My next challenge

ahiggins · Jun 13, 2020

Hello!
My last two challenges were a 3 gallon pico and a 10 gallon 100% dry start. After a few years I’m ready for my next challenge:
I want to create a gorgeous reef in a non saltwater tank (ie stock freshwater) with no sump.
Obviously my first thought was to get your opinion on sizing. I do not like tall narrow tanks, like a stock 55. Too hard to aquascape. That’s where you come in! If you had to pick a stock tank, what size/shape would it be? Mine would be a 40 breeder but it’s hard to find stands for these.

AcroNem · Jun 13, 2020

I'm a little confused. You aren't saying you want a reef in freshwater, but in a tank that was freshwater, right? A sump is not a required piece of equipment I'm afraid. Everything is the same you just don't have a sump. 40b is a great size, and making a stand would be a great project for this.

andrewey · Jun 13, 2020

I'd still vote 40 breeder and build you own stand. Should take between 5-6 2x4's, some screws and an hour of your time.

I'm a bit confused about the challenge personally, but I wish you the best of luck!

ahiggins · Jun 13, 2020

AcroNem said:
I'm a little confused. You aren't saying you want a reef in freshwater, but in a tank that was freshwater, right? A sump is not a required piece of equipment I'm afraid. Everything is the same you just don't have a sump. 40b is a great size, and making a stand would be a great project for this.

Yea lol
It’s a reef going into a “freshwater” tank so no sump so external equipment except maybe some filter floss. I haven’t really decided on direction yet, just that I’m bored and want a new challenge

ahiggins · Jun 13, 2020

andrewey said:
I'd still vote 40 breeder and build you own stand. Should take between 5-6 2x4's, some screws and an hour of your time.

I'm a bit confused about the challenge personally, but I wish you the best of luck!

No equipment is the challenge for it. Light and fish/coral. Obviously rodi but minimalistic approach is what I’m envisioning.

count krunk · Jun 13, 2020

You're going to need power heads to provide flow.

If you have the space/funds 75g and 120g are excellent footprints

ahiggins · Jun 13, 2020

count krunk said:
You're going to need power heads to provide flow.

If you have the space/funds 75g and 120g are excellent footprints

Lol I consider water movement as essential should have remembered to write that.
I have a gyre that I really like. Maybe I’ll run 2 tandem to get a nice back and forth on it.

sp1187 · Jun 13, 2020

educate me... what's a "stock tank"?

Victor_C3 · Jun 13, 2020

sp1187 said:
educate me... what's a "stock tank"?

These are the generic mass produced tanks you pick up at a pet store like Petco or Petsmart. They run standard dimensions, plastic frame on top and bottom, and their build quality is usually reflected in their price.

Victor_C3 · Jun 13, 2020

How much space do you have to work with? A 40 breeder is a 3’ tank while a 55 is a 4’ tank. The general consensus here will be to go as big as you can afford and fit.

I agree with you about the size and aquascaping issue of a 55 gallon tank. If you have 4’ of length available, 75, 90, and 120 gallon tanks are usually readily available and would be great choices. If 3’ is what you have, there is a 3’ 65 gallon tank readily available at nearly any Petco that looks nice in my opinion.

I almost spent $250 at Petco and bought a 3’ long 65 gallon tank for my current build, but instead I went with a 3’ long 115 gallon tank that was custom built. Why spend $250 on a reasonable aquarium when for only $1,000 more you can have a much larger custom aquarium?

ahiggins · Jun 13, 2020

Victor_C3 said:
How much space do you have to work with? A 40 breeder is a 3’ tank while a 55 is a 4’ tank. The general consensus here will be to go as big as you can afford and fit.

I agree with you about the size and aquascaping issue of a 55 gallon tank. If you have 4’ of length available, 75, 90, and 120 gallon tanks are usually readily available and would be great choices. If 3’ is what you have, there is a 3’ 65 gallon tank readily available at nearly any Petco that looks nice in my opinion.

I almost spent $250 at Petco and bought a 3’ long 65 gallon tank for my current build, but instead I went with a 3’ long 115 gallon tank that was custom built. Why spend $250 on a reasonable aquarium when for only $1,000 more you can have a much larger custom aquarium?

Here’s the thing....my boyfriend is competitive. So if I get a 75, he’s going to want a 75 and we don’t have room for 2 he’s a catfish nut so he’s happy with a 55. I miiiiight be able to squeeze a 65 out of him though lol