What type of filter media to use in a FOWLR tank?

[mlefessler]

Been involved with my 55-gallon brackish (figure-8 puffers and the likes) for a few years now (SG at around 1.008-1.010). Since it's tax return time, I figured I'd treat myself and get a 75-gallon tank to be set-up as an aggressive saltwater tank - porc puffer to be exact (I've got the puffer-crazy thing going....).

It gets delivered and set-up (which is free, to my surprise) on Saturday. I'm stoked and I can't wait....

Since I am not going full-out reef (I am no where NEAR ready to tackle that yet....perhaps next year's tax return will convince me otherwise), I am just going to use LR and a bio-wheel filter. My question lies in what filter media is best to use in saltwater conditions? I do not use carbon in my brackish, only if I need to remove some medications or such. Wise or not to use carbon in saltwater (especially during the cycling phase)?

Is there a possibility for a tank mate for a puffer? Seeing as I am special ordering a baby puffer (3-4"), he will have the tank to himself for AT LEAST a month, but I wish to add a tank mate when the time is right. I see tangs and wrasses are a popular choice, however I see a ton of puffers housed with a lionfish (those guys get HUGE....I don't think it would suit a 75-gallon) and a moray eel. I like the eel a lot, but isn't it true that the natural predator of a puffer are sharks and morays? Perhaps I should reconsider my information sources, but is there truth in that?

I thank those who took the time to read my stupid saltwater newbie questions. =) Doing my husbandry the right way...

[evelyn80]

you will need a good protein skimmer, a few power heads and alot of surface agitation. you will need approx 1ib LR/ gallon so u need approx 75 ibs of LR! use LR rubble in the media chamber of the filter. remember you want no dead spots in the tank. i dont know about tank mates for a puffer possibly another puffer? im not sure im still learning about stocking SW tanks!



LR - live rock

[Ace25]

Isn't the bare minimum with only 1 puffer in the tank 90G (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+39+244&pcatid=244)? Recommended size for a Porc Puffer 200+ gallons? They get HUGE and pretty quickly. I have seen them double in size in 6 months. I put one in a 55G tank, a very small baby, and I had to return it within 6 months because it quickly outgrew the tank. Max. Size (javascript:popupWindow('/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=10', 200, 500, 400, 100)): 1' 6"

[evelyn80]

http://www.theaquariumwiki.com/Porcupine_Puffer_Fish dunno how accurate but an idea on them

[mlefessler]

Hmm...perhaps I should rethink as far as stocking goes.

Can anyone else put in their two cents?

[Amphiprion]

Ace's size is accurate for these fish, primarily in the wild. In captivity, most specimens are slightly smaller, but still much too large for a 55g in the long term. They regularly reach around 1'.