350 gallos tank set up

[ayrton]

Hi Antony,
I'd like to have an important advice by you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm trying to set up a 400 gallon tank FOWLR with a 100 gls sump, in my new apartment, in which there will be 1 large clown trigger (9 inches) and 1 large arabian picasso (6 inches) 1 Guineafowl puffer (10 inches) 1 (chaetodon semilarvatus 6 inces) 1 Achilles tang (6 inches) and 1 chaetodon Kleinii (6 inches)- I have them now in my actual tank - therefore with very high bioload .
The question for you is:
I've read "The new marine aquarium" by Paletta and he thinks live rocks are able to handle larger fish bioload!
Is it possible to use (Berlin system) ONLY Live rocks with Caulerpa in my sump lighted 24/7. I think to put in the new 400 gallons tank + 100 gls sump 620 pound of live rocks in the main tank. Bedides I'll use a huge skimmer, Aquamedic 5000 twin (greater Aquamedic skimmer).
I'don't know if to use wet dry filter or a natural set up!
Do you think this set up (ONLY Live rocks + caulerpa) is able to handle that large bioload or it's better to use a wet/dry filter in congiunction with less live rock (400 pounds) and a refugium (only caulerpa without sand that is very expensive in Italy)?
Thank you for your advices
Best regards

Lorenzo

[Anthony Calfo]

ciao, Lorenzo

I must admit that as much as I love and recommend natural filtration strategies with minimal artificial support... your fish are too large and too numerous (high bioload) to be safely supported by live rock alone.

And the use of Caulerpa is not recommended. Too noxious and toxic (even to fishes) in the confines of closed aquarium systems over time. Other macroalgae like Chaetomorpha and Gracilaria are safer and more stable.

For filtration, do invest in a tall trickle tower, use chemical filtration (small amounts of carbon changed weekly) and frequent water changes (10-20% weekly would be an excellent start).

For really optimal water quality, also consider ozone too (use with an air dryer and controller).

Do you know Mirko Belosevic or Sergio Dolci from GAEM in Milan? They may have some different macroalgae to share with you.

with kind regards,

Anthony