need advice

[glacierdiver]

I have a 55 gal ona stand that is 24"l x 12.5"w x 24" H. Problem is I would like to put in a sump/refugium under it and am not handy enough to build one and the ones I have looked at are wider. In your opinion should I try and find a bigger stand, sell this tank and start over with a pre-drilled tank(because I have concerns about power outages and flooding our wood floor) and larger stand, any advice is really appreciated. I've been banging my head against the wall because I would really like to go with sump filtration(which I've never done). Thanks

 

[Pizzapro83]

Get a new tank drilled with a sump. You will love it. I feel you can have a more stable system with a sump.

 

[OIIIIIO]

Also, a 55g will not offer you much in the way of decent aquascaping due to its limited width. Pre-drilled may be the way to go if you aren't comfortable drilling one yourself. I just hate the lost space inside the tank for most of the predrilled tanks.

 

[glacierdiver]

Any advice on where to purchase pre-drilled quality glass aquariums, sumps, stands etc.?

 

[OIIIIIO]

Keep an eye out on craigslist for reef-ready tanks that are at least 18" in depth and less than 30" in depth. Also, try not to get bow front, hex or wave tanks as they are difficult with lighting due to shape.

Sumps are easy to make out of standard tanks. Get your tank/stand first and get the largest sump you can to fit in the stand.

 

[Dave3112]

Keep an eye out on craigslist for reef-ready tanks that are at least 18" in depth and less than 30" in depth. Also, try not to get bow front, hex or wave tanks as they are difficult with lighting due to shape.

Sumps are easy to make out of standard tanks. Get your tank/stand first and get the largest sump you can to fit in the stand.

+1 I was going to suggest the exact same thing!!

Another suggestion that I'm sure someone has already told you or you have read, buy the best equiptment your budget will allow the first time! Trust me on this one! I have tried every way to be cheap about it and have ended up spending more in the long run PLUS eventually buying the good stuff anyway! Especially skimmers and powerheads. Just my opinion and experience!

 

[ilovereef]

I'd invest a little more into a brand new tank.

 

[wicked demon]

+1, new tank, -if your gonna do it, do it right!!!

If you have the space, put the 55 on the floor as a sump mine is behind my 75 display so that I have enough heigth to grow mangroves, and enough room to access all areas f the sump/ fuge.

 

[Fragged_it]

+1, new tank, -if your gonna do it, do it right!!!

If you have the space, put the 55 on the floor as a sump mine is behind my 75 display so that I have enough heigth to grow mangroves, and enough room to access all areas f the sump/ fuge.

+1

Nice setup.