Thinking of setting up a RBTA Tank...

[Aaarrrggg]

Ok, so I'm very tempted to set up a (more or less) dedicated RBTA tank and maybe try to follow in the footsteps of mobert and see if I can raise some clowns and get a happy little family group.

I had RBTAs in my last tank (55g) and they did very well, so I think I should be able to get them going no problem. I haven't ever raised clownfish before, but I'll cross that bridge if/when I get to it.

Right now I need to figure out a shopping list and if this is even attainable.

Tank
We like to looks of the Oceanic 90g Bowfront (48"x18"x29")... although they seem hard to come by. If not Oceanic then something similar; that shape is perfect for where we have in mind.

Sump
If it's not RR then I'd like to get it drilled and have as large a sump as possible underneath with skimmer, ATO & heater. Anything else recommended for RBTAs? I refugium would be nice if I can fit it.

Lights
Would AI Sol Blues be ok for this deep a tank? How many do you think I'd need for happy RBTAs?

Powerheads
Some sort of Vortechs (with covers!) I'll have to investigate models for this size tank.

Live Rock
Marco Rock. Nice and holey for those nem feet!

Stock
- Flame RBTA: Thinking of "investing" in a rare one and then encouraging it to spread... hopefully start selling them off later when we get overrun.
- Black Photon Clownfish Pair: see if we can make more!
- Some sort of Boxfish: Odd one in the mix I know. My husband really wants a "big personality" fish and these guys certainly fit the bill. We looked around online and opinions seem mixed on their compatibility and size.
- CUC: critters that could handle the boxfish! Big turbos perhaps?

So what does everyone think? Doable? Any suggestions?

 

[VitalApparatus]

My advise it to allow the nems some time alone in the tank before adding the clowns.Couple weeks at least.

 

[Aaarrrggg]

I'd definitely want to leave it 6mths before adding any nems. I guess that would mean setting it all up and leaving it fallow for 1/2yr. Mind you, biologically speaking I'd have thought it would do better having some sort of fish in there during that time... Hmmm. I'd be going for occ/perc hybrids, so at least they'd be relatively gentle if they were added first. If they caused a problem I could always separate them for a little while for the nem to get comfortable.

Unfortunately this project might be on the back burner for now. It all came about because we had some unfortunate deaths in my Hubby's fancy goldfish tank. That tank has been nothing but trouble, everything we try seems to blow up in our faces, (paint coming off ornaments and clouding the water, filter not being strong enough, new filter sucking in fish!) Geeze, whoever said fresh was easier than salt was lying! I was ready to pack it in and just set up this "easier" tank instead, but we've invested so much in this freshwater tank now that we decided to keep trying for a while longer.

I'm kinda bummed because I always wanted a huge RBTA tank! :lol:
If anyone still has any advice though I'll be happy to listen. I definitely want to do something along these lines one day.