72g bow front build. (New to saltwater)

Jacob Meisner · Mar 30, 2019

Recently I bought a used 72 gallon bow front setup that was previously used for salt water. $200 for the tank w/ stand. As well as a used cascade 1000lph canister filter, heater, and protein skimmer. I've gotten it cleaned out and set up in my living room and over the last couple days gotten it started cycling with live rock from my lfs. Will post pictures as I'm continuing to set it up. Haven't gone through the canister to make sure its operational yet but I also have a 1900lph clearview hob filter in case it doesn't work (or can use instead if people think it would be a better idea).

dbl · Mar 30, 2019

Welcome to R2R and thanks for signing up. That looks like it cleaned up very well...nice find. Is this your first venture in to saltwater?

Fudsey · Mar 30, 2019

Welcome to R2R ! ! !

@jsker another BF tank for ya

#welcometor2r

Jacob Meisner · Mar 30, 2019

dbl said:
Welcome to R2R and thanks for signing up. That looks like it cleaned up very well...nice find. Is this your first venture in to saltwater?

This is my first saltwater tank but my fiance set up a 30 gal corner tank within the last year so we have some collective experience.

GoatmealJones · Mar 30, 2019

Nice, bowfront setups are always a nice variation to see around

Geebs19 · Mar 30, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!

Jacob Meisner · Mar 31, 2019

GoatmealJones said:
Nice, bowfront setups are always a nice variation to see around

Thanks I was super excited to get it. I originally had a 55 long tank iw as gona set up. But bow fronts are one of my favorite tanks.

Jacob Meisner · Mar 31, 2019

And thanks everyone for the welcomes. My lfs is a very helpful resource for me and recommended I make an account on here for support.

count krunk · Mar 31, 2019

is the tank setup yet?

if not, I would recommend installing a sump for this tank!

It will make your life much easier down the road.

have you considered that option?

Jacob Meisner · Mar 31, 2019

count krunk said:
is the tank setup yet?

if not, I would recommend installing a sump for this tank!

It will make your life much easier down the road.

have you considered that option?

I actually have considered a sump and have a 20 gal that I could convert. But the tank says do not drill on the bottom and I dont want to get into that if I dont have to. Although I do realize that is it the superior option.

count krunk · Mar 31, 2019

The best way (IMO) is to drill the tank through the back and not the bottom using one of the many available overflow kits.

Jacob Meisner · Mar 31, 2019

count krunk said:
The best way (IMO) is to drill the tank through the back and not the bottom using one of the many available overflow kits.

If I could use the hoses from like the canister filter for it I would consider it. I dont want it to end up being tempered glass and killing my tank. Plus it has water and live rock in it now anyway so I dont think drilling would be an option unless I want to start over. I'll post pics tomorrow of what I have so far on it.

cvanchuck · Mar 31, 2019

Welcome to r2R! If I could make a suggestion. Hey a hob overflow and run a sump. I did the same thing back in January and used a canister filter which was ok but over time when adding things to the tank it was just cluttered. I've actually returned the tank and got the 75 with built in overflow and a eshoops r100. Tank looks so clean now with the sump and all my accessories in it. Fish really seem excited with less clutter and noise in the tank

Jacob Meisner · Mar 31, 2019

cvanchuck said:
Welcome to r2R! If I could make a suggestion. Hey a hob overflow and run a sump. I did the same thing back in January and used a canister filter which was ok but over time when adding things to the tank it was just cluttered. I've actually returned the tank and got the 75 with built in overflow and a eshoops r100. Tank looks so clean now with the sump and all my accessories in it. Fish really seem excited with less clutter and noise in the tank

Do you think I could just adapt the hoses from my canister to use for a sump to avoid drilling the back of the tank? The Kitsap to build a sump from an existing tank arent that expensive.

jsker · Mar 31, 2019

Ahhh, another 72. Find out for sure if you have tempered glass or not before you make plans to purchase a drill in overflow. @count krunk has some good points and I agree that I am a lot happier after adding a sump to my system.

I would say that the hoses for the canister will be to small for the overflow for a sump. I have a 1.25 ID coming off of my overflow to my sump. Is it locating hose the right size an issue?

Post up a picture of your system over here Link

count krunk · Mar 31, 2019

Yes a hang on the back overflow is a good option if drilling isn't one.

As @jsker said you would need new pipes/ hoses for this overflow

Jacob Meisner · Mar 31, 2019

This is where it is at after k put some of the water into it yesterday. I can only transport so much water at a time from my lfs. I'm using their RO water and then mixing with instant ocean. And I also wanted time for it to settle before adding more water to make sure the salt levels dont change in a direction I dont want. For the rock in the tank about half or si is live and the itherbcame with the tank and had been dry for a week or so.