New tank filtration???

[BA]

ya, that's pretty good, make sure the lions have some good open space, a UV might be something to consider, i have a big lion, and he hates the lights, so a dimly light tank might be a factor to consider

[Richard]

I would not use the bioballs. The rock will more than suffice as far as nitrifying bacteria go, controlling nitrate/phosphate/organics would be my primary concern. I would go for a quality skimmer, sump/refugium (Dan builds them) with dsb & macro algae for nutrient export. In the main tank I would use a shallow sand bed since the predators produce a alot of waste and you would probably do well to vacuum the bottom occasionally.
Better yet add some aiptasia to the refugium, they are great at removing nutrients from the water. Heck you could even have some in the main tank to give it a little "low maintenance" reef look. If they ever got out of control you could just pick from many of the non reef safe butterflies that would make short work of them. I'm pretty sure I'll get blasted for suggesting this but I think it could work out...err...really...err...seriously it could work well :) .

[matt]

I'd reconsider the hang on overflow and get the tank drilled. I also agree with Richard that the bioballs are useless at best, unless you're only using a few of them to disperse bubbles from your tank drain. Even in that case, though, live rock rubble will do just as well and is porous enough to support a diversity of bacteria; this helps with nitrate removal. Definitely get a good skimmer; considering how much fish food you'll be putting into the tank, phosphates will go through the roof unless you have a way of remving uneaten food and fish waste.

[scuba_steveo]

Definitely get a good skimmer; considering how much fish food you'll be putting into the tank, phosphates will go through the roof unless you have a way of remving uneaten food and fish waste.

where would he get such a skimmer?

[alexwolf]

LMAO!!!!!!!

[matt]

where would he get such a skimmer?

I don't know....I really wasn't implying anything. ;)

[matt]

I'm not crazy about that sump. It's too small and I don't really like the design. Sorry to be so blunt... I think you'd do much better to have Dan make something for you, and I'm not just saying that to support a fellow MAAST guy. Also, you'd have a tough time fitting my skimmer in there, if that makes any difference. But, if you did buy this, you could certainly run my skimmer external; you'd have plenty of space left in the stand.

Anyhow, please don't get offended by this, just my 2 cents.

[scuba_steveo]

get dan to build the sump and matt makes awesome quality skimmers
we are lucky to have some of the best builders of sumps/refugiums/& skimmers right here in SA
if you get them to build for you then you will get exactly what you want

[BA]

VHO