Rhino
Aquarium Advice FINatic
Just as the title says, I am in need of everyone's help. I have been keeping freshwater tanks for about 2 years now. I have considered, for quite some time, diving into the world of saltwater/reef aquariums. I have been doing lots of research rather than just diving right in. I originally planned on using a spare 10 gallon I have laying around for a nano reef tank. However, with this being my first attempt, I find it best that I use something larger than just a 10 gallon This will allow me more room for errors that I am sure will arise.
Just to give you a quick briefing as to my long term goal. I am wanting to put together a reef tank. I don't want anything crazy fancy. Just a nice simple setup. Before you all even say anything, I have looked into the Biocube systems. I like the design aesthetically, but long term if I want to make upgrades I would be extremely limited, even with all of the mods available. Back on track, I am not as concerned with what fish I have so much as I am what corals I can keep. I would like to have: Ricordea Mushroom, Toadstool Mushroom Leather, an assortment of Zoa's, Candy Cane, Torch, and Frogspawn all immediately come to mind. No doubt I will find others along the way as well.
Tank wise I am considering a couple of different options right now. I have an Aqueon 36 gallon bowfront setup as a planted tank already. I have considered breaking it down and using it. If I go this way I already have the stand, 2 Aquaclear 70's, and a 30" Current USA Nova Extreme fixture(dual bulb). I doubt I will be able to use the light fixture because the tank is so deep. I love the look of a bowfront tank, but with the tank being deep it is kind of a pain to work in.
The other tank I am considering is a 20 long. I love the foot print of the tank. Since it is shallow it would make scaping and maintenance a total breeze. I know my fish choices and amount of fish I could keep would be much more limited with this tank but I am totally fine with this. My main focus is going to be the corals. I am just going to have fish to get the full reef effect.
What are your thoughts and opinions?
Just to give you a quick briefing as to my long term goal. I am wanting to put together a reef tank. I don't want anything crazy fancy. Just a nice simple setup. Before you all even say anything, I have looked into the Biocube systems. I like the design aesthetically, but long term if I want to make upgrades I would be extremely limited, even with all of the mods available. Back on track, I am not as concerned with what fish I have so much as I am what corals I can keep. I would like to have: Ricordea Mushroom, Toadstool Mushroom Leather, an assortment of Zoa's, Candy Cane, Torch, and Frogspawn all immediately come to mind. No doubt I will find others along the way as well.
Tank wise I am considering a couple of different options right now. I have an Aqueon 36 gallon bowfront setup as a planted tank already. I have considered breaking it down and using it. If I go this way I already have the stand, 2 Aquaclear 70's, and a 30" Current USA Nova Extreme fixture(dual bulb). I doubt I will be able to use the light fixture because the tank is so deep. I love the look of a bowfront tank, but with the tank being deep it is kind of a pain to work in.
The other tank I am considering is a 20 long. I love the foot print of the tank. Since it is shallow it would make scaping and maintenance a total breeze. I know my fish choices and amount of fish I could keep would be much more limited with this tank but I am totally fine with this. My main focus is going to be the corals. I am just going to have fish to get the full reef effect.
What are your thoughts and opinions?