Direction A vs B

Unregistered User · Nov 5, 2017

Hello. So someone suggested I sell my freshwater tank, and put the money towards a set up. This makes a lot more sense... and is feasible but would delay getting started by a few months. However, I'm really fond of this tank, it's in my place, it's free, and there will be less delay. Your opinion & two cents very appreciated.

Below the top picture obviously is my tank

The bottom picture the recommended tank for me as a beginner.

SashimiTurtle · Nov 5, 2017

There is no reason you can't turn the tank you have now into a very successful reef. Yes, setting up a tank that already comes predrilled with a sump is a lot easier but a lot more expensive too.

How much room is under the stand? Do you want to add a sump, or stick with hang on back equipment?

Unregistered User · Nov 5, 2017

Robin Haselden said:
There is no reason you can't turn the tank you have now into a very successful reef. Yes, setting up a tank that already comes predrilled with a sump is a lot easier but a lot more expensive too.

How much room is under the stand? Do you want to add a sump, or stick with hang on back equipment?

I have a 20 long for the sump. It fits well right?

Unregistered User · Nov 5, 2017

Robin Haselden said:
There is no reason you can't turn the tank you have now into a very successful reef. Yes, setting up a tank that already comes predrilled with a sump is a lot easier but a lot more expensive too.

How much room is under the stand? Do you want to add a sump, or stick with hang on back equipment?

SashimiTurtle · Nov 5, 2017

That's exactly what I used on my 75 when it was running. Do you know if that tank is tempered? Are you wanting to drill it, or use a hang on overflow? Drilling sounds a lot scarier than it really is... but if the tank is tempered glass you cannot drill it. There's an easy trick to tell if it's tempered. Take a pair of polarized sunglasses and try to look at your cell phone or other LCD screen inside the tank. turn the glasses sideways and if the light on the screen goes black, then it's tempered glass.

iemsparticus · Nov 5, 2017

I agree. I don’t see any reason not to go with what you have. The Red Sea Reefer series are very popular, but having one comes nowhere close to making or breaking a reef build. I’ve never heard of anyone seeing a beautiful reef someone has in their living room, and noticing that it isn’t a Red Sea Reefer, and saying “Oh... I guess it’s not that great.”

Your tank will do very nicely, your 20 gal breeder would make a wonderful sump, and you can be very successful and create a beautiful reef with your current setup.

You seem like someone who genuinely wants to research and use the best possible information you can get... and that will single handedly put you on the path to success.

If I were you, I’d use what you have. The only reason to get something else is if you know you want something bigger, and are willing to wait for it... but that’s just a personal choice.

Do you know of certain fish you would like to keep?

Unregistered User · Nov 5, 2017

Robin Haselden said:
That's exactly what I used on my 75 when it was running. Do you know if that tank is tempered? Are you wanting to drill it, or use a hang on overflow? Drilling sounds a lot scarier than it really is... but if the tank is tempered glass you cannot drill it. There's an easy trick to tell if it's tempered. Take a pair of polarized sunglasses and try to look at your cell phone or other LCD screen inside the tank. turn the glasses sideways and if the light on the screen goes black, then it's tempered glass.

Ok so I have a dozen pairs of sunglasses, Polaroid means high quality right?

Unregistered User · Nov 5, 2017

No it must not be tempered.

Unregistered User · Nov 5, 2017

iemsparticus said:
I agree. I don’t see any reason not to go with what you have. The Red Sea Reefer series are very popular, but having one comes nowhere close to making or breaking a reef build. I’ve never heard of anyone seeing a beautiful reef someone has in their living room, and noticing that it isn’t a Red Sea Reefer, and saying “Oh... I guess it’s not that great.”

Your tank will do very nicely, your 20 gal breeder would make a wonderful sump, and you can be very successful and create a beautiful reef with your current setup.

You seem like someone who genuinely wants to research and use the best possible information you can get... and that will single handedly put you on the path to success.

If I were you, I’d use what you have. The only reason to get something else is if you know you want something bigger, and are willing to wait for it... but that’s just a personal choice.

Do you know of certain fish you would like to keep?

First year of set up I planned clown fish/live rock for the first six months (I bought reef saver) second six months (minimum of six months) just soft coral. I want to limit my learning plate. Prevent burnt out. After a year I feel confident by then I'll be good to branch out.

SashimiTurtle · Nov 5, 2017

Polarized lenses have a special filter that blocks certain light. They usually say if they are polarized. You don't have to drill, you can use HOB. While not as reliable as a drilled overflow, they can work. This is a video on how to tell if you have tempered glass.

Unregistered User · Nov 5, 2017

Thank you for this.

1. I'm was doing it incorrect

2. None of my sunglasses apparently are practical.

Guess I have something to look forward to tomorrow.

iemsparticus · Nov 5, 2017

CrazyCatGal said:
First year of set up I planned clown fish/live rock for the first six months (I bought reef saver) second six months (minimum of six months) just soft coral. I want to limit my learning plate. Prevent burnt out. After a year I feel confident by then I'll be good to branch out.

The reason I asked is that some people have specific fish that they really want that would dictate a certain size of tank... Tangs, for example, typically need much bigger tanks because of their size and activity. If there aren’t any “big tank” fish you are really wanting to keep, there’s really no real reason to get a larger tank than what you have.

Unregistered User · Nov 5, 2017

N

iemsparticus said:
The reason I asked is that some people have specific fish that they really want that would dictate a certain size of tank... Tangs, for example, typically need much bigger tanks because of their size and activity. If there aren’t any “big tank” fish you are really wanting to keep, there’s really no real reason to get a larger tank than what you have.

Nope, became a member of the tang police a couple years ago when I started reading bits of info in salt water.

Thanks!

Segalplayer · Nov 5, 2017

Nah I’d go with the Red Sea reefer lol, HOB isn’t the greatest....

DSC reef · Nov 5, 2017

I agree with the others, no reason why that tank won't work and is a great start. Here's my two cents as well. Try to think of the ease of operation in the long run. Having used both hob overflows and now having a drilled tank I'll never go back. Much easier to deal with IMO. Also, much cheaper options than red sea tanks. Look up deep blue, they have very affordable drilled tanks, even rimless that will look amazing. You can use your sump as well so no need to upgrade, I use the same sump on our reef tank 75 gallon. Just a couple ideas for you.

Unregistered User · Nov 5, 2017

You all are so helpful. I'm really greatful. I tend to overthink at times, and this is an expensive thing I've decided to dive into, which exasperates that.

He was aware I'm selling a lot of equipment. I don't think he was critical of this tank for design, but threw out an option. Start fresh. I'm glad he suggested so the discussion was had, because it had crossed my thoughts briefly. Asking opinions is another opportunity to learn.

I don't know why the shape of this just is my favorite. I suppose it's because I'm coming from aquascaping. I see the layout of a tank different. Now, I'm so thankful I ended up in such an oddity of a hobby for a bit.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend.

Unregistered User · Nov 5, 2017

Segalplayer said:
Nah I’d go with the Red Sea reefer lol, HOB isn’t the greatest....

I guess I feel I'm taking an artistic hit layout wise maybe? Coming from an aquascaping background? It doesn't help I haven't seen the red Sea in real life. I wonder if any are sold in Columbus or Indianapolis. I agree, lol seriously. I just love the shape of this stupid tank. It was a gift from someone I don't care for yet it's like my favorite cm wise.

I didn't realize this was subconsciously the dilemma. It is.