WTB 65-90 gal tank...LFS only Choice?

[boundless1]

I don't know if this is the right place to post this ... new forum user.

I am looking for a 65-90~gal tank, most likely glass due to cost constraints. I want something that is either drilled or drillable.

On this topic why are some tanks set up with 2 corners drilled (4 holes) while others have only a single corner drilled (2 holes)? How would these tanks be plumbed differently?

How many companies make aquariums (glass only or all kinds)? Can tanks be purchased directly or over the net or would shipping be cost prohibitive?

Thanks for the help ...in advance this forum rocks!!

Anthony

[Hermit]

Anthony,

I don't know if anyone's welcomed you yeet, so welcome aboard!

I don't have any first hand exp. with those tanks, but the 75 seems to be a good size. I run a 55 (same HxL dimensions), but much narrower. The extra width is good for gas exchange and aquascaping. 4' is also a good room length.

If you can't get it pre-drilled, then make sure to get a non-tempered bottom. Tempered glass can't be drilled. You may want to check with some local companies before buying your tank to see how much it'll cost to have it drilled.

2 corners drilled, IMO, are better because it allows better water flow. There are some posts here discussing it which will explain why (I don't have the words for it, ya know).

There are several companies that make aquariums, including AGA (the only one I can think of right now). If your LFS can't order any in, you can buy them off the internet, but shipping is pretty high.

Inquiring minds want to know what you're planning on keeping in the tank. Is it going to be a FO (fish only), FOWLR (fish only with live rock), or a reef?

FWIW, you should read plenty, and ask lots of questions. We have all been there (some of us would like to go back to the planning stage) and we love to help.

[Doug1]

hey anthony, tanks are drilled that way cause the large hole is for drain and small hole is for return, most samller anks 120 and under come with one overflow unless you custom order it with duals. Several manufacturers sell tanks and depending on your market area one dealer may have a better foot in the door. In the size tank you are looking at you will prolly be stuck with whatever they carry as std options unless you special order or there is a custom maker nearby

[boundless1]

Thanks for the tips ... I will most likely start with LR a cleanup crew and a few fish. This is my first tank so I will likely keep it this way for a while to get a feel for maintaining the tank. Eventually I would like to keep a variety of inerts and fish.

Also, I am unsure of the filtration needs.

Would a wet/dry trickle filter be sufficient to start or should I go right to a protien skimmer. If a skimmer is a must which one (brand or size-gph flow)?

I welcome any more opinions or advice

Thanks again

Anthony

[Jimbo]

WELCOME!!!!

Hi,

Protien skimmer would be best for a reeftank. Wet/Dry's tend to build up nutrients, where a protien skimmer will remove organics before they can break down into nitrate. Also consider a refugium. There's a lot to consider, read, read and read.

Hope this helps

[Alice]

If you aren't in a hurry to get the tank, try looking in your local papers and on ebay. You'd be surprised what you can find. If you go with a used glass tank, you'll want to check it for leaks if possible and if it was used for fresh water or for a SW fish only, you'd probably want to sterilize it in the event that it may be contaminated by the former use of copper meds.

You can save yourself a bundle with some careful shopping

Alice

[boundless1]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Alice: "you'd probably want to sterilize it in the event that it may be contaminated by the former use of copper meds. "

How would I sterilize it? An employee at my LFS told me I could use bleach to clean a tank as long as I washed it thouroughly but... I am a little leary of that. Is it an OK idea or are there other ways to sterilize?

TFTH

Anthony