Is a Reef Ready tank too restricting??

Any thought on whether or not a 48" x 12" x 20" reef ready tank with the internal overflow would be too restricting for flow and critters? The overflow takes up a bit of room for sure and I'm considering going up to 18" which puts me at a 75g build and that gets pricey.

Any input is appreciated!

 

the bigger the better for tank size , so if you can afford the 75 gallon go for it (in the long run you will be happy you did, more room to put stuff and fish). Most people have internal overflow unless they are skilled DIYers (unlike me) who drill their own tanks. I say if you have the tools and the skills to drill your own tank go for it if not go with the internal overflow, yes it takes up space in the tank but it is an easier set up. just my 3 cents.

 

+1 to Jmblec2. What do you plan on putting in the tank? That will help determine if an all in one reef ready system will suit your needs. Don't forget you can modify some as you go.

 

Thanks for the info so far. Do you mean "put in" in terms of livestock or hardware?

The jury is still out on livestock but the hardware list is shaping up to be:

-Either a 55g or 75g tank and stand

-Pro flex model 2 sump ( not sure if that will handle the 75g as that is the top of the "rating")

-Urchin Maxi jet 1200 protien skimmer

-Aquatic life t5 HO and lunar light fixture

-A blue line HD30 pump was recommended by the LFS for both the 55g and 75g options. But it seems too low for 75g --- thoughts???

 

It's not too restricting IMO

 

I believe a pump should be turning over 6x your water volume an hour at minimum. I'm not sure if the pump you have listed is rated that high (I didn't look it up.)

 

As for livestock, that will help determine what you need to buy as well. Are your plans for a FOWLR, soft corals, sps, Lps? Will you be doing a species specific tank such as seahorses? Taking this into consideration will also allow you to buy the proper equipment and give you a good idea if the ready go model will fit your needs.

 

You want to have your turnover rate about 10x your tank size. More depending what your planning like sps or what you decide. But if your in planning stage. Search craigslist and forums for someones tear down. A used tank is a lot cheaper. People usually through in sumps and stands to when selling used.

 

if you didnt buy the proflex 2 sump, dont waste your money, i have it and the filter socls are hard to find and the pump section is to small for everything, im buying a 40tank breeder and building the sump to my likings

 

You are referring to total tank flow, as in water movement in the display. They are asking about the return pump size, which should be 10x the SUMPS volume. IE: a 30 gallon sump needs a pump that will do 300gph.

That 300 gph I usually like to ignore when I'm calculating the flow of the dt. So I will say okay I want 10x flow in my dt and I have a 75 gallon dt so I need powerheads that equal 750 gph. 10x the tank volume is the MINIMUM flow needed for the dt, and can be as high as 60-80x in sps tanks etc.

As for the op, I would go with the 75 gallon. The 55 will be hard to aquascape and you will hate the 12inch wide tank.

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