Future Shark/Ray setup

[aust10n]

Hello,

This is my first and am seeking some guidance. I have been doing extensive research on sharks and rays with intent on having a shark/ray aquarium in a couple of years. Through my research I have learned that the larger the aquarium the better. By needing to have a larger tank to adequately house these guys I plan on putting this together in two years. In the mean time I an actively planning the design and needs of this habitat. Thus far I have the following and I want the input of the community.

Currently I am looking to house a couple coral catshark, a cortez ray, and possibly a papua new guinea epaulette. The tank will have approximately 4" of fine sand, with very little live rock. Enough live rock will be added to have a comfortable hiding spot.

Tank: 300g 8x3x2

Sump: 100g
Chamber 1; the water will flow through a filter sock, ceramic biomedia, and the protein skimmer.
Chamber 2; will be filled with live rock, and some snails to keep the live rock clean.
Chamber 3; water heater and return pump

A 10-14g auto top off.

I would like to introduce approximately 100-120 nassarius snails, and 100-120 trochus snails.

Am I currently in the right direction?

 

[Zoodiver]

It's s better start than I've seen many try.
Just make sure you have a very good (large) pt skimmer going. With sharks/rays, the more mechanical filtration you run, the better off you will be.

Depending on the ambient air temp and size for your pump, you might not need the heater.

Are you thinking glass or acrylic for the tank?

 

[Betta132]

Why don't you get a conch or two and cut down on the nassarius? Maybe also add some pincushion or tuxedo urchins instead of quite that many snails. Not longspines, though- too sharp.

 

[alprazo]

Couple of things

I do not rec any snails with sharks and rays. Flukes (monogenia) are a very common problem. Prazi doesn't work for all and snail are required to complete the life cycle for many.

You could also cut down on the depth of the sand bed. The ray won't stir it up that much or dig that deep.

To my knowledge, PNG eppies are no longer being imported into the US. The halmahera would probably be a good alternative.

Size is OK for the coral cats. Larger is better.

Spend your money on kaldnes or even bio ball media instead of live rock. Degassing, biological filtration, and protein skimming is the way to go. I personally like bead filters for biological filtration and polishing the water, but they are pricey and the back washing can be wasteful without a very large blower.

Also buy a siphon / vacuum to take away waste when you see it. They are very messy.

 

[aust10n]

Thanks for the insight and suggestions. I plan on getting a glass tank. Only because I've read that an acrylic tank could potentially bow under the weight of the water.

I was not aware that snails were not a good fit for the sharks. I'll certainly scratch them and research the conch and urchins.


I did some reading on the kalends filtration and it seems like a great option. Especially that it is 'self cleaning' and appears to last quite awhile without needing to be replaced. What would you recommend for a degasser?

 

[bfin3]

I have no experience with sharks and rays but I do think you should think about around 40 gallons for the ato. My 50 gallon reef loses 5 gallons of water to evaporation in about 2 days. Of course your lighting and heat conditions will be different but you'll need more than 10 gallons. You'll want it to be able to last long enough to go on vacation and such. I'd consider acrylic with that size tank. If its properly thick it won't bow.

 

[alprazo]

If the acrylic tank is made with properly sized acrylic, it will cost less, weigh less and provide a better r-factor for insulation. It won't sweat if you use a chiller either.

I filled a 5 foot 6" pvc pipe with bio balls and discharge water into it from the top. At the bottom I have a large air stone and an alita pump pushing air up. The outlet has a valve to keep water about 6" high in the pipe. I plan to vent the degas to the outside. It has a cooling effect too for summer months.

 

[TNTtropical]

Like Zoo said you are on a better path than most. Keep asking good questions you are well are your way.