New Tank Suggestions?

[jcpetersen]

Instead of trying to convert a 55-gallon freshwater into a reef tank, it may be better to just start a reef tank from scratch (i.e. buy a new tank and stand, since they would have been the only carry overs from the 55-g).

Any suggestions of where I should shop or what I should get? I don't want to turn this into a complete DIY job.

The only requirements I can see right now:

• 
  MH / combo lighting
  Canopy - with at least 10" clearance (because of MH)
  No more than 150 gallons
  No more than 48" length

I'm not looking for a whole lot of specifics right now - just some ideas of what's out there, what options I should look for or avoid, what price range I'm looking at, etc. This is more of a scouting question to (a) make sure I do it right the first time, avoiding beginner mistakes and (b) see how big a money pit a 'properly done' tank really is (as this project gets bigger and bigger before I even start )

Thanks for the help.

 

[liquid]

Personally, I really like the 50 gal breeders or 65 gal tanks. They're 3' in length so you can get away with only 1 halide if need be. 75's are nice as are 120's and you'd need 2 halides to run these. For specific dimensions, head over to http://www.all-glass.com/

When getting a tank select one that's at least 18" front-to-back as the added visual depth is a real plus. I started out with a 38 gal tank with only 12" front-to-back and it really sucked for aquascaping rock.

Shane

 

[mountainbiker619]

check ebay in your area, along with local paper classifieds for good deals.

 

[Anonymous]

I buy a lot of stuff from Premium Aquatics and Marine Depot- if you look at the Sponsors link above you can find them. For the tank itself see your LFS- both Oceanic and All-glass are great.

Given your specs I think a 120 would be a nice size- it's big enough to be fun but still "reasonable." 48x24x24. I have one and its lit by 3 halides, but 2 would be plenty.

 

[Len]

120 gallons are very popular nowadays. I'd like to take credit for their popularity, but I'm not that delusional (yet) It's really a good standard size and I recommend it.

For a 120gallon setup, i'd expect anywhere from $3000-5000 on good equpiment, tank, stand, and canopy. I know many manufacturers (like AGA) make nice furniture for this size, but you'll have to request a special canopy to hold the halides. I got my woodwork down locally, so I can't be much help there. FWIW, it was done by Lee's product, and they may ship nationally.

Get glass. Acrylic doesn't work well with hot halides. Get a reef ready system with all holes predrilled (for closed loop if you so choose). Get parameter top bracing to avoid the center brace.

It's really easy for me to give suggestions on this tank since I have one, so ask away on the details Everyone here can help make sure you buy "right" the first time, saving you money and headaches.

 

[jcpetersen]

How about these for follow-up questions:

1. Does shape really matter as far as bowfront vs regular rectangle? Is the only difference the looks or is the bowfront harder to light/clean/etc.?

2. Are corner overflows better than center overflows, or does it matter?

 

[liquid]

Bowfronts might be a little harder to clean as it's not a flat surface but I believe there are some work-arounds for this. Also from an angle, you can get some visual distortion due to the bow.

Personally, I like corner overflows as they aren't in the center of the tank. I'd rather have them off to the sides just because of how they look visually to me.

Shane