20 long or 40 breeder ?

[markkazdad]

Anyone have Pros or Cons to these two tank sizes. I think they are both on sale for $1 / gallon at Petco until Oct 20, and I have a go from the CFO for either, plus a $5 reward to use up. (now don't y'all go buying them all up, I can't get there before Tuesday)

 

[scooterc268]

Pros: 40 is bigger and wider in depth, More water volume, more space= more corals
Cons: nothing I can see, a tank is a tank. Now more water means slightly bigger water changes and more lighting to cover the tank.

Buy both, make the 20L the sump for the 40b. I absolutely love the dimensions of the 40b and have one connected to my 120. If I could I would sell the 120 and just keep the breeder. But I have the 48in wide 120 and like the square-ness of it.

Good luck


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[markkazdad]

Buying both may be an option as they may both fit on either side of a sink on our bar. But, is it possible or practical to have a "sump" at the same level as the other tank, as opposed to above or below. I am not sure I could put the 20g under the counter.

This would be a long term project as I don't have the money to buy lighting for either at the moment.

 

[scooterc268]

You technically do not needs sump. Your equipment will show and there is a limit to what you can put in it. I have a 12g nano W/ no skimmer or chemical (ie carbon) filtration. I have Zoas, other softies, and lps thriving. Water changes help with everything. But IME, I haven't did a water change on that nano in a few months now. Nothing dead or stressed.

As far as I lights go, you don't need to make a 2nd mortgage or sell a kidney. There are very cheat and practical lighting options out there. I have China imported leds and they do what I need to do. I have SPS, lps, Zoas, and softies doing very well. Remember, there are others who are experts on reef tanks but your the only expert on your budget


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[TexasYeti]

Scooter, I love that. "Remember, there are others who are experts on reef tanks but you're the only expert on your budget."
How true, so many of us are addicted to this hobby, an expensive hobby if we let it get out of control, but with some imagination, and some "McGuyver-ing" (I think that's how it's spelt, never seen the show), we can keep happy tanks. Out of interest, which lights do you have?

 

[JSB]

A 40b is a great tank size. I've had two. If you have the room for it, and the money to stock it, go wild.

 

[scooterc268]

Scooter, I love that. "Remember, there are others who are experts on reef tanks but you're the only expert on your budget."
How true, so many of us are addicted to this hobby, an expensive hobby if we let it get out of control, but with some imagination, and some "McGuyver-ing" (I think that's how it's spelt, never seen the show), we can keep happy tanks. Out of interest, which lights do you have?

The 50/50 nondimmable 120wt (3wt diode)ones. But here's what I want next
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free...t-with-24B-4Violet-and-23W-4UV/586764753.html

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[creefer]

YexasYetis makes a great point. I say get the 40B if your budget allows. It's a great footprint tot work with for the volume it has, IMO.

 

[Clay4AU]

Buying both may be an option as they may both fit on either side of a sink on our bar. But, is it possible or practical to have a "sump" at the same level as the other tank, as opposed to above or below. I am not sure I could put the 20g under the counter.

This would be a long term project as I don't have the money to buy lighting for either at the moment.

I'd go with the 40B, I love that tank and actually have 3 of them.
I'm located in alabama too and have an extra 36" 4bulb t5 fixture, remora skimmer and a fluval 405 that I could let go real cheap to help you get started.

 

[markkazdad]

Well, the CFO suggested the 40 breeder and even suggested I put it out on our bar since we don't sit or drink at it any way, and I said "but the 20L would only be $15 more (just about the cost of gas for the round trip to Petco) and I may want a sump", so I was approved for one of each.
:bounce:

I hope it doesn't cost me an iPhone 5.

I'll add equipment a little at a time. I'm not sure how I will use them yet. I'm even considering a planted freshwater shrimp tank to see if I can breed them -- the shrimp that is, the tanks around here seem to multiply on their own.

The Huntsville store on University had one of each left (and a bunch of 10 gallons) left. Hurry on down and get something, so I can watch your tank journal for inspiration.

 

[JSB]

Make sure the bar is supported well. If it is cantilevered, that 40 could bring it all down if it is less than well built. You are talking ~400 pounds when it is stocked. Would you want a 400 pound man sitting on the bar? Also, if you are interested, I just put together a 20H from the Petco $1/gallon sale. Actually, I bought the tank at the last sale to build a sump, but wound up with an office tank. The build thread, or whatever you want to call it, is located here.