Replace Bottom of 55

[Budde]

I have a 55 gallon aquarium, that I am going to use to start up as an SPS-dominated system, but the bottom glass is tempered glass and I would like to get it replaced and then drilled. Does anyone know of anywhere in the Buffalo or Rochester area that would be able to do that?

What would be my other options, if I wasn't to get the bottom replaced as for overflow to the sump that will be below the tank?

 

[Conesus_Kid]

I think it would be cost-prohibitive, if you can even find some folks to do it. To make matters worse, all panels on a 55 are tempered.

If it were me, I would go with a 75 gallon aquarium if you swing it. The extra front to back space makes it much better than a 55 for aquascaping.

 

[briangsxr1000]

I think it would be cost-prohibitive, if you can even find some folks to do it. To make matters worse, all panels on a 55 are tempered.

If it were me, I would go with a 75 gallon aquarium if you swing it. The extra front to back space makes it much better than a 55 for aquascaping.

I agree. You will end up wishing you went bigger in the long run anyway. Go with a 90 or 120 IMO

 

[Budde]

Thanks for your input. I would love to go with a 75, 90 or 100, if possible.

I currently have a 20 (which I was planning on using for my sump), a 29, and a 55 out in the garage. I know my Aunt had a couple of tanks from when she was in the hobby; maybe she still has her big tank.

UPDATE: She does not have a tank that I could have, as here 75 is been used by her sister, and the 100 system is getting ready to be put back up. If anyone knows of anywhere, in the Buffalo or Rochester area, that has a 75, 90, 100, or 120 gallon tank at a decent price, feel free to post or PM me. If not, I'll probably end up going with the 55 and having to get a HOB Overflow, and upgrade in the future.

 

[Veganbrian]

Check Craigslist. There's always a bunch on there.

 

[aguz1126]

I have a 75g wood grain with black painted background. No scratches. All braces in great shape. Will trade for frags or bo.

 

[Budde]

I have a 75g wood grain with black painted background. No scratches. All braces in great shape. Will trade for frags or bo.

I don't currently have a reef system setup, thus I do not have frags that I could trade for the 75g. Although, depending on what you are looking for in terms of cash for the 75g, I would be willing to make an offer. I probably wouldn't be able to get the money to you until at least mid to late December.

 

[Budde]

Check Craigslist. There's always a bunch on there.

Will do, thanks for this information.

 

[Foody]

Caribbean Forest has a used 75 in good condition for $40. At least they did 2 weeks ago and for the previous couple of months. The original question was how to get your water from the 55 to the sump without drilling. Have you considered an aftermarket overflow box?

 

[Budde]

Caribbean Forest has a used 75 in good condition for $40. At least they did 2 weeks ago and for the previous couple of months. The original question was how to get your water from the 55 to the sump without drilling. Have you considered an aftermarket overflow box?

I have, I just wasn't sure which overflow box would be my best option. I wanted one that would allow for me to hide it (somewhat) with live rock to make the aquarium look nice still.

I have a Protein Skimmer on the way, I ordered that on Wednesday; it's rated for up to 100 gallons. It should be here on Tuesday or Wednesday this coming week. I still need to get T5HOs for the 55G or whichever I end up with, and get the sump baffles setup in the 20G aquarium that I'm using.

I will need to order my power-heads, a return pump, a light for the fuge section of the sump, probably a little more sand, and definitely more dry and live rock. I am going to custom build a stand for the system, with room for upgrading (up to 150L). There are other dry products, such as food, additives, and test kits that I need to get as well.

 

[reefboarder]

If you are in the roch area, The Reef shoppe had the best prices on tanks in a hundred mile radious, and their powerheads and misc equipment are competitively priced. If my memory serves me correctly the koralias were as cheap as anywhere online.

 

[Budde]

If you are in the roch area, The Reef shoppe had the best prices on tanks in a hundred mile radious, and their powerheads and misc equipment are competitively priced. If my memory serves me correctly the koralias were as cheap as anywhere online.

Thanks, I'm about 45 minutes from Rochester. I am definitely going to have to head out that way and see what I can find for cheap for the setup.

 

[Flanders]

I think it would be cost-prohibitive, if you can even find some folks to do it. To make matters worse, all panels on a 55 are tempered.

not always. It it's an AGA tank it depends on the date of manufacture and supposedly they keep very good records and you can call them. I took my chances and drilled out the side of a 55 for my sump. definitely not tempered.

 

[Budde]

not always. It it's an AGA tank it depends on the date of manufacture and supposedly they keep very good records and you can call them. I took my chances and drilled out the side of a 55 for my sump. definitely not tempered.

Thanks for this information, I have contacted AGA to get some information on this. I am also looking into going with a 75 or 90 gallon instead of the 55. If I go with the 75, I'll use my 20 gallon as my sump, and if I go with the 90, I'll use the 55.

 

[Budde]

Caribbean Forest has a used 75 in good condition for $40. At least they did 2 weeks ago and for the previous couple of months.

I contacted Caribbean Forest, and they have since sold the tank. They have sent me the cost for new 75 and 90 tanks, both standard and reef ready. I am considering my options here.

 

[block head]

Check your sump width. 12 " is all that will fit in standard stands. 10g is the only tank that will fit without modifying. Never saw a 55 that was impressive. 55 are poopy for salt. 40,75,90,or 120 are better choices.

 

[Budde]

Check your sump width. 12 " is all that will fit in standard stands. 10g is the only tank that will fit without modifying. Never saw a 55 that was impressive. 55 are poopy for salt. 40,75,90,or 120 are better choices.

I am going to be custom building a stand for the tank, and the sump. I will be sure to look at my options for sump size, as well.

 

[Flanders]

I would have to agree though that the 55 is the worst tank size and I would vote for a 75 or a 90.

 

[block head]

friend had to go custom acrylic sump w/his 55. 7590120 can be found used for next to nothing. tank looks horrible

 

[tmz]

I liked my 55 ok as a fish only with live rock tank. Not alot of room to aquascape for a feef though.