New 75gal tank on the way!

I would say for a 75, you would want something in the 30-40 gallon range. I would not go with a pre-made, since you say money is tight. A 29 would work nicely for now. Again, check Craigslist to see if anyone is selling a tank around that size. Then you can make your own baffles afterwards. You should be able to make the sump itself for around $30 doing it this way.

 

I have a 55 gallon on my 125 and that's more than enough. I had a 40 before that. As long as you have room for a filter sock and equipment you are good.

 

Ok.. Just picked up the tank from my LFS and they gave me a return pump for my sump. Also they are selling me one of their used two bulb T5 fixtures for $60 with new lights. She's starting to come together, I'll be building the stand next week and hope to have water in it by the weekend. Too many BBQ's this weekend so I'll knock it out during the week. Next pic will have tank and stand built.

 

Is stand height a matter of personal preference? I was thinking of having it 36" base. My tank is 21"h so combined the top would be at 57". This would give me room where I can still get my arm in the tank and not need a step stool. If anyone can chime in on their stand sizes I'd greatly appreciate it!

 

I can get a 55gal cheap. Would that be too big, or does that matter?

 

Money is tight, quickly trying to set it up. Don't bother with a tank.

 

^^^ " Without sacrificing the integrity of the tank". To clarify I don't have the cash to fork out on top of the line new equipment. I didn't plan on using tin cans and straws to get it going! My LFS has already hooked me up with everything I need today to do it up right. Just used parts coming out of one of their set ups they're not using.

 

That's extremely negative and poor advice devin. Being on a budget is very doable in this hobby and finding deals is something everyone in this hobby does. No need to post negativity when someone is looking for equipment at good prices. All of us had a budget when we started and all of us wanted our tank up and running ASAP. Useful information to help out a new reefer is what this site is about.

 

Be sure to pump the brakes a bit ... Tanks are exciting but also once that sumps in you can't change things ... Be careful and plan stuff out. Kudos on buying used. The t5 lights good for now but you'll need to upgrade it if you want to keep SPS. LPS and soft corals should be fine.

 

Built the stand yesterday and now everythings been moved into my house. I have 30gal mixing in that white drum and need to get my sump built in the meantime. That's a 32gal rubber made under the stand for the sump. Breaks have been pumped cause I badly bruised my heal the other day and I'm on crutches! My supervisor as seen in the photo wasn't much help either.