Please advice on new aquarium for school.

[fx300]

I am a first grade teacher and I have made it a must to put a fish only tank at school. I need all of you guys/ladies to suggest on the type of equipment and fish I should have. I will be purchasing a 55 gallon aquarium and stand from Wal-Mart mainly because of budget reasons. I have actually gotten Mr. Hammer to sell me his two filters for this aquarium which is an Emperor and a Millenium 3000. Now I wonder if I would need more filtration even though it will be a fish only tank? Also, should I get live rock for it? What type of fish should I put? I need color because kids love all kinds of fish. One thing is for sure I will have an Ocellaries and a Blue hippo (Finding Nemo). Well, any of you guys/ladies interested in helping for this project weather it is equipment or suggestions would be greatly appreciated; I don't mean for you guys/ladies to give it away just sell it a bit cheaper because no one will pay for it but me. I have planned to take periodic pictures and maybe have Chris post them here as our school project. Well it is just an idea worth letting all of you know about. It is a great feeling when my kids’ ups my students tell you “ We have not feed the fish sir!” Thank you all who read this post please answer here or just PM me with any suggestions.
Sincerely,
Fabian
P.S.
Please excuse the book report. ;)

[Tim Marvin]

I'll throw in a couple LTA's and some small pieces of rock if you can get them picked up.

[REEFAHOLIC]

Fabian: I also have some live rock and a Sea Clone Protein Skimmer

Tina

[Jimnorris]

If you have not purchased the tank yet I have an Oceanic 30 gallon and stand I will donate! It is empty and ready to go.
Jim

[Ed]

Hi Fabian,

Best of luck with your endeavor!

I agree with Josh, a Hippo could eventually get too big. Another thing to consider is that they are often very shy. Mine hides whenever my kids walk past the tank. Your students might get more enjoyment from the happy-go-lucky clown fishes. Two of them should do very well in Jim's 30g.

-Ed

[fx300]

Never did I think I would have this response. Thank you all! I have not purchased the tank yet, but it does seem that it might be a bit too big as mentioned here by some of you. The truth is, I had not even thought about the size issue until now; thank God I posted it here. In the classroom we had a small 10 gallon tank and they loved it. I guess I just wanted something bigger for them to enjoy this coming year. Unfortunately, due to the problems the 55 would create, I would appreciate that tank Jim. I don't know how but I will do my best to get it from you. I have a friend who lives in Austin (Jaime) or best known as RedDragon maybe he can give me a hand with it. I currently have a Hippo and it is true what you say about them being shy; because of this, I will take all of your suggestions very seriously before putting any fish in this tank. The last thing I would want is my kids to see a fish die after they had named it. I will get back with each of you through PMs due to the huge paragraph I would create if I would do it here.
Sincerely,
Fabian
:fish1:

[MikeP]

If you don't want either of the other tanks offered I have a 46 gallon bowfront with stand and canopy also you could have if it's for the school.

I would put some live rock in - avoid the tang , just issues downthe road with finding it a home, it being semi delicate - clowns will delight the kids and you might be able to add a blenny or something also.

[fx300]

What do you think guys/ladies 30 or 46? I just want which ever would be a best fit for this setup. At school I have room but I just don't know! One bad thing about setting a tank at school is that at the end of each year we must leave the room empty. I guess a tank that is too big will be a big pain to move and bring home and setup at the beginning of the next year. Please advice on this because I don't just want to sound like a huger by getting the big aquarium just because. Thanks again and hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Fabian

[fx300]

Thanks for your info. I had not thought of keeping any shrimps until now.

Sincerely
Fabian
;)