Need advice on starting a reef tank

Hi everyone, I am looking into starting a 55 gallon reef tank. I have a FOWLR 22 gallon right now, had it up for almost 2 years. Does anyone recommend buying a glass tank and having it drilled to become reef ready? Should I just go for a reef ready tank from the get go, they are just so expensive, not to mention I can't find one without ordering at my LFS, and they are pretty expensive on their equipment.

Just need some opinions before I dive into this, thanks!

 

i would deff go with a tank that has built in overflow or pre drilled. on my 55 im using on overflow box, i havent had any probs as of yet with it but it just seems like a mater of time. get a reef ready tank i would say its the safist

 

order it with over flow and it will save yourself from a lot of headach.

 

i would dissuade you from a 55, it was the tank i started with, i really wished it was wider.

you can make your own overflow from some pvc or acrylic tank if you back glass isn't tempered. many breeder tanks don't have tempered backs, i would recommend one of those.

 

order with a overflow and don't cheap out on you equip and you will have a great tank plus when you buy the good stuff it is easier to sell welcome to 3reef

 

i would agree, if you could get a bigger tank it would be way better and more fun in the long run. i have a 55 and its soo skinny i would say go for at the least a 75g. thats just what i would recomend to anyone lookin to buy a tank and setting up a reef.

 

Thanks for all the input. Are there any specific reasons as to why drilling my own is a bad idea, longevity, sealing issues, etc...?

I did notice how skinny a 55 gallon is, and I don't really like that either. It's just the bigger the more $$$. But I am seeing maybe I should just wait and save more money before I jump the gun.

 

wait and get what you want. look at craigslist too. You can find some good deals on people that bought stuff and never really got into it. A while back there was a reef ready all glass 90 gallon that was brand new with stand and canopy for $500.

 

I would defitinatly start with wider tank. wait for the money because you will just wish you had it later.

 

Thanks guys. I think I am going to take the advice and just save the money for the reef ready 75 gallon. I will keep you all updated.