New hobbyist looking for advice

[Mgregory0067]

I am interested in starting a saltwater aquarium I really like lion fish and eels I have been doing some research into them by my main question is the aquarium. I found a good deal on an aquareon 125 gallon with stand. It has no Sump and I am not sure if this would make a good aquarium for what I want. My question is would this make a good aquarium and how would I go about setting it up as is? Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Peace River]

I am interested in starting a saltwater aquarium I really like lion fish and eels I have been doing some research into them by my main question is the aquarium. I found a good deal on an aquareon 125 gallon with stand. It has no Sump and I am not sure if this would make a good aquarium for what I want. My question is would this make a good aquarium and how would I go about setting it up as is? Any input is greatly appreciated.

I think it is great that you want to start a saltwater aquarium and I would like to share a few things for you to think about. If this is your first SW tank then you may want to consider starting with some beginner fish while you learn the details of water quality, flow, lighting, and much more. One of my main mentors would always respond when I went to him with a problem where I couldn't get the fish to do what they were supposed to do - "Fish don't read". So while research is important, experience is also essential.

About the tank, the normal dimensions of a 125g is 72Lx18Wx24H so the tank is long but not very deep so if/when you add rock structure then there is not a lot of extra room on the width of the tank for larger fish to navigate. IMO, I prefer a 120g over a 125g because of the dimensions. Additionally, although you can use a HOB overflow, you are better of having a tank that is drilled for the water that will drain to the sump (it doesn't sound like the 125g is drilled so you will need to figure out how to get it drilled or work around that issue).

Can you get away with a tank that isn't drilled? Can you get away without a sump? Can you get away with a narrow tank? Yes, on all of the above - just realize that each limitation comes with its own issues. Whatever direction you decide to go I wish you the best of luck!

 

[lion king]

If you like lionfish and eels, do your research and get lionfish and eels. 1st off if that's the tank I think it is, you will need a sump. If you don't want to spend a few hundred on one, you could do a diy for around $100. Petco is having their $1 gallon sale, great time to pick up a tank to build a sump. Check out the DIY Forum.

As far as lionfish go, check out the Predator Forum, you'll also find good info on eels. A volitan lion would work well in a 125g, and is an easy lion to care for, as long as you do your research. There are a few pebbletooth eels, like a snowflake, skeletor, and zebra that would work well with a lion and also be good eels for a beginner as well as anyone. You can add some small tangs and dwarf angels in that size tank and they go well with lions and eels, harlequin tusk also fits well with those fish.

I always suggest researching what you like, and go for it, you will regret settling for anything that does not fascinate you.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Great advice so far, so just popped in to say #WelcometoR2R

 

[Max!]

Good stuff! There are also dwarf lion fish if you don't want to go as big . I would highly recommend a sump. HIGHLY.

 

[jaxredsoxfan]

I third the sump recommendation, better to do it now. Predator tanks are awesome. Try and find a lion that's eating dead food- by nature they want to chase and gulp. A lot of times they are fed guppies or mollies and that's fine if you want to have a second tank or way to keep food handy. They can be trained to eat from a skewer- used to feed mine pieces of dead shrimp/clams from an acrylic rod. Good luck, they can make an awesome display fish.

 

[Is this the LFS]

That is a pretty good size. But with a tank that size and the stock you want, you will probably want a sump because you need quite a bit of filtration. I’m actually gonna be setting up a 40 gallon breeder with dwarf lionfish and I’m pumped

 

[Mgregory0067]

Thanks for the all the feedback everybody! So much good information! What would a good sump to get? I’ve been looking through them and not too sure what features to look for.

 

[Auquanut]

Welcome to R2R. I have a Trigger Systems Crystal 36 sump on my 125, but as has been stated before, you can make your own for much cheaper. My 125 was pre-drilled with 2 overflows, so it's kind of a different situation. One thing I would mention is that with a tank that long, you're going to want a lot of flow. Before you start drilling and plumbing, you might consider 2 overflows and 2 returns.