Northeast/New England-style coldwater tank

[JT101]

I have often seen many posts here about coldwater marine aquariums but they are all about Pacific species.

I live in New York and although I love my reef tank I have recently become fascinated by the idea of starting a coldwater marine tank using locally available species. I am a scuba diver with wreck diving certification so it would be be immensely satisfying to catch my own livestock.

I understand the lighting requirements are almost irrelevant and just for the viewer, since photosynthetic activity is almost non-existent...

I am aware of the chilling requirements which fortunately are not as demanding as north Pacific demands but nonetheless are still tough with a standard chiller. Also I am concerned about how to get around the fog/condensation issue on the glass…?

Lastly, I wonder how you actually filter such a tank? Would LR live the same under chilly conditions as in a reef tank?

In any case, is there anyone here that has attempted a New England coldwater marine aquarium? Are there any websites dedicated to this specialized hobby?

Thanks for any input!
John

[Dentoid]

Sounds like a great idea John! Species and region specific. I often wonder about mixing species from different Seas.

[boozeman]

steve weast has a cold water tank.
Oregonreef.com
btw, surprisingly there are lots of tropical species such as triggers, butterflies and lionfish in NYC waters

[JT101]

Originally Posted by boozeman

steve weast has a cold water tank.
Oregonreef.com
btw, surprisingly there are lots of tropical species such as triggers, butterflies and lionfish in NYC waters

Hi,

Thanks, yes, I'm aware of that link but as I said, that is a WEST coast tank with Pacific species, I'm looking for a New England/North Atlantic source of info...

Thx
John

[boozeman]

why would being east coast affect the design and equipment ?
steve points out that by using 1'' thick acrylic it eliminates the fog/condensation on the viewing pane, I feel that would be the same for any region.

[JT101]

Originally Posted by boozeman

why would being east coast affect the design and equipment ?
steve points out that by using 1'' thick acrylic it eliminates the fog/condensation on the viewing pane, I feel that would be the same for any region.

Hi,

My main concern is finding out what is considered "acceptable" livestock to put in a coldwater northeast tank. The general methodology of a coldwater tank is the same, I understand than, I'm more concerned about the livestock.

I know that I can get intertidal species that can handle higher temperatures so I'll avoid the deeper stuff that I find near the bottom of colder bays and such. Aside from the usual stuff like starfish, snails and crabs there are a lot of small fish in the intertidal areas but I don't know which ones can be kept in a tank...

Good idea about the acrylic, I'll keep that in mind.

John

[Witfull]

a mind opens....techknology is basically universal when depicting a region, species is another issue. want a good trial,,,northern seahorses...common in the grasses of the mid-atlantic coastal regions.