. You're probably going to be able to keep 4-6 reasonable size fish in it. 40 Breeders are nice because they have the 18" width which makes aquascaping a lot more forgiving and really allows for a bit more creativity. If you're doing FOWLR you probably aren't going to need a refugium. You can definitely do it if you want but the nutrient export issues in a non-reef tank are much less of a priority. Its an added cost and maintenance task you might want to avoid.

I don't want to rain on your parade but Dog Face Puffers get pretty big. I've seen them easily reach 8+ inches in a year or two. That size fish isn't really going to work well in a 40 breeder, and the fish you typically keep in that size tank will become a viable food source for the puffer instead of pets.

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Welcome to R2R Kyle!

 

[4FordFamily]

Welcome home, you will love it here!

Keep us posted with your build with tons of photos!

 

[4FordFamily]

Can't really give you a blanket answer for this because it really depends on the size and type of fish. You're probably going to be able to keep 4-6 reasonable size fish in it. 40 Breeders are nice because they have the 18" width which makes aquascaping a lot more forgiving and really allows for a bit more creativity. If you're doing FOWLR you probably aren't going to need a refugium. You can definitely do it if you want but the nutrient export issues in a non-reef tank are much less of a priority. Its an added cost and maintenance task you might want to avoid.

I don't want to rain on your parade but Dog Face Puffers get pretty big. I've seen them easily reach 8+ inches in a year or two. That size fish isn't really going to work well in a 40 breeder, and the fish you typically keep in that size tank will become a viable food source for the puffer instead of pets.

Agree, well-put!

 

[n4soccer06]

That's good to know that if I'm doing FOWLR that I don't have to run a refuguim. Is a sump still the best option? I would still to like to keep the equipment off the back of the tank. If a sump is still the best option and I don't run a refuguim, anyone have suggestions on the biological filter? I knew that puffers can get big. I read that they can get to 6+ inches. Which is why I was looking to do 60ish gallon.

Can't really give you a blanket answer for this because it really depends on the size and type of fish. You're probably going to be able to keep 4-6 reasonable size fish in it. 40 Breeders are nice because they have the 18" width which makes aquascaping a lot more forgiving and really allows for a bit more creativity. If you're doing FOWLR you probably aren't going to need a refugium. You can definitely do it if you want but the nutrient export issues in a non-reef tank are much less of a priority. Its an added cost and maintenance task you might want to avoid.

I don't want to rain on your parade but Dog Face Puffers get pretty big. I've seen them easily reach 8+ inches in a year or two. That size fish isn't really going to work well in a 40 breeder, and the fish you typically keep in that size tank will become a viable food source for the puffer instead of pets.

 

[Antics]

That's good to know that if I'm doing FOWLR that I don't have to run a refuguim. Is a sump still the best option? I would still to like to keep the equipment off the back of the tank. If a sump is still the best option and I don't run a refuguim, anyone have suggestions on the biological filter? I knew that puffers can get big. I read that they can get to 6+ inches. Which is why I was looking to do 60ish gallon.

You should use a sump whenever possible in my opinion. There is really no downside to running a sump other than cost and needing space. If those two issues aren't a problem then always plan a tank around it in my opinion.

 

[n4soccer06]

What would be a good price for 250lbs of dry reef rock?

 

[hdsoftail1065]

It depends on what kind of rock your looking for. Prices vary depending on where you buy and what kind of rock you want. I bought mine from Billy's reef connection. About $2.00 per pound, it's nice rock.

Looking at your post you said you are looking for a 50-65 gal tank, you must have more builds in the future planned for 250lbs.

 

[n4soccer06]

Got yeah. I was interested because I found someone local that is selling a 60 gallon Oceanic reef tank and he said he had 250lbs of dry reef rock. I was thinking if it looked good I might buy some of it. Haha, not planning on buying all 250lbs of it. I thinking my wife shot me if I came home with 250lbs of just rock, lol.

 

[n4soccer06]

What do you guys thinking of this tank? I have offered him $150 for the tank, stand and sump and he has accepted that offer. Not sure the cost of the rock yet. I know everything needs some major cleaning but he said the glass is in great shape. I plan on painting the stand white if I clean it up.

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/for/d/oceanic-60-gallon-reef-tank/6638838187.html

 

[Fudsey]

You may want it water tested before you give him money just to protect yourself

 

[n4soccer06]

I was thinking the same thing.

You may want it water tested before you give him money just to protect yourself