NcStateFisher
Reefing newb
Hey guys, I'm new to the forum. I have 1 year of saltwater experience (started last june) but currently only have a 10 gallon nano reef running with 1 ocellaris clown and a young blue spotted watchman. At one point I had a 46 bowfront saltwater but sold it when I got a good offer. I'm in the process of selling my 90g freshwater tank and am trying to decide between two tanks to become my new focus.
The first is an interesting shaped tank from when I was a kid. It needs a reseal but other than that is in pretty good shape. It's roughly 30 gallons, it's 36" in the back and in the front it is 30". It is kind of like a trapezoid shape, definitely unique and I feel like it would look really nice as a saltwater tank. The only issue with this tank is that the way the sides are I am worried it would be difficult to get a HOB protein skimmer on it with the light taking up the back side and not leaving any room. This could be solved by getting a 30" fixture and hanging it but I'd rather avoid that if at all possible. Stock would be mostly cheapo weed corals with a bicolor angel and a couple other smaller fish, potentially a longnose hawk some kind of goby/blenny and an orchid dottyback.
My second option is a standard 55g that I have. Doesn't need a reseal which is a plus and I wouldn't have the issue with the light fixture/skimmer clashing for space. Also opens up the stocking possibilities quite a bit, would still be weed corals but the fish stock would most likely include one of the smaller tangs (yellow eye kole or a tomini).
The cost isn't really the issue, it's only about $100-150 difference the way i've got it factored out.. I plan to use dry rock and cycle with extra rock pieces from my 10 gallon for a quick cycle. I'm looking at the odyssea 4 bulb light fixtures but am also considering the coralife or aquaticlife 2 bulb t5s.
Basically I just want to see people's opinions on which tank they would go with and why. Also if you would like to give input on the powerheads you would use. Thinking the smaller tank I could get by with one koralia evolution 750 and the 55 would probably take two of those.
Benefits of the 30:
Takes up less space (live in an apartment)
Unique looking
Smaller waterchanges
Benefits of the 55:
Provides a lot more options for stocking
No Reseal required
Thanks to anybody on here who took the time to read and respond to this novel! :bounce:
The first is an interesting shaped tank from when I was a kid. It needs a reseal but other than that is in pretty good shape. It's roughly 30 gallons, it's 36" in the back and in the front it is 30". It is kind of like a trapezoid shape, definitely unique and I feel like it would look really nice as a saltwater tank. The only issue with this tank is that the way the sides are I am worried it would be difficult to get a HOB protein skimmer on it with the light taking up the back side and not leaving any room. This could be solved by getting a 30" fixture and hanging it but I'd rather avoid that if at all possible. Stock would be mostly cheapo weed corals with a bicolor angel and a couple other smaller fish, potentially a longnose hawk some kind of goby/blenny and an orchid dottyback.
My second option is a standard 55g that I have. Doesn't need a reseal which is a plus and I wouldn't have the issue with the light fixture/skimmer clashing for space. Also opens up the stocking possibilities quite a bit, would still be weed corals but the fish stock would most likely include one of the smaller tangs (yellow eye kole or a tomini).
The cost isn't really the issue, it's only about $100-150 difference the way i've got it factored out.. I plan to use dry rock and cycle with extra rock pieces from my 10 gallon for a quick cycle. I'm looking at the odyssea 4 bulb light fixtures but am also considering the coralife or aquaticlife 2 bulb t5s.
Basically I just want to see people's opinions on which tank they would go with and why. Also if you would like to give input on the powerheads you would use. Thinking the smaller tank I could get by with one koralia evolution 750 and the 55 would probably take two of those.
Benefits of the 30:
Takes up less space (live in an apartment)
Unique looking
Smaller waterchanges
Benefits of the 55:
Provides a lot more options for stocking
No Reseal required
Thanks to anybody on here who took the time to read and respond to this novel! :bounce:
