Reposting here (no responses)-
Short version - I'm setting up a reef tank again; most of the equipment is here, but I'm not sure if I should use my current tank and stand or not. I'm also not sure which Tunze powerheads to go with, but that's minor compared to the tank.
Longer version-
I'm setting up a 37 gallon reef (sumpless), as follows:
37 gallon Oceanic tank (24x18x20) and stand (laminate, not particleboard) - it's over 10 years old, never used, has been moved a few times. Not leak tested yet
Lighting: AI Hydra HD on order, probably going to go with the gooseneck mount for flexibility although I like the new HMI one better
Skimming: AquaMaxx HOB-1, to be used during tank setup and for emergencies. Generally off otherwise. Filtration via live rock/1-2" sandbed for sifting gobies/some macroalgae
Water movement: 2 Tunze powerheads, unclear on which models
RO/DI unit, test kits, etc also purchased, Eheim Jager heater, so on and so forth. I don't have a temperature controller yet, going to go with Ranco or Inkbird and a shrinkwrapped probe.
? - assuming the tank doesn't leak after a week or so in the garage, how do you tell if it is structurally sound? I have fears that the silicone has gotten weaker over time or that it's a disaster waiting to happen. I don't have any reason to suspect this, except that the tank has been moved a lot. Does silicone get weaker over time and need to be replaced, or am I ok if it passes the leaktest? Alternately, I can just go with a custom Starfire tank (this one is regular glass) which answers that question. I also just saw that AquaMaxx makes a 32 gallon Starfire, which would also work if it is big enough for a Midas blenny and a royal gramma/P. fridmani.
? - what powerheads would you use? I was thinking of a Tunze 6015 or 6020 across the front of the tank, and another higher up on the other side going across the back. Tank will be predominately softies and some LPS corals. An SPS or two would be nice, but I doubt that they would do well in a softy dominated tank without regular skimming.
What would you do?
Short version - I'm setting up a reef tank again; most of the equipment is here, but I'm not sure if I should use my current tank and stand or not. I'm also not sure which Tunze powerheads to go with, but that's minor compared to the tank.
Longer version-
I'm setting up a 37 gallon reef (sumpless), as follows:
37 gallon Oceanic tank (24x18x20) and stand (laminate, not particleboard) - it's over 10 years old, never used, has been moved a few times. Not leak tested yet
Lighting: AI Hydra HD on order, probably going to go with the gooseneck mount for flexibility although I like the new HMI one better
Skimming: AquaMaxx HOB-1, to be used during tank setup and for emergencies. Generally off otherwise. Filtration via live rock/1-2" sandbed for sifting gobies/some macroalgae
Water movement: 2 Tunze powerheads, unclear on which models
RO/DI unit, test kits, etc also purchased, Eheim Jager heater, so on and so forth. I don't have a temperature controller yet, going to go with Ranco or Inkbird and a shrinkwrapped probe.
? - assuming the tank doesn't leak after a week or so in the garage, how do you tell if it is structurally sound? I have fears that the silicone has gotten weaker over time or that it's a disaster waiting to happen. I don't have any reason to suspect this, except that the tank has been moved a lot. Does silicone get weaker over time and need to be replaced, or am I ok if it passes the leaktest? Alternately, I can just go with a custom Starfire tank (this one is regular glass) which answers that question. I also just saw that AquaMaxx makes a 32 gallon Starfire, which would also work if it is big enough for a Midas blenny and a royal gramma/P. fridmani.
? - what powerheads would you use? I was thinking of a Tunze 6015 or 6020 across the front of the tank, and another higher up on the other side going across the back. Tank will be predominately softies and some LPS corals. An SPS or two would be nice, but I doubt that they would do well in a softy dominated tank without regular skimming.
What would you do?
