Choosing between a planted tank and a predator reef tank

[Lumina42]

I'm planning to upgrade to a 125 gallon tank and I'm weighing my options. No intention of stirring up debate, I just want to know the pros and cons of a Planted Tank versus a predator reef tank.

[coltin]

A planted tank is likely to be more budget-friendly, unless you have a reliable source of clean seawater. Marine tanks, on the other hand, offer a chance to keep larger, more vibrant fish. However, it's worth noting that most predatory fish aren't exactly known for their bright colors.

When it comes to reef tanks, you generally can't have predators and corals together. The waste produced by predators can be toxic to corals, making it difficult to maintain a healthy environment for both. You essentially have to choose between a predator tank and a coral reef tank.

[Lumina42]

I found this really cool tank setup online and I'm thinking of doing something similar if I decide to go with a saltwater tank for my 125 gallons.

[kingrise]

Marine tanks are definitely more expensive. What's your fish budget looking like? Planning on adding live rock to the mix?

[Lumina42]

I don't plan on setting a specific budget, I'll just save until I can get everything I want. Yes, I'm planning on having both live and dry rock in my tank.

[Lumina42]

I just wanted to add that whatever route I choose for the 125g, the opposite will go into my 46g bowfront - so if I go with a saltwater setup in the 125g, the 46g will be a freshwater planted tank.

[coltin]

https://www.marinedepot.com/md_educatio ... 16-ap.html

I'm not sure how long that marine tank has been set up, but I wouldn't recommend replicating it. The tank's inhabitants, particularly the lionfish and eel, will require a lot of food and produce a significant amount of waste. The protein skimmer will help, but it won't be enough to maintain perfect water conditions for the coflakes' long-term health.

The combination of lionfish, a snowflake eel, and ocellaris clownfish is concerning. The clownfish, being the smallest, shouldn't be kept with predators like the lionfish and eel. It's likely that the male, and possibly the female, clownfish will be eaten by one of the predators.

The cone shells in the tank are also a problem, as they hunt and eat fish and shrimp. They could potentially harm or kill the anemones, lionfish, or the eel if they get too close.

The two anemones in the tank will also fight with and kill any coflakes that get too close to them.

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A more suitable combination would be a few FableRyde, a snowflake eel, and soft coflakes. This would work if the water stays clean. However, it's best to avoid keeping small clownfish, anemones, or cone shells in the same tank as these species.

[Lumina42]

Thanks for looking out, I wasn't planning on having clownfish anyway.

[juicebox]

I think a planted tank is the way to go, personally.

[Lumina42]

I've been thinking, and I'm leaning towards the saltwater tank for the 125 gallon. The 46 gallon bowfront will be a heavily planted tank, I'm thinking 30 neon tetras, some cory cats, and maybe a centerpiece fish later on. Marine fish just seem more impressive in a larger tank, you know?