Starting a new 46 gallon tank

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richieb

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Aug 30, 2009
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Hey all, I am starting a new saltwater tank and am looking for some advice on which way to go, eqipment wise. The only thing I have now is the tank (a 46-gallon bowfront with stand); I need to get everything else.

What I would like is for this tank to be saltwater, with live rock and a long horned cowfish in residence.

So, what would you recommend in terms of filtration, other equipment, inverts and fish to go with a cowfish?

Thanks,

Richard
 
richieb said:
Hey all, I am starting a new saltwater tank and am looking for some advice on which way to go, eqipment wise. The only thing I have now is the tank (a 46-gallon bowfront with stand); I need to get everything else.

What I would like is for this tank to be saltwater, with live rock and a long horned cowfish in residence.

So, what would you recommend in terms of filtration, other equipment, inverts and fish to go with a cowfish?

Thanks,

Richard
Click to expand...

Congrats on taking the marine tank plunge. I don't mean to rain on any parades but 46g is FAR too small for a long horned cowfish. Because they can grow to well over a foot (16" or so), they require tanks 100g+ and ideally 150g+. Also, I have read that they are not particularly reef/invert friendly so keep that in mind if you were planning a reef tank.

As far as equipment, some of the things to think about would be substrate (argonite, live sand, etc), live rock, protein skimmer, wet/dry filter (or sump), heaters, salt mix, Hydrometer or refractometer, holding tub (for aging the water), RO/DI kit for making water, test kits, trace elements, food... just to name a few
 
My first and current salt tank is a 46 bow and is IMO a great starter tank. The only equipment I run is a remora c pro HOB skimmer and a couple of power heads and a heater. I have a lot of live rock that handles all the filtration.

There are many cool fish you can get for that size tank. The big thing is start right - rock and reef sand are the basis for everything that follows. Make sure you study to find the right substrate. I had crush coral and was very unhappy and did a major change to get Fiji pink sand, which I am very happy with.

Take your time - the building is the best part.
JWG
 
Thanks for the advice, all. That's a real pity that you think the tank is too small for a cowfish. Are there any sort of cowfish that might work in a tank that size?
 
richieb said:
Thanks for the advice, all. That's a real pity that you think the tank is too small for a cowfish. Are there any sort of cowfish that might work in a tank that size?
Click to expand...

The few species that I know about all get over 12" full gorwn so I think you may have to look into another similar looking species. Perhaps a Saddle Valentini Puffer or spotted puffer? But keep in mind that these are not reef compatible.
 
Thanks, I'll look into the puffers.

Jayghmi, how much live rock do you have in your tank? I'm not planning on putting any coral in there, but I do want to use live rock and a few crawly things...
 
I have a lot!!!! It is sort of an addiction. In all honesty I have lost track. I will try and venture a guess maybe 80lbs???? probably more.
 
Dang, is there any room in there for fish :-) ?

Seriously, though, I like the idea of a tank that has a minimum of filters, etc, so how much live rock would I need to have your sort of setup?
 
Ideally I like to keep at least 1lb per gallon and 1.5 if possible. I have 90lbs ish in my 75g. I don't really have much room for any more. I could put more in the front but I like the open swimming area.

Here is a picture to show how my rockscape is.

4954ab2cd90c93b8.png
 
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