Fishing for info.

Hello guys and gals....

I am fishing for some information here. My wife and I are considering to Nova Scotia Canada. Apparently the area is home to more than 30+ deep sea cold water coral species.

http://www.mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/e0010596

I would love to keep these and one of our goals is to set up a pass-through system using ocean water pumped to a holding tank and then to the aquarium with the overflows going back out to the ocean.

Is anyone using such a system and if so what are you using for filtration?
I have a feeling that if the SG is right the water could also be warmed to hold tropical fish as well.

It is just an idea in the works, but have been thinking about it for a long time.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Watch out with the deep water corals, a lot of them are becoming protected so make sure to have your ducks in a row before collecting them.

Pass through systems are used by almos every public aquarium that has access to the ocean. I would contact one of the curators at what ever aquarium is closest to you and grill them for info. Also check with regulations about returning sea water to the ocean, some places may consider it waste water once it has been passed through a home.

Also, depending on where you are drawing the water in from you may have problems with pollutants. Most public aquariums draw their water from a fair distance down and off shore to prevent this.

Thank you =)

I have all those consideration in the back of my mind. We are thinking along the same lines.
Regrading the pass through system:
I wonder if there is a filtration system that is needed prior to it entering the ocean or if dry run (across land) would be a viable option.

Regarding the corals:
By catch is always an option shhhh did I say that out loud?

By catch is probably the best way honestly, talk to shrimp trawlers and crabbers. If it makes its way back to port and you dont get it than the fisherman usually toss it over the sides at the dock or if there is a public aquarium near by, and the by catch is interesting enough, they may take the time to donate it.

=)