Hi All!
I'm looking to start back into the hobby after a 10+ year break. So much has changed, and so much hasn't "“ Glad Reef Central is still here (even if I can't remember my original UserName)! I recently obtained a 40 gal (think it's too tall to be a breeder) and a 10 gal (both glass). Eventually, I'm hoping this 40 will be the sump of something larger, but that is way down the road "“ like after I win the PowerBall"¦twice.
I've always kept nano tanks - SPS with a fish or two "“ which is easy when the tanks are in a science lab with the best test kits and water that a lab can buy. This 40 gallon seems HUGE and still not big enough! I've always loved to watch clownfish and their anemones. My nano tanks were always too small to even think about trying this. Lately I've seen so many posts from those of you who are raising fry, that I think I'd eventually like to give this a try. With that being said, that's a looooong ways down the road "“ these tanks don't even have water in them yet! So, here's what I'm thinking:
I'd like to use the 10 gal as a Q tank or a frag tank (or a nursery!), with a larger sump at some point, but it will start out as a 40 gal main tank with 10 gal sump to house the protein skimmer, etc. No one local will drill because I have no idea if it's tempered glass, so I'm going to go with a HOB overflow. I agree! HOBs are difficult, so let's not side track on that.
The tank will likely be clean-up crew and LR for a significant time. I'd like the LR formation to have spots for small SPS at the top and sheltered spots lower in the tank. Ideally I'd like to create spots that mix up flow and light providing a few different options for the eventual anemone and maybe some "œshade" for a few mushrooms. Once I feel the system is stable, I'll probably wait another month or two
and then add the SPS, and let everything settle in. Then I would add the anemone / clownfish pair, and much later maybe a goby or blenny.
How much flow would you like to see in a tank like this? I've always just used the biggest pumps I could afford, but that was for all SPS and a fish or two. Does that still hold true if I can create flow sheltered areas (that still get enough light)?
Too much bioload (if added slower than molasses in winter)?
If you currently have a 40 gal (or close in size), and you had a "œDo Over" "“ what would you do different?
Thanks for your thoughts! Now that I'm back, I've been lurking for a bit. Excited to be back, and am waiting for the money to build so I can get started"¦Simple questions, but I think I just need to talk to you guys! :wave:
I'm looking to start back into the hobby after a 10+ year break. So much has changed, and so much hasn't "“ Glad Reef Central is still here (even if I can't remember my original UserName)! I recently obtained a 40 gal (think it's too tall to be a breeder) and a 10 gal (both glass). Eventually, I'm hoping this 40 will be the sump of something larger, but that is way down the road "“ like after I win the PowerBall"¦twice.
I've always kept nano tanks - SPS with a fish or two "“ which is easy when the tanks are in a science lab with the best test kits and water that a lab can buy. This 40 gallon seems HUGE and still not big enough! I've always loved to watch clownfish and their anemones. My nano tanks were always too small to even think about trying this. Lately I've seen so many posts from those of you who are raising fry, that I think I'd eventually like to give this a try. With that being said, that's a looooong ways down the road "“ these tanks don't even have water in them yet! So, here's what I'm thinking:
I'd like to use the 10 gal as a Q tank or a frag tank (or a nursery!), with a larger sump at some point, but it will start out as a 40 gal main tank with 10 gal sump to house the protein skimmer, etc. No one local will drill because I have no idea if it's tempered glass, so I'm going to go with a HOB overflow. I agree! HOBs are difficult, so let's not side track on that.
The tank will likely be clean-up crew and LR for a significant time. I'd like the LR formation to have spots for small SPS at the top and sheltered spots lower in the tank. Ideally I'd like to create spots that mix up flow and light providing a few different options for the eventual anemone and maybe some "œshade" for a few mushrooms. Once I feel the system is stable, I'll probably wait another month or two
and then add the SPS, and let everything settle in. Then I would add the anemone / clownfish pair, and much later maybe a goby or blenny.How much flow would you like to see in a tank like this? I've always just used the biggest pumps I could afford, but that was for all SPS and a fish or two. Does that still hold true if I can create flow sheltered areas (that still get enough light)?
Too much bioload (if added slower than molasses in winter)?
If you currently have a 40 gal (or close in size), and you had a "œDo Over" "“ what would you do different?
Thanks for your thoughts! Now that I'm back, I've been lurking for a bit. Excited to be back, and am waiting for the money to build so I can get started"¦Simple questions, but I think I just need to talk to you guys! :wave:
