[a novice]

Hello Everyone,
I've been researching a reef tank for the past year and I've gone from a 55 gallon, to a 90, to a 150, down to a 15. I'm a student right now and I've pretty much concluded that a 25-35 gallon is the right answer. The intergrated type tanks seem to cost a little more but I like the fact that everything is contained. Does anyone have any model or brand recommendations for this type of tank?

Another option that I've looking into was building one myself. I've worked with acrylic before building bird cages and such and I think that I could do it. I would do something like a 20x20x20 tank with a 4inch partioned off section with black acrylic. Has anyone built their own tank? I checked with one company to build it for me and it was going to be like $450(just the tank, no canopy, filters, pumps, etc)... I thought that was a little high.

Know of any websites that go into detail about building tanks?

Thanks so much!

[Ninong]

Hi a novice, welcome to Reefland!

I would advise you to avoid the integrated type aquariums if you are setting up a reef-tank. They are more expensive and they do not provide adequate front-to-back space for your live rock and sandbed. Also, you really do not want their wet/dry filtration system with bio-balls, etc.

My recommendation for an ideal size as a starter reef-tank would be a 40-gal breeder tank: 36"Lx18"Wx16"H

The next step up would be a 58-gal tank, which is also 36" long. The reason for stopping at 36" in length is to keep your lighting costs down. In the case of the 40-gal breeder tank, you can light it very well with either VHO or PC fluorescent lamps since it is not that tall. Metal halide lighting is the best, but you can get by without it if you are trying to keep your costs down. Naturally, the next logical step up would be a 75-gal tank, but that's in the 4-ft length category. I would avoid a 55-gal tank as they do not have much front-to-back space. You can probably buy a 40-gal tank cheaper than you can make one yourself.

I don't think you should consider anything smaller than 20-gallons as a first reef-tank. And once you start figuring out what a 20-gal setup would cost, you will see that a 40-gal setup is not that much more. Just get one of the many newer hang-on-the-tank skimmers, a couple of power heads, a nice VHO or PC lighting fixture, and you're in business.

Good luck,

Ninong

[a novice]

Thanks for the reply! The reason why I've gone to a smaller size tank is the ability to move it. I'm looking at nano size tanks but they seem a little too small.... I've been told more than once that I should start with a 55+ gallon but at this time in my life it's just not reasonable. I can either go smaller or go none at all. It's not really the money issue it's more the fact that if I set up a larger tank I'll end up tearing it down and selling it in three or four years. With a smaller tank I could eighter move it or sell the living stuff and store the equipment.
What do you think about CPR AQUATIC's LT3 tank? It's like 25 gallons... Anyways, Thanks!

[Ninong]

Are they still making it? Anyway, assuming it is still available, it would make a nice small tank, just remove the Bio-Bale stuff and be sure to buy it with the optional canopy with PC lights so that you don't have to deal with a custom size canopy. If you set it up with at least a 3-1/2" deep sandbed and 20-30 lbs of live rock, you won't need the Bio-Bale media stuff.

Ninong

[a novice]

I would assume that they're still making it... I don't really know though. I just tried bending 1/4 inch acrylic and I did pretty good so I'm thinking that I may want to try building a tank.
I'd like to find a website or something that go into a little detail about building one. IF I were to go on building one, I would try to do a 'built in' sump.... like partion off 4 or so inches in the back of the tank to hold a skimmer, and all that good stuff. I'm going to keep looking around to see what I can do but thanks again for the info.

[Freshwaterguy1313]

Well if you want to build a tank GOOD LUCK!!! If you want a website for Acrylic tanks I have some: WWW.Reefgeek.COM WWW.reefthings.com AND WWW.thepetstop.com


Thats all I can give you for now!!!

[a novice]

Thanks for the links. I've looked through the smaller standard size tanks and they're all like 12 inches deep(not depth like top to bottom but front to back) I would like a tank that is like 24 inches wide 20 inches deep and 20 inches high. I've been emailing different companies about pricing so soon I should have an idea of cost. Thanks again.

[Freshwaterguy1313]

Hey ur welcome I just glad I could help!!!