Attempting my first FOWLR tank, but a few questions...

[yespuhyren]

I've never done saltwater before, and had some questions about pricing and would possibly like some advice. I am 18, and will be getting a new tank regardless, and would prefer to make it saltwater instead of another freshwater tank.

First of all, the tank that I'm looking at purchasing is 120 Gallons. The SINGLE most important thing for this tank would be having a nice puffer fish.

So, I have a few questions:

1) What would you say the approximate cost is to make a tank saltwater with all the filters, pumps, etc for a tank this size.

2) What pufferfish could be a nice, large, and not overly expensive, and would do well in a tank this size.

3) What other fish would I be able to keep with it?

 

[Petstorejunkie]

1. the cost of everything minus the tank stand canopy and strip light i would say will run you anywhere from 200-400, depending what brand etc. if you want to get technical and do it yourself you can build a sump out of a 30L or 40 breeder tank mag drive and a protein skimmer for around 150, but i dont reccomend this option if you have never done it before.
2. all puffers, with the exception of the tiny tobies are going to out grow your tank, but if you are willing to upgrade in several years, i would say do a cool color morph of a dogface (yellow belly, dalmation, or black) for one of those you can generally find one 4-5" for anywhere from $80-200.
3. tangs, angels, hogfish, some say you can do triggers and lions, but i am against combining these fish because the triggers depending on species can get nasty, and the puffers can nip the fins of the lion and end up with a spine. generally match for personality first. i have kept just about every type of fish with my puffers and most have done well, but i study the fish's personality ALOT before it takes up residence in my home.

 

[warren4066]

i'd say about 500 bucks, all i have is alot of LR and a good skimmer with good water movement.