Back into the Fray

[CervantesDeLaMancha]

So I'm finally getting back into the fish gig after decades away from the hobby.

I've had several tanks in my time from Reef, to fish only to freshwater ranging in size from 5-200 gallons.

Moving a lot, razing a family, and just being too busy, I've finally settled and have the time and money to dedicate to the hobby again.

I picked up a rimmed, 40-gallon (show?) tank, 48L x 13W x 25D with a center bar making the top openings 23 x 11

If you have the time and inclination I need some specific advice on Lids, Lights, and filtration systems as well as things I might be unaware of in the current hobby.

I'm undecided at this time as to what kind of tank I'm building, I just want to have the right tank accessories to start with and will go from there.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you might have!

 

[Reef Wizard]

So I'm finally getting back into the fish gig after decades away from the hobby.

I've had several tanks in my time from Reef, to fish only to freshwater ranging in size from 5-200 gallons.

Moving a lot, razing a family, and just being too busy, I've finally settled and have the time and money to dedicate to the hobby again.

I picked up a rimmed, 40-gallon (show?) tank, 48L x 13W x 25D with a center bar making the top openings 23 x 11

If you have the time and inclination I need some specific advice on Lids, Lights, and filtration systems as well as things I might be unaware of in the current hobby.

I'm undecided at this time as to what kind of tank I'm building, I just want to have the right tank accessories to start with and will go from there.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you might have!

Dont go crazy too fast putting thought into things will set you up long term

Plan on what type of tank if FOWLR or reef tank

If reef tank structure rock work with breaks in lighting and flow to optimize coral placement

Lights are mixed bag and there are tons available I like my reefis they scale with all types of coral

filtration sump is best and you can modify your tank to fit a sump. HOB filters can be good as well just dont seem to provide alot of surface agitation Cannisters I fill are good and bad. Nice but can harbor detritus if not cleaned regularly.

I might be speaking to the choir on some subjects so just thought id cover a bit of everything

Heater with temp controller and an Auto top off are my main cant live withouts

 

[KrisReef]

So I'm finally getting back into the fish gig after decades away from the hobby.

I've had several tanks in my time from Reef, to fish only to freshwater ranging in size from 5-200 gallons.

Moving a lot, razing a family, and just being too busy, I've finally settled and have the time and money to dedicate to the hobby again.

I picked up a rimmed, 40-gallon (show?) tank, 48L x 13W x 25D with a center bar making the top openings 23 x 11

If you have the time and inclination I need some specific advice on Lids, Lights, and filtration systems as well as things I might be unaware of in the current hobby.

I'm undecided at this time as to what kind of tank I'm building, I just want to have the right tank accessories to start with and will go from there.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you might have!

YOu have a fish tank. Modern reefers use shallow and wider (front to back) to have a larger footprint to work in and often without a top to avoid scattering light through the overhead brace.

It will make a great fish tank but it is limited for a modern reef tank.

Welcome to Reef2Reef.

 

[CervantesDeLaMancha]

YOu have a fish tank. Modern reefers use shallow and wider (front to back) to have a larger footprint to work in and often without a top to avoid scattering light through the overhead brace.

It will make a great fish tank but it is limited for a modern reef tank.

Welcome to Reef2Reef.

The more research I put into this, I see you are correct. Thanks for the input

 

[KrisReef]

The more research I put into this, I see you are correct. Thanks for the input

Sorry to be that guy, but I bought one too and regreted it later, awhile back.

 

[CervantesDeLaMancha]

Sorry to be that guy, but I bought one too and regreted it later, awhile back.

No worries at all--How did you find glass tops for your tank? With the dimensions I listed, i'm assuming I need custom lids?

 

[MDAquatics]

Dont go crazy too fast putting thought into things will set you up long term

Plan on what type of tank if FOWLR or reef tank

If reef tank structure rock work with breaks in lighting and flow to optimize coral placement

Lights are mixed bag and there are tons available I like my reefis they scale with all types of coral

filtration sump is best and you can modify your tank to fit a sump. HOB filters can be good as well just dont seem to provide alot of surface agitation Cannisters I fill are good and bad. Nice but can harbor detritus if not cleaned regularly.

I might be speaking to the choir on some subjects so just thought id cover a bit of everything

Heater with temp controller and an Auto top off are my main cant live withouts

This is spot on, couldnt be said much better

 

[CervantesDeLaMancha]

This is spot on, couldnt be said much better

Keeping this all in mind, leaning toward a FOWLR

 

[KrisReef]

Keeping this all in mind, leaning toward a FOWLR

If you are going fish only, custom lids can be made or have a glass lid cut, your choice.

 

[CervantesDeLaMancha]

If you are going fish only, custom lids can be made or have a glass lid cut, your choice.

any suggestions on where to start looking for custom lid makers?

 

[KrisReef]

any suggestions on where to start looking for custom lid makers?

Lots of people have them on here, I have not used one, my reef has no lid. And no fish.