I've been planning to get a "real" reef tank - return pump, sump, real reef lighting, etc. - for several years -> estimate would be $1000+. Pending a lot of money, set up, etc. issues at home -> I I started with a Aqueon 30x12x18 inch tank - it was cheap and available. I don't know why I didn't get a different tank, in retrospect, I think I'd be more content with one a bit larger and with different dimension. (that tank is basically a 20 long with a bit of extra height)
Per a different thread (https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/w...-all-my-water-gone.668332/page-5#post-6782759), that tank leaked (fortunately not something with the tank), and that almost had me quickly get a new interim tank, though I was about to correct the size issue this time rather than get a straight up replacement. I was in some ways happy to get a new "interim" tank. But since it didn't need to replace the tank I of coures didn't go through the extra hassle of rapidly setting one up.
However, thinking about it, a new "real" reef tank is not coming until at least the spgring, I was thinking of getting a bigger "interim" tank in the size I was looking for from PetPlace would be $200-250 and replacing the first "interim" tank in a relatively simple operation. (build stand, move stand to its right place, put tank on, move water, rocks, sand, etc). I'm not going to drill them for a side oveflow (a "no" from the Mrs- she wants an internal oveflow)
SO........
I am pondering two basic Aqueon models. (those who know know what tanks these are!). I am keeping acros and other SPS, as well as nano type fishes (I do not intend to get one bigger than like 4", with one possible exception)
(and yes, I think most people will know what tank sizes I'm referring to below; I want to focus on size more, though, than the bias of capacity)
36x18.25x17
Pros: bigger than current tank, a very popular size that offers 50% more "depth" and a bit more length. My current 2x bulb mount-on-the-rim T5 light fixture will fit it. (and I intend to get another one too, for 4x T5s)
Cons: the other one does not have my interest to the same degree right now.
Comment: this is my default choice.
48.25x12.75x16.875
Pros: more length -> would be good for the flasher wrasses I intend to get. Length would also be good if I choose to get a Kole tang (still pondering it, tank might be too small). It also provides more space for several "mini-zones" -> a concept where I have a small zone for one kind of coral or mostly sessile fish,etc. Minimum would be a BTA zone, a coral rock zone, a zone for a yellow headed jawfish, and maybe one more .
Cons: like 2g smaller than the other one. Since this tank is special order, it will be around $150 without stand. I will need to get a 48" T5 fixture - adding another $100+ minimum to this project.
Comment: 48x13x21 is a very popular size, but in this case the extra tank height is a negative for me because I think those kinds of tanks look ugly, and would (marginally?) reduce the T5's effectiveness at the bottom, I think.
Also, I pondered getting a 75G, but that would be like $400 just for the tank, and out of my intended price range for this "interim" tank.
Per a different thread (https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/w...-all-my-water-gone.668332/page-5#post-6782759), that tank leaked (fortunately not something with the tank), and that almost had me quickly get a new interim tank, though I was about to correct the size issue this time rather than get a straight up replacement. I was in some ways happy to get a new "interim" tank. But since it didn't need to replace the tank I of coures didn't go through the extra hassle of rapidly setting one up.
However, thinking about it, a new "real" reef tank is not coming until at least the spgring, I was thinking of getting a bigger "interim" tank in the size I was looking for from PetPlace would be $200-250 and replacing the first "interim" tank in a relatively simple operation. (build stand, move stand to its right place, put tank on, move water, rocks, sand, etc). I'm not going to drill them for a side oveflow (a "no" from the Mrs- she wants an internal oveflow)
SO........
I am pondering two basic Aqueon models. (those who know know what tanks these are!). I am keeping acros and other SPS, as well as nano type fishes (I do not intend to get one bigger than like 4", with one possible exception)
(and yes, I think most people will know what tank sizes I'm referring to below; I want to focus on size more, though, than the bias of capacity)
36x18.25x17
Pros: bigger than current tank, a very popular size that offers 50% more "depth" and a bit more length. My current 2x bulb mount-on-the-rim T5 light fixture will fit it. (and I intend to get another one too, for 4x T5s)
Cons: the other one does not have my interest to the same degree right now.
Comment: this is my default choice.
48.25x12.75x16.875
Pros: more length -> would be good for the flasher wrasses I intend to get. Length would also be good if I choose to get a Kole tang (still pondering it, tank might be too small). It also provides more space for several "mini-zones" -> a concept where I have a small zone for one kind of coral or mostly sessile fish,etc. Minimum would be a BTA zone, a coral rock zone, a zone for a yellow headed jawfish, and maybe one more .
Cons: like 2g smaller than the other one. Since this tank is special order, it will be around $150 without stand. I will need to get a 48" T5 fixture - adding another $100+ minimum to this project.
Comment: 48x13x21 is a very popular size, but in this case the extra tank height is a negative for me because I think those kinds of tanks look ugly, and would (marginally?) reduce the T5's effectiveness at the bottom, I think.
Also, I pondered getting a 75G, but that would be like $400 just for the tank, and out of my intended price range for this "interim" tank.
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