Choosing a SW tank

Sploke

Sploke

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Oct 20, 2005
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I'm looking at setting up a SW tank. It will be my first. I'll probably be following dorkfish's article on setting up your first marine tank. However, I need some advice on choosing a tank for the setup. I think I'll have room for a 4' tank. Initially I was thinking about trying to find a drilled 55gal, but then I thought since its so deep, it might be more difficult to light. Also, would I be better off using a drilled tank so I can build a sump, or just use a HOB and a skimmer? TIA.
 
"Dilution is the solution to pollution"

The more water volume you can get, the better. This usually means using a sump where you can hide your heater and skimmer and also create a little refugium. The only question is whether you have enough room for the sump.

With proper selection and placement of corals and the right lights, the depth of a 55 is not an issue
 
What exactly is the purpose of a refugium besides adding more water volume to the system?
 
A 'fuge serves 2 main purposes:

1. To house macro-algae which (like any plant in any other aquarium) consumes nitrates and phosphates.

2. To provide a place (a "refuge") for amphipod, copepods and other tiny organisms to multiply. These are an important food source for corals, fish and others, and also play a role in processing waste. However, they would get wiped out with so many predators in the main tank. In the refugium they can safely breed and every so often get sucked into the main tank where they are eaten.
 
Ok, I found a drilled 55 for 150 bucks on sale, for the tank only. That seems reasonable, relative to how tanks usually sell around here. I would like to get a wooden stand, and use a 20 long underneath. The plan is to divide it into two sections, one just big enough for the skimmer to sit in, and the other, use for the refugium. However, beyond the plumbing for the overflow, I'm pretty much lost as to how to set that up. Pictures from anyone with a comparable setup would be great. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, so I'll probably build the stand myself and do most of the plumbing etc to save some money.
 
Your gonna have some problems fitting a 20 long in the stand, as the stands made for 55's usually have a support in the center wich will prevent you from fitting the tank in there without removing temporarily removing said suport.

BTW, I'm planning on doing a redo of the marine aquariums for newbies soon, so that should help you out even more.
 
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I was acually thinking about building my own stand, so I might be able to work around that.
 
That would be a good size to go with. The more water and the fewer fish you have, the easier it will be to maintain good water quality.
 
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