55 Gallon

[Mangas50]

Hey all. I currently am running a 14gallon biocube but I have a 55 gallon tank i believe the dimensions are 48 x 12 x 18. I want to set this up into a reef tank and I am curious to see what fellow members recommend. I really do not want to drill. I was thinking about putting those corner chambers. At any rate thanks everyone for your input.

 

[puffcrusader696]

You'll need plenty of pumps (depending on what corals you want to keep) and also you should have a wavemaker with a switch for feeding mode (that turns the pumps off). Get a good filter with low flow for plenty of contact with biomedia (or a sump with a refugium like I have on my 55). For a sump you can just get some overflows with a flow suited to the tank (mine has 800gph with a 740 gph return pump). basically the normal stuff for a reef but instead of a 14 gallon a 55. and a good skimmer is key (aqua-c remoras are great) good luck!

 

[Dre]

Not trying to step on anyone's toes here but it's actualy 48x12x21.A 55gal is not one of my favorite tanks not even for a sump.I think it's too high and to narrow for good co2 exchange but if you deside to use it why not use an overflow box at one end/return at the other and the 14 gal as a sump.And remember that a 55gal has a tempered bottom and can't be drilled.Note that there are many ways it build a reef just use your imagination good luck.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

I think a 55G is not good for reef either as the ratio of height to depth is too big so arranging rock work and such is a PITA.

As for the 14G, you should be careful with temperature control as I believe this one is with a cover hood.

 

[puffcrusader696]

I was gonna say that but didn't want to sound harsh or condescending

 

[Dre]

i was gonna say that but didn't want to sound harsh or condescending

:givebeer:

 

[kilroy217]

I have a 55gal tank, and agree somewhat with what others are saying. It was a little bit of a PITA getting the aquascaping to my liking. However, that said, now that I've taken the time to play around with it, I have a configuration I really like, and the tank looks good IMO. If you're willing to take the time to deal with the dimensional issues, it's a fine tank. Also, let me suggest putting a sump in place before you get the 55gal filled with water. I started out with a cannister filter, and it cost me a lot of money to get a custom sump built that would fit in the narrow stand after the fact.