Trying to Convert

[hmspradlin]

:fish1: Hey all- new to the forum :fish1:

I currently am looking into switching from fw to a FOWLR. I'm having a big debate with myself. I have a 55 gal that is NOT drilled, and I am unsure of the type glass it is so I don't feel comfortable drilling it myself. With that said- I've been searching for a drilled 55. Why would I bother you ask?..

Well from the research I have done it seems like having a non-drilled tank is more of a pain. More equipment, possible syphon breakage with power outage and water on my floor.

Am I overthinking this? Should I just start collecting the things I need for the non-drilled 55 I have? Suggestions on what to get first? I'm in no rush here. I'm planning on breaking down the 3 fw tanks I have and just having the one FOWLR.

Thanks yall!
~Hayley

 

[CrazyEyes]

Honestly, you can run a successful SW tank without a sump, although having one is quite favorable. With that said, I've known many people who use a HOB siphon style overflow and have never had issues with it, I personally never would, just a personal preference. Also, chances are, the 55g is probably tempered. What other size tanks do you currently have? I would really suggest, going as big as you can, a 75/90 gallon would be really good start. A buddy of mine is selling a drilled 90g w/stand if you think you can jump up in size just a bit.

 

[hmspradlin]

I have 40 breeder, the 55, and a 5 (qt tank). well the 55 fits really well where I have it, and I mean heyyyy who doesn't want bigger? haha but I'd have to make sure it fits in that spot.

So I guess measurements and how much they want for it would be the question

 

[CrazyEyes]

A 75 and 90 is the same length as a 55 but 18 inches wide instead of 13". A 40B would be a really cool fish only tank, would be a really cool reef tank too. And I'll ask him what he can take for the 90.

 

[sirrealism]

I hate to admit this but I have only used 1 drilled tank in the 15 years I have been doing this. Never had any big issues with non drilled tanks. Yes it would be nice but until I started reading on this forum I never thought about it. I am running a 90g and 55g with HOB over flows. Its habit for me to look at them once a week or so or if I notice something not right. Never had a mess on the floor from one. Many floods on the floor from other issues but not the overflow

 

[hmspradlin]

A 75 and 90 is the same length as a 55 but 18 inches wide instead of 13". A 40B would be a really cool fish only tank, would be a really cool reef tank too. And I'll ask him what he can take for the 90.

Do you know if the 90 comes with a stand? Just cause it wouldn't fit on the one I have now. Thanks!

 

[CrazyEyes]

Yeah, it's the tank (corner drilled with a drain and return), stand, sump, and a skimmer (reef octopuse nwb-110)

 

[hmspradlin]

I hate to admit this but I have only used 1 drilled tank in the 15 years I have been doing this. Never had any big issues with non drilled tanks. Yes it would be nice but until I started reading on this forum I never thought about it. I am running a 90g and 55g with HOB over flows. Its habit for me to look at them once a week or so or if I notice something not right. Never had a mess on the floor from one. Many floods on the floor from other issues but not the overflow

Thank you. I think I'm just over thinking the drilled vs non-drilled. I should just be happy with the tank I have and start getting the pieces I need to convert it. I was told by a LFS guy that I could start with just HOB filters until I got the sump going. It's going to just be a FOWLR. any suggestions/advice?

 

[anbosu]

I had issues with non drilled tanks. I've never had an issue with a drilled tank.

 

[imchris]

Personally, I'd go for a drilled tank. You can make due without it though. I wouldn't think the sides of the 55 are tempered but who knows. You can get by without a sump but why would you want to? Don't get me wrong, I've run tanks before with just HOB and undergravel filters and they were successful. I also used to ride my bike to work when I was a kid and although I did get there, it wasn't ideal, and I certainly don't want to do it now. In the end, it's a matter of your space limitations, time limitations, and financial limits.

 

[Egkid]

You can always go with a hang on back protein skimmer and make life easy.

 

[nazgul1979]

Decide which fish you want to have in your tank, THEN decide if a 55 is the right size for you. For instance, if you like tangs, most angels, triggers, etc. then that's way too small. You have to live with this immovable object in your living room or wherever so make sure you know what you want inside it before putting it down.
I currently run a siphon and external overflow box and I've never had an issue with spillage. I built my sump and put a lot of thought into it. I've got it configured so that a loss of siphon or power doesn't result in overflow in either direction. With a little forethought, external can be quite worry free. Though they are uglier imo and internal are more ready to go out of the box.

 

[hmspradlin]

Yeah, it's the tank (corner drilled with a drain and return), stand, sump, and a skimmer (reef octopuse nwb-110)

I received your friends PM, but of course can't reply until I've posted 10 times. I plan on giving them a call since I can't PM back.

 

[CrazyEyes]

The tank really is in good shape. No scratches or anything. I think it'd be a good tank to start with since it's already drilled and setup for a sump. Only thing that I personally don't care for is the brown trim but, you could always tape off the tank and paint it black.