Good starter tank?

theronin · Jul 29, 2014

Got a line on a 55 gallon glass tank, with full stand, and a 20 gal sump. Includes T5 lights, all fans, and all the goodies.

Is 20 gallons too small for the sump? What should I look for when I go to inspect the tank?

Feel free to drop anymore knowledge on me that you feel is appropriate, thanks Logan

preston469 · Jul 30, 2014

first I'd ask why he is getting rid of the tank and if he has any issues with it such as out breaks and what not. 20G sump is plenty big on a 55 Gal. I'd look at all the seams make sure it doesn't leak, also how old the tank is.

EndlessReef · Jul 30, 2014

Preston makes all very good points!
I would just like to add that I would also ask if its possible to see them both holding water. Not to replace a water test if you choose to buy it but will at least give you an idea if the seams are completely dry rotted. When ever I'm craiglist hunting if they will not show the tank filled up I won't go look at it....a couple dollars saved isn't worth the headache of needing to reseal everything when I'm newish to the hobby resealing a tank at the moment is more trouble then its worth...at least to me.
As far as 55g and a 20g sump sounds like a very good beginner system

theronin · Jul 30, 2014

It is full and running. Buyer knew experienced people would want to see. She is getting rid of it cause she is going bigger. How do I check for rot?

theronin · Jul 30, 2014

footballdude2k3 · Jul 30, 2014

Looks great, I would personally get rid of some of the rock in the DT, it will give you more room for coral to grow, and more swimming space as well.

theronin · Jul 30, 2014

Those are the pix she sent me. I'm just trying to set up a meeting with her now.

EndlessReef · Jul 30, 2014

If it's full and running wouldn't think rot would be an issue rot to my knowledge comes from sitting and letting the silicone dry out won't happen if it's filled and was never left to air out and be exposed to elements

gacolt · Jul 30, 2014

imo i would pass,but im not a fan of overflow box setups you should be able to find a cheap rr tank on CL no problem.heck i have 85g rr tank for sale now for 35.00 which includes a 75 gallon sump i know that does you no good since you more then likely dont live in atlanta,but im just saying deals are out there all the time for better tanks unless your getting the tank 150.00 or less

Livinlocal · Jul 30, 2014

My biggest regret with my first tank is not having one that was drilled with a built in overflow. Never again will I waste my time with over flow boxes.

theronin · Jul 30, 2014

gacolt said:
imo i would pass,but im not a fan of overflow box setups you should be able to find a cheap rr tank on CL no problem.heck i have 85g rr tank for sale now for 35.00 which includes a 75 gallon sump i know that does you no good since you more then likely dont live in atlanta,but im just saying deals are out there all the time for better tanks unless your getting the tank 150.00 or less

Overflow box setup? Sorry I'm still learning, care to explain.

Oh and thank you for the input.

footballdude2k3 · Jul 30, 2014

theronin said:
Overflow box setup? Sorry I'm still learning, care to explain.

Oh and thank you for the input.

From the looks of it, he is saying that this tank is not drilled, it is using a hang on back overflow box, those are known to be problems, do some googling or searching on here. I didn't catch that right away either, I would drill this tank if you get it.

Eienna · Jul 31, 2014

If it's empty when you get there, and appears to have been left in the sun, PLEASE don't take it x.x

fishroomlady · Jul 31, 2014

how does one tell that it has an overflow box? the tank looks decent to me - how much is she asking for it?

Jesterrace · Jun 14, 2018

gacolt said:
imo i would pass,but im not a fan of overflow box setups you should be able to find a cheap rr tank on CL no problem.heck i have 85g rr tank for sale now for 35.00 which includes a 75 gallon sump i know that does you no good since you more then likely dont live in atlanta,but im just saying deals are out there all the time for better tanks unless your getting the tank 150.00 or less

The overflow boxes can be a pain as they are more prone to overflowing on the OUTSIDE of your tank and require more maintenance to keep clean and functional than a drilled tank. It also looks like the person selling it has a Blue and Yellow Tang in a 55 gallon. Not sure if the fish come with the tank, but he would need to rehome that Blue for sure.