help with an estuary tank

[cro117]

hi, i'm thinking of setting up a tank as an estuarine type biotope and i was wondering if anyone could offer a little help.

specifically i was thinking of setting this tank up for terripin turtles as a florida estuary biotope. i'm currently in the proccess of trying to collect more information on possible tank mates and even tank decor.the tank is a 240, i may or may not do a sump. i'm thinking salinity will probably be around 1.014-1.018.

so basically i'm looking for help with:

A tank style/decor. for example, what types of rock should i use? calcium carbonate base rock (live rock), lava rock, quartz, or granit?

B any species suggestions for an estuarine type tank, especially "marine" species that could do well in brackish water, such as chromis, blue leg hermits, etc. along with any plant suggestions.

and C, any websites or forums that would have information on setting up an estuarine type tank.

 

[Subsea]

In most of my present tanks, I have gone to lagoon bio themes. I use 1" deep aroggonite substrate because of its superior buffering and trace mineral addittion. Rock is used for structure and decoration.
Considering the habitate you have selected, I suggest using some type of mud and macro filter. In my reef tanks, I use a refugium to do that function. In your case, it could easily be included in your display tank.
Good fortune on your venture.
Patrick

 

[cro117]

when you say rock, exactly what kind do you mean? i have set up many different freshwater habitats, as well as the standard reed habitat. currently i'm working on a shoreline sea-grass theme with a few liberties, but i've never really done a florida estuary, nor have i really seen one.

the little footage i have found on youtube and a few other sources has only shown me mud with some mangrove saplings jutting out. i'd like to figure out all the materials i have to work with though for the setup i'm attempting. stuff like driftwood and stones/rock. i believe as i delve deeper in this i might find it to be more of a freshwater then marine.