Reborn Reefer in Rhode Island

UPDATE:
So over the weekend I had my birthday, so I got to go visit some craigslist sellers and get some gear...
I picked up a reef devil skimmer (without pump) for 80 bucks. It is in pretty good shape, im a little concerned that I got screwed since now I see that they sell online for $250 WITH a $100 pump... rats. Anyhow its rated up to 180 gallons, I just need to get a pump for it.... I hope it isnt super noisy.
Same trip I ran into a guy who was selling a 90 gallon All-Glass tank. The stand was pretty crappy, but I liked the idea of having a 90 more than a 75 for a little more volume and swimming space. I got it for $150. It has some small chips in the corners that I am going to try to sand down a bit (they are minor and not structural). I think as long as I keep the glass wet I can dremel them smooth. The tank is water tight with a built in overflow.
Yesterday I built a big 40" tall custom stand with my dad, and a custom hood, so I will be sanding that down and staining it this week. I can post some pics if folks want to see it.

So here is the question: I can use either a 75 or a 90. I wanted the 90 since, well, its bigger and I just dropped $$ on it (I already have a 75). I was told today though that 90's being so tall, are very prone to leaking and being unstable, especially if the stand is not ABSOLUTELY level and flat. So now I am a bit freaked out. Can any of you comment on those worries?

Oh and I have an Icecap660 4 bulb VHO setup already, but will be moving to an 8x54W T5 setup (probably TEK) soon. What are the min hood dimensions for 8 of those 4" bulbs with reflectors?

 

I honestly dont see why a 90 would be any more unstable than a 75...realistically, they are only 4" taller. Also, with the difference in gallonage/weight, the difference in 15 gallons comes to about 135 pounds @ 9 pounds per gallon.....which isn't significant enough to say that 90's are more structurally unstable. If you already water tested it, then I would say you are good to go....but personally, I would never consider using a chipped tank as I tend to be a paranoid schizo in those situations. Im not trying to burst your bubble, just trying to be honest.

 

yay fellow Rhode islander. welcome and hope everything goes well.

 

yeah ive never heard of that and know a couple people with 90 gallon tanks. the 90 would be my choice

 

Cement_Skis- I hear you! I was worried about the chips as well, but they are very small and very superficial (less than 1mm deep at the worst). Yesterday while keeping the area wet, I dremeled down the chips so now they are smooth indentations in the tank corners. I did this to eliminate sharp edges and to try and prevent any cracks from forming. The glass looks quite strong behind the indentations, so I think I am good to go... I hope!!!

Tadpole - where do you shop in RI? Are there good knowledgeable LFS's around or do you do most of your business online? It is good to know another Rhode Islander, especially if you are interested in ever trading frags...

 

welcome to 3reef cant wait to see your build of the tank man have a good one.

 

the Best LFS in RI is Sea Creatures Aquarium. let me tell u, it is THE SPOT, ppl drive up from mass and conn. ALL the time. for example last week i was there on friday morning andhis shipments comin on thursday nights and he stays open till 10 and its PACKED and he sold 10 baby clown triggers in ONE DAY. its insane. good prices, SUPER and i mean it AMAZINGLY nice man, Any problem you have if there aren't 14324872 ppl in the store he'll stand there and explain/look up info for you for as long as you want and need. By far my fav. person lol

Also i'd look into joining the Boston Reefers Association, google them they have a forum. theres a few RI ppl on there, and lots of good deals on frags etc.

Our tank isn't really ready for any sorta trading lol we have like .......3 kinds of zoas lol and not that many as of yet haha the tank is pretty coral empty, (yay college students on a budget.........lol ). lol someday tho!


oh almost forgot also check out Coral Reef Aquarium, its near Rumford Pets. Sea Creatures is worth the drive up to northern RI (45 min drive from wakefield) but Rumford IS closer so give them a go too.