Thinking of a new build...

[NoobSalt]

Hey gang,

So I have had my nice small 12 gal nanocube running for a few months now and of course I want to upgrade to a bigger tank, not much bigger but bigger none-the-less.

Here is what my thought process is, I would love some feed back.

I am thinking of going somewhere between a 30-55 Gal, depending on what kind of deal I can get and then turning my 12 gal into a sump or refugium for the new tank.

My questions are, what would be better, a sump or refugium? Would the 12 gallon nano cube (its a JBJ) be able to even be used as either? and is 12 gallons a good size sump/ref. for a 30-55 gallon tank? (Probably going to end up with a 30)

Of course, when the build starts, there will be many pictures of the process

Thanks!

[Original Fin]

In the size range you mentioned, a 40 breeder has nice dimensions for a reef tank. Or any cube within those sizes. The more front to back depth, the better.
Stay away from standard 55's. I'm speaking from experience. They are way too skinny for decent Aquascaping, and you won't be able to find a tank to fit in the stand for a sump/fuge.

If you can find a reef ready tank in those sizes, you'll thank yourself a million times over.

IDK about your nano as a sump...I'm thinking not.

Good luck!



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[NoobSalt]

Hmmm...good to know about the 55's. Might go with a 40 breeder now that you mention it.

I know the nano for a sump would be a challenge, but I love building things and this would def be a good project/custom/something I dont think has been done before.

[Original Fin]

Hmmm...good to know about the 55's. Might go with a 40 breeder now that you mention it.

I know the nano for a sump would be a challenge, but I love building things and this would def be a good project/custom/something I dont think has been done before.

Me too, and anything's possible!

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

If it were me, I would use the nano as a quarantine tank.

[NoobSalt]

I thought about it, but I would really like to turn into a sump or refugium. I think with proper research and time, it can be done. This is going to be build that happens over a very long period of time so I think I can do it.

[chrisfont23]

I have a 29g. I believe you can do a lot with a nano for less, and still get away with all the aesthetics of a larger tank if done right. Of course, the fish, and less real estate none-withstanding - which of course is my reason to begin planning my upgrade to a 90G. But for a year, it has been a substantial entry point to this hobby that has allowed me to conceptually build (in my head, on my pc) or actually implement in my setup those bigger concepts/DIY projects/ideas I plan to fold into my 90. In short, it was a precursor to a larger tank which I can make mistakes on. Having said that, I managed to do a lot with a little (real estate). I have incorporated a phosban reactor, reservoir and HOB fuge into the tank. The skimmer is basically the only visible extra in the DT next to the MP10. This all less a sump, gave me the headway to think larger - much larger. *** Personally, I think a sump is overkill for a tank this size (29g) ***

A std 29g is 30 1/4 x 12 1/2 x 18 3/4. You standard 40 breeder is 36 3/16 x 18 1/4 x 16 15/16. I am not sure the fish you plan on keeping, but I can only imagine you cannot fit that many more in a 40 than you could in a 29. Everything else between a 29g and a 40g is basically "relatively relative", no...if not the same.

If it were me, I would go to the biggest allowable tank I could wrap my arms around from a maintenance perspective and call it a day. If that's a 29g, it's an awesome choice. I have pics to prove it

Just my two cents.

[NoobSalt]

Chris, your 29 looks real sweet, and I like the point you make about just grabbing the biggest i can handle maintenance wise. Like I said, this is going to be a slow and steady build that probably wont end up anywhere close to done till 2012 haha. I think I will end up with a 40 and just start building it slowly over time.

Thanks again everyone for the input! Just one more thing...Sump or Fuge?? Which do you all prefer and why??

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

I have a DIY sump with a refugium section. If you're thinking of a sump with bio balls, don't bother. A fuge is a good place to grow macro algae ( to aid in nutrient conversion/ export) and also provides a place for pods and other beneficial organisms to reproduce without predation.

[NoobSalt]

Def not going to do bio balls, thinking of doing a fuge the more I read...I'll keep you guys posted! Thanks again for the help!