Work tank reccomendations needed

[jejton]

Ok so since it seems like I wont be able to upgrade to larger home tank in the near future, I decided I want to set up a smaller desktop tank at work to help calm my nerves while I'm there.

So far the only thing I really have figured out is that I am looking at something along the lines of a 29 gallon. Anything much bigger would probably be too heavy for my desk ( its Staples furniture ). BTW, how much would a 29 gallon weigh after I fill it with water, sand and rock? For livestock, I am planning on softies and perhaps some LFS, nothing too difficult since I don't want to spend all my time at work taking care of the tank. I haven't settled on what fish, but right now I'm considering a tank raised pair of true percs, a goby or blenny, and something else. It has to be as simple and maintenance free as possible - no sump, perhaps I can fit in a HOB 'fuge. I'll need an HOB skimmer, powerheads and lighting.

So I'm open to suggestions and recommendations for livestock and equipment. Oh, and I really want to try and keep this to a $500 budget ( at least before I add corals ).

 

[meschaefer]

check this guys tank out, it's alot smaller than you where thinking but you might get some great ideas.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=553708

 

[nanoreefer22]

A 29g, is going to be really hard to stay under $500. Look into a 20g or smaller if you could.

For a skimmer, a remora would be nice.

Lighting for softies/LPS, you could go with a few T-5 WITH good reflectors.

Powerheads possibly, two smaller(820) seios.

-Kris

 

[cali_reef]

30 gallon tank with all the equipment, filled with rocks and water will weight close to 300 pounds.

You should also factor in how the furniture will hold up with occasional splash of water.

A 12 gallon nano will be nice and can help you keep within the $500 budget.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I had a 29 and it isn't as small as you think. I would go with one of the 12 nano's Compact and lightweight.

 

[jejton]

Thanks for the replies so far. I have a JBJ 12dx at home - my first sw tank - and am not really happy with it. I am not a big fan of all in one units for most things, but this was bought second hand at a decent price so I said what the heck. As far as the desk, I am not worried about the saltwater splashing on it but I do have figure out if it will hold 300 lbs. Right now there is just no room for a stand since my ' office ' is a corner in a warhouse that is pretty crowded - though we might be moving soon. I was originally thinking a 20 gallon but decided that a 29 is better because it has more volume for the same footprint ( I have one already housing herps at home ). My main concern at this point, I guess is the weight. As far as cost, besides livestock, the only costly items I can think of are the lighting and the skimmer so I thought that if I get things second hand I might be able to do it.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

jejton not to rain on ur parade but i would not put any type of tank on staples furniture... (its made out of crap)... unless its a small bookshelf tank like froggiebunbun's tank...

a 29 gallon i think would be to heavy for the desk... jus lettin ya no...

 

[jejton]

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to wait on this one too...well we might be moving to a larger place soon

 

[reefman]

i would not recommend putting a 29 gal on a Staples furniture desk.