Well, I am not new, but I get to do it over - can you help me?

[chris_r11]

Hi,

We have had a 60 gallon tank for about 11 years. It morphed into a reef and we had the same fish for about 8 years, then they slowly died off and now we have a bunch of crabs, snails and the "sea monster" brittle star.

Well, we did some remodeling and now the tank is too big. It is 48 x15 x 18, I think. My wife wants a 29 or something. I am thinking maybe 36 in wide... anyway.

So, I am looking at tanks and equipment for the first time in 10 years. Our current tank has the wet/dry in the back. I would like to do a sump under the tank this time but alot of the tanks I have found are glass and I don't know if I want to drill it.

Opinions - is a 29 a good size for a reef? I have heard that it is not deep enough at 12 inches from LFS? Would we be better off going the next size up to a 40 (the 36 inch wide tank). Whille I would like to think I would get tons of different corals and stuff, reality for me says it is something for the 2 and the 5 year old to enjoy and me to find time to take care of.

Are the sumps quiet? Right now we have an Aqua C hanging on the back of the 60 and it is too noisy for me. Will a sump drive me nuts? Can they be quiet?

Any recommendation for where to get tanks and stands for a good deal? I have found the guy on ebay that makes custom acrylic tanks and skylab industries that makes reef ready glass tanks - any opinions on them?

Well, thanks for any replies, I know it is a broad question - I am not sure where to start.

Chris

 

[bheron]

hey chris, you came to the right place!

Q: "is a 29 a good size for a reef?"

- definitely !! you'll be limited in the amount of livestock you can put in it, for sure. but you'll save tons on equipment and will be able to keep almost anything you want! just limited to the number. you'll also be liimited, however, to some types of fish since many get too big for a 29g. but, with the right lighting, you can keep alot of corals. and the lighting will be cheaper. water changes, supplements, etc may be less also.


Q: "Are the sumps quiet? "

- You can make sumps quiet. not sure about the hang on backs, but a sump under the tank can be relatively quiet.

Q: "Any recommendation for where to get tanks and stands for a good deal? I have found the guy on ebay that makes custom acrylic tanks and skylab industires that makes reef ready glass tanks - any opinions on them?

- The internet is definitely a good place to go. But with a 29g size, you might be able to get that anywhere. just do some good searches on here before buying. PS - never heard of those two builders.

good luck!

 

[20 20]

Check out this thread for a couple of pictures of 29 gallon reefs. It can be done.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=752567

 

[Agu]

I'd go with a 30 breeder (38X18X12h) over a 29 (30X12X18h) for a reef tank. A shallower tank is easier to light and the added depth front to back is easier to aquascape. It also holds more corals :lol: .

If you're going to have a sump I'd highly suggest drilling the tank and using one of the several mods to quiet the drain.

The profit margin isn't in the small tanks. You're better off picking it up locally if possible.


jmo,