Anyone with a Cape/West Coast aquarium?
Was wondering what the pros and cons might be of such a system.
Was wondering what the pros and cons might be of such a system.
Cape West Coast Aquarium
- Thread starter Riekert Botha
- Start date
Is harvesting your own livestock the only option of supplying a coldwater tank?
There are cold water suppliers in the US, so I'd imaging there are near you too.
Pity most of the cold water species fish are not really colorful. The inverts are. Nice color urchins and sea stars.
Keeping the temperature below 18, better at below 16 is the challenge. You will need an oversize chiller.
Couple of years ago an old MASA member did run a big cold water system. He was from Cape Town area. Cannot remember his name, sorry.
Keeping the temperature below 18, better at below 16 is the challenge. You will need an oversize chiller.
Couple of years ago an old MASA member did run a big cold water system. He was from Cape Town area. Cannot remember his name, sorry.
The systems I've seen did use chillers but used commercial lobster tanks which are double-wall very thick acrylic.
Riaan, if my system is 200cm x 80cm (wide) and 70cm (deep), what sort of chiller would be ideal without going for the very best the market has to offer?
I am actually looking at displaying only local fish. There are amazing fish in the cape waters - not to mention nudibrancs and the like. Its something I could combine with my scuba diving hobby.
However, are permits available for undersized protected species?
Unless you a research institute, then you wont be able to get them.
Looking at a chiller for a 1000L system at least. If normal marine tan.
Your case I would go for a chiller rated for a 2000L system, or for 2 chillers rated for 1000L each. If something goes wrong with the one you still got backup.
Your case I would go for a chiller rated for a 2000L system, or for 2 chillers rated for 1000L each. If something goes wrong with the one you still got backup.
Is there a specific brand you would recommend?
leslie hempel
Professional Aquarist
you'd need to assess your surroundings of where your tank is placed to see what effect it has on your tank. definatley try go bigger on your chiller than required to ensure it is strong enough and wont labour. this may assist with stretching its lifespan.
I do really like the catalina goby though. Was sooo tempted to keep one but would have reduced its lifespan in my tank
