Tank Advice

I've got a 28 Gallon tank, and was hoping to be able to slowly start to upgrade this winter to something bigger. I was hoping to go for a 90. Something not huge, but enough that I could fit more, and larger, fish into. I'd like to get a tang and/or mandarin amongst other things.

Now, in my local reef club an 80 gallon reef ready tank with stand has become available for what I believe is a good price. Will I be kicking myself for going with the 80 instead of waiting for the 90?

Dimensions listed at roughly: 48″ long, 18″ front to back, and 23″ tall

Also, I've asked for pictures to get an idea of the condition of the tank.

 

nah, you're only missing 1/2" in depth and 2" in height, just make up for it with a 30g sump/fuge

or 40g if it'll fit

 

Agreed. More important than height is the foot print (length and width) of the tank anyways. All you are really gaining with a taller tank is additional water volume, which you can easily gain back with a sump or fuge as mentioned.

 

Well, my current plan for the upgrade includes plumbing it through a wall, so I won't be limited on sump/fuge size. I'm actually thinking of adding a 20ish gallon sump, then drilling my 28 gallon tank, and using that as a remote fuge.

 

Sounds like a solid plan, just remember, the smaller the sump/return area, the more frequent the top offs have to be/ATO

But I'd do that and just gravity feed the fuge into the sump

 

Here's the part I am kinda torn on. Would it be better to have water flow go: Display -> Fuge -> Sump -> Display

or Display -> Sump with a split return (single pump) that goes to Display and Fuge?

 

Another thing to consider is a used tank can be dangerous it always gives me the willies.Be sure when purchasing you inspect the silicone carefully. It should be relatively clear and preferably currently full of water so you can be sure it does not leak.When you consider the tank is probably one of the few pieces of equipment that is relatively cheap its importance as you are well aware can not be understated.

 

i dont think ya can really do the first one, dt-fuge-dump-dt because the flow would be way to high for the fuge

I'd raise the fuge on the right by about 3 inches, then drill on overflow out of that to drain to the sump, and run water into the fuge through a T in your overflow drain with a ball valve on it to control the water flow

Kinda like this but of course your fuge would be higher!

 

That's what my most likely plan was, with another T set up for my GFO reactor.

Thanks!

 

Boo. Tank has a small chip in the upper corner. Passing on this one. Guess my upgrade will continue to wait