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Which tank would you choose?


Thatoneomahaguy

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Thatoneomahaguy

So I'm in the early planning stages of getting back into the hobby and I'm a little torn over what tank I want. I was initially thinking of getting a 40 gallon breeder because I liked the size for my room and I could find a used one for about $40. Also the shallow tank with a new Ocean Revive gives me a very wide range of corals that could be placed in the tank. I was at the LFS the other day and saw a 56 gallon cube and loved the dimensions. The column shape was very pleasing. So now I am officially torn. Do I keep it simple and cheap with the 40 breeder or spring for something a little less common with more gallons to fill up with awesomeness? Either tank would ideally use the same 16x10 led setup and I want to incorporate an overflow that hides my plumbing to and from my sump. I think jinx really nailed it on his tank. 11220801_1057855134227080_71608274217611 Also I realized that the cube may be slightly too tall and that reaching to the bottom of the tank to clean or place things or remove things might be stretch. So I am asking for thoughts and opinions from all you reef experts and enthusiasts out there. Which tank would you do and why? I dont have exact stocking plans yet but am hoping for a variety. I am also by no means an expert and much more of a rookie hobbyist I dont image anything super high maintenance will be going in. The tank dimensions are as follows:

56 gallon cube: 18"L x 30"W x 24"H

40 gallon breeder: 36"L x 18"W x 17"H

LED fixture: 16"L x 10.6"W

Thanks so much any and all input and thoughts!

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Do you have to have a sump? If your just getting back into the larger AIO- units are a simple "welcome back" for sure. I love the easy of my Nuvo.........but I did miss a sump to play around with. I have a 50g. Cube now with a sump - it's 20" tall and that's a good height at least for me. Plenty of different tanks out- take your time selecting

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The 56 gallon is not a cube...not sure why that description is used so loosely.

 

As far as the light, from what I understand the Ocean Revive 120 watt lights are very capable of lighting a 40 breeder so I would assume you'd be fine on the 56 however it might limit what you're able to keep at the bottom of the tank. Assuming you'd hang the light for an even spread you might have low PAT on the sand bed.

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Thatoneomahaguy

Do you have to have a sump? If your just getting back into the larger AIO- units are a simple "welcome back" for sure. I love the easy of my Nuvo.........but I did miss a sump to play around with. I have a 50g. Cube now with a sump - it's 20" tall and that's a good height at least for me. Plenty of different tanks out- take your time selecting

I plan on using a sump as well. Not too suze on what size since the display tank with most likely determine the stand size. I was hoping to buy a used 20 gallon and build one.

 

The 56 gallon is not a cube...not sure why that description is used so loosely.

 

As far as the light, from what I understand the Ocean Revive 120 watt lights are very capable of lighting a 40 breeder so I would assume you'd be fine on the 56 however it might limit what you're able to keep at the bottom of the tank. Assuming you'd hang the light for an even spread you might have low PAT on the sand bed.

Yea I agree that is an odd description but I see it everywhere so I just reused it I guess. Its basically more or just a column or tall shape. I think the one at the pet store did have the same width as length but was probably 36" tall. The measurements previously posted were for one I found on craigslist. Sorry for not being more clear.

 

Is it safe to assume that I would technically have more coral real estate in the larger tank or I am more limited since I would have more walls and less floor? I think that makes sense....

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I plan on using a sump as well. Not too suze on what size since the display tank with most likely determine the stand size. I was hoping to buy a used 20 gallon and build one.

 

Yea I agree that is an odd description but I see it everywhere so I just reused it I guess. Its basically more or just a column or tall shape. I think the one at the pet store did have the same width as length but was probably 36" tall. The measurements previously posted were for one I found on craigslist. Sorry for not being more clear.

 

Is it safe to assume that I would technically have more coral real estate in the larger tank or I am more limited since I would have more walls and less floor? I think that makes sense....

 

It really depends on what you want to keep, I personally prefer longer and wider tanks vs tall, easier to clean and the look down is nice.

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Thatoneomahaguy

Also Java, your tank is gorgeous! Amazingly clean sump as well. I drew some inspiration from your overflow as well! Were you able to make that yourself? Its perfect! I had imaged that same shape for the 40 gallon and square shape for the taller tank.

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Thatoneomahaguy

 

It really depends on what you want to keep, I personally prefer longer and wider tanks vs tall, easier to clean and the look down is nice.

 

Yea I was assuming it would be a personal preference situation. I just didn't know if there would be any inherent pros or cons of either tank

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Also Java, your tank is gorgeous! Amazingly clean sump as well. I drew some inspiration from your overflow as well! Were you able to make that yourself? Its perfect! I had imaged that same shape for the 40 gallon and square shape for the taller tank.

 

Thank you!

 

Breeder tank owns stupid column tanks.

 

40b hands down

 

Not a hard question to answer 40 breeder.

 

I agree with these guys BUT if you decide to go for the taller tank you may want to look at the reefbreeders 24", it's not much bigger than the standard OR you're looking at (assuming it's the t247 that's on sale) but it's a little longer and will give you more even light penetration for the taller tank.

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