Will this setup be big enough

[Sturgeon]

Right now I have a 55 gal. tank and it is home to a Porcupine Puffer and a Volitan Lionfish. They are both babies (2 in. or less in length). I was wanting to upgrade and wondering if a 120 gal would be enough room for the both of them. This is my first time on this discussion board so I hope I did this right. Also, I have a Aqua Clear 300 filter and a Cascade 300 filter on the 55gal will that be enough filtration for these two fish on the 120?

 

[shawnz28]

I feel tank size would be fine and I am glad to see you are going to upgrade to give these growing fish more room. Though as for filtration you will want more than what you have. That is a lot more water to clean. If you are going with a 120 consider getting one that is drilled which would allow you a sump, more water movement and oxygen in the water. Also it would give you a place for a nice protein skimmer and heater out of the tank.

 

[Len]

In my opinion, a 120g is plenty big for both fish.

For your new tank, I agree with shawn. Go with a protein skimmer and some live rock and aragonite sand as your filtration. Power filters really aren't preferred for marine aquarium use. Live rock and sand is the best and most natural way to filter a marine tank, and protein skimmers help assist in removing nutrients, especially for big, messy eaters like puffers

 

[Sturgeon]

Thanks for the advice. I purchased the 120 but between the tank and stand and everything else I needed I didn't have the budget for the protein skimmers, sumps, etc... I did buy a Cascade 500 to go along with the other two 300's (which was recommended buy the guy I bought the tank from). After I recover financially from the tank I will start looking into the protein skimmers and other filtering devices which I will again need advice on. One other question, how do I transfer the fish in the 55 to the 120? Because I know the water will be very cloudy at first.

 

[Len]

You should set up the 120 gallon and let it cycle just like any new tank. It'll take about 4-8 weeks before I recommend you can move any fish over. TO avoid damage to either fish, I recommend you scoop them out with a bucket, not a net.

 

[jandree22]

PLEASE tell me you named at least one of your fish 'Spike'! :lol:

 

[Sturgeon]

Sorry, named the Lion Boomer and my son named the Puffer, what else but Puffy. I heard that I could just transfer the water in my 55 to the 120 and the sand and filters and just add water to fill it without having to let the tank cycle for the 4-8 weeks. Is this o.k. to do? Also, I am trying to get the two to eat Silversides and it is not going very good. The puffer will take one bite then let the rest fall to the ground, the lion doesn't even attempt to go after the fish. I tried putting the silversides on a stick and making seem alive and that is not working well either. Any suggestions.