Upgrading from a 29 gallon to a 55

[hypancistrus]

I currently have a 29 gallon FOWLR with some simple, easy corals-- a hammer, numerous zoanthid species, mushrooms and xenia. I have three fish- a yellow tail blue damsel, a false percula clown and a sixline wrasse. I would like to upgrade this tank to a 55 gallon this spring. I'd like to include a sump, so I can add an in-sump protein skimmer, but I don't know what materials I will need to do this. I don't know if it is possible to get a reef ready pre-drilled 55, or if it would be better to purchase a normal 55 and add an overflow box. I already have what I feel is adequate CFL lighting for it.
I'd appreciate any advice on switching the 29 to a 55 and what to purchase so far as the aquarium type and sump options.

 

[snakeblitz33]

You can order any size aquarium you like with an overflow or even two. lol. Just go to your live fish store or specialty animal business and order a tank from them. Most likely you will have to pay for it in advance, however.
You may want to re-think your lighting.

 

[jstdv8]

I'd use your 29 as the sump, put and overflow box on the 55 and be done with it.

 

[acrylic51]

Agree 55 pre drilled shouldn't be an issue......I'd opt for as big of a sump as possible under the 55....29 seems limiting IMO.....Comes down to money in the end I guess.......

 

[hypancistrus]

Is it safer to use a pre-drilled as far as potential flooding goes? Any idea how much more a pre-drilled tank would run versus a regular 55?

 

[acrylic51]

I don't think there's truly an honest answer to your question about safer......It's easier to work with a pre drilled or RR tank than a standard tank, but in this hobby there's always some degree of risk.......

 

[snakeblitz33]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hypancistrus http:///t/393513/upgrading-from-a-29-gallon-to-a-55#post_3501396
Is it safer to use a pre-drilled as far as potential flooding goes? Any idea how much more a pre-drilled tank would run versus a regular 55?
As far as flooding goes, an internal overflow is much more safe compared to your standard cheap external overflow, yes.
A reef ready tank will typically cost an extra $80 to $100 .... it also depends on the retailer pricing the tank.

 

[hypancistrus]

That is not so bad tho, considering that most of the external overflow boxes I saw were about $80 or more a piece. Do you know of any good how-to websites for putting together a reef with an internal overflow and sump? I've never done anything this complicated with an aquarium before.

 

[acrylic51]

I'm sure if you search around this site you'll see some good pics....If not just buy the stuff and anyone can easily walk you through the setup and getting the system running.......