Aquarium opinions in need

[SaltAddict89]

I got a price quote on an acrylic tank 36x24x16 with a corner over flow with two 3/4 drains and three 3/4 returns along the back wall of the aquarium. They say it would be around 395 plus shipping which I dont think is bad. But then i can also get a deep blue 45W frag tank for 300 but its not drilled or anything. The tank will be my new display. I'm leaning towards the acrylic tank. Thoughts?

I am also in need of what type of return pump i should look into as well as what type of powerhead since i will have plenty of front to back flow with the three separate returns unless i can get away with out a powerhead. So please also help with that.

 

[SaltySammy]

I like Eheims, anything German really. Just engineered better imo. And looks like a 60 gal tank so ya have to do the math stuff to figure your GPH, Head, restrictors in the plumbing etc etc

And a pre-driiled 60 acrylic vs a glass 45, seems easy to me the 60 gal

 

[143MPCo]

IMO, something like a two Hydor Koralia Evolution 600 gph powerheads would move enough water within the tank... Sump turnover, IMO, should be around 5x tank volume. tank turnover , IMO, around 20x tank volume, all depends on what you want to grow/keep in the tank.

 

[SaltAddict89]

I want the capability to but any coral in it and it to strive

 

[Blitzie]

Either Tank will allow you to have any coral in it. The size of the tank is not critical to the keeping of corals. What is important is the lighting, and the cleanliness of the water (Skimmer and related), Flow, consistent parameters etc...
A larger tank will give you more potential stability based on greater volume of water.

Now about the acrylic, I use one and they are great but be very very careful as they do scratch easily. I have put a few in mine and there is not much you can do about it.

 

[143MPCo]

Either Tank will allow you to have any coral in it. The size of the tank is not critical to the keeping of corals. What is important is the lighting, and the cleanliness of the water (Skimmer and related), Flow, consistent parameters etc...
A larger tank will give you more potential stability based on greater volume of water.

Agree...

Now about the acrylic, I use one and they are great but be very very careful as they do scratch easily. I have put a few in mine and there is not much you can do about it.

For light scratches I've buffed out with Novus Plastic Polish Kit, Plastic Polish and Scratch Remover. This obviously depends on how deep, thickness of the plexiglass, and if scratches are on the outside, otherwise you'd have to drain and try.

 

[SaltAddict89]

So i got bored and started actually doing the design. Thoughts and opionions please and im not yet complete.

 

[143MPCo]

nice layout!1smile1

 

[SaltySammy]

CAD geek!!!!! :angel: Will be a nice setup bro..... Im getting a 40-50 gal cube for xmas, at least thats what I told the wife I wanted. for some reason she gets me watches and I now have around 15 and don't really wear them

 

[SaltAddict89]

Nice this is my christmas present i get to design and build it.

 

[SaltAddict89]

So today i had the heartbreak of being told by my landlord i cannot have my tank do to weight issues. So I'm forced to settle for a 40 breeder. So this is the plan.

-40 breeder
-700 gph gl*******s overflow 1.5 inch
-mag 9.5 return at 3/4 inch with 2 returns inside tank
-Hydor evo 600 gph wave maker
-Eshopps psk 100 skimmer
-150 watt heater
-36 to 48 inch orbit marine led
-25lbs liverock
-20Lbs livesand
-20 long custom sump

 

[SaltySammy]

Get a new light bro, the it will take forever to see any growth of your corals and it limits what ya can have big time, i started with that same light and ditched a few months in. i will be using it as fuge light

 

[RWinfrey]

Just letting you guys know ehiems are now made in China. Siccie and tunze are Italy and German but other than that all of the others not made in China are crazy expensive.....

 

[143MPCo]

Get a new light bro, the it will take forever to see any growth of your corals and it limits what ya can have big time, i started with that same light and ditched a few months in. i will be using it as fuge light

+1, they release a statement at MACNA (via Mr. Saltwater Tank) about an "Orbit Marine PRO" geared towards reef tanks, and supposedly being released in the fall of this year that will have better LEDs, but still haven't seen anything about it on their website.

 

[chriskid]

So today i had the heartbreak of being told by my landlord i cannot have my tank do to weight issues. So I'm forced to settle for a 40 breeder.

Move!!!! Sorry had to say it. you seem to have a good plan, what animals do you plan on keeping?

 

[SaltAddict89]

Looking now 2 clowns,sixline wrasse, yellow goby and a humu trigger

 

[chriskid]

no coral?is it going to be a fish only?

 

[SaltAddict89]

Oh there will be coral. I wanna do a zoa garden along tje bottom and a torch tower and some sps