56 gal or 29 gal bowfront useable?

[jejenkins]

Have a friend wanting to sell a 56 gal "cube" shaped aquarium with heater, lighting (PC), stand, pump for $125 and also has a 29 gal bowfront tank only for $60.

 

Just wondering if either of these tanks are good for a reef setup. I have a BC14, but for the right price would like to start a non-AIO tank for the learning process.

 

Pic of the 56gal

 

My biggest concern with either tank is the height. Getting good lighting to the bottom of the tank. Don't have a pic of the bowfront, but think the 29 gal ones are pretty standard.

 

Just kickin the idea around, would appreciate input.

Lastly, with either of these tanks....would protien skimmer be a "MUST". I would probably opt to build an intank false wall and setup similar to an AIO.

[scarfish]

I would def go with the 56, throw the hood and light in the trash, upgrade the lighting and break off that ugly black trim at the top. I would always go with a skimmer since everybody gets lazy with WCs from time to time.

[jonrx]

Throw a 250W HQI over that and you'll have a nice area in the upper half for SPS and the lower half for LPS, softies, zoas, etc.