Planning an upgrade!!

[fishymommy]

Hello everyone! So many of you know that I have a 20g Long mini reef that has been running for about 3 months now and the reason I've had to stay so small is because I live in a college dorm room. Well, next year, I may finally be getting my first appartment and would be allowed to get a larger, more roomy tank for my fishes!! So, I had a few question on different upgrade things that will mostly have opinion answers.

I was looking at different size tanks for the first time and instantly fell in love with a 40g breeder tank, dimensions 36" x 18" x 17". I love how it is a little bit longer than my tank now but so much deeper. I'm having a lot of trouble now getting my live rock to be angled instead of just stacked in order put corals on them and make tunnels/caves for my clowns.

So, has anyone tried this size of tank for a reef? Do you know if they come with internal overflows? Someone had said something about 55's being the lowest tanks with already built in overflows. What is a good medium sized tank for me that I would be big enough to keep me happy for a long time but also small enough to be in an appartment? (no idea on what size appartment yet, sorry)

That also leads me to another question. I only run a BakPak Skimmer on my 20g now. I would love to get an internal overflow tank so I can run a sump underneath. Would anybody mind going through all the required 'divisions/steps' in sump so I can get a better idea on what does what? I can't seem to find a good article describing a sump very well.

So, yeah, thats the beginning of my upgrading plan. Any opinions/suggestions???

thanks,

fishymommy

[labnjab]

40 gallon breeders are a great size for a reef and easy to light. I'm not sure if the make them with internal overflows, but most can be drilled and you can make your own internal overflow, or you can get a hang on back overflow which work great too

I'll send you a link to my sump build on my local reef club. Its made out of a 20 long

[MonkeyPox]

I would recommend more experience in the hobby before you consider an additional tank.

[Cristoff]

I disagree Monkey. As long as the proper research is done, I see nothing at all wrong with a tank upgrade.

I've been in the hobby about 6 months now and have 4 tanks up and running. I've lost a total of 2 fish, one being eaten and one from damage done by the LFS in netting him. I have had zero disease, and the tanks look great.

I say go for it! Do all your research ahead of time - reefs can be expensive. Be sure to post a TON of pics!

[UnknownFish]

I would recommend more experience in the hobby before you consider an additional tank.

I dont think she wants an additional tank I believe she wants to upgrade to a bigger tank, and on that note 40 gallon breeder tanks are awesome, you wont need a ton of light and its a decent tank for its size, when I would breed cichlids I would use 40 breeder tanks cause they dont take up alot of space, when I moved i got rid of all tanks except my 75 gallon and 1 40 gallon breeder. Good luck with your upgrade.

[MonkeyPox]

I disagree Monkey. As long as the proper research is done, I see nothing at all wrong with a tank upgrade.

Recommendation is based on previous posts by fishymommy.

[fishymommy]

unknown fish is right. i dont want to start a new tank but move everyone into a bigger one. Everyone has told me that bigger systems are easier to learn with anyway. Also, it won't be until this summer anyway so I'm starting my research really early. Btw, what previous posts are you looking at?

[fishymommy]

Anyway, if I could go along with this upgrade, obviously I'm going to need a couple things. First, what type of light do you recommend the most? It is going to be so easier finding a 36" light than it was to find a 30" for my 20g. I would like a MH since the 40g will be deep enough to avoid my water overheating (hopefully??) and the combo t5/MH look really nice especially with lunar lights. Does anybody have a preference on what type/brand?

Also, What size of sump would work best? With labnjab's DIY directions, and my mother-in-laws experience in DIY, I'm deffinitely going to make one at home. Should I use a 10, 15, or 20g??

Thanks for all of your support so far!!

[labnjab]

I would go with a 20 long, it seems to be the perfect size

[fishymommy]

Ok, well, i know where i can get one of those! haha