Convert an old 20G Tank to Reef Tank?

[ronaldvalente]

Good Day All!

I have been in the hobby for 20 years.
I have never done a reef tank and want to get started.

I have a 20G tank sitting around collecting dust, should I sell it and get a 40B or use it? I also have a Fluval G6 and a 24" 2 bulb T5 light that I could use if I stick with the 20G.

Can I drill the 20? I don't think the bottom of the 20's are tempered.
Is it worth investing any time into the 20 if I could get a 40 relatively cheap?

I can get a 55G Reef-ready Deep Blue tank for 159 locally.

Also looking at the Innovative Marine tanks as well (and Reef Octopus Rimless).

Any recommendations, input, bad brands? Thanks!

[nlgill13]

I can get a 55G Reef-ready Deep Blue tank for 159 locally.

I have the opinion that bigger is better....it is also easier to keep your water parameters in check with a bigger tank.

^^^^ Is it rimless?

[Zero Nitrates]

Get the 55 rr tank!

[Sun357]

Buy a 40 Breeder and use the 20G for a sump. =D

~Fred

[cubsFAN]

dont do a 55. the width is only 12in which doesn't allow for a very interesting aquascape. I'd go with the 40 breeder. Better dimensions and you can use your 20 as a sump.

[behlke]

+1 ^^^ I would also buy the 40B and use the 20g at the sump. I converted my 29gallon tank from freshwater to reef, and I wish I would have bought a 40B and used the old tank for the sump.

[ronaldvalente]

Thanks for the updates all!

Now one last question, any recommendations on a brand of 40B?
I would like to do a sump but don't want to deal with over the back overflows etc. Anyone have any good plans on an overflow that is safe?

Anyone every head of Reef Octopus Tanks? Any good?
http://www.aquacave.com/Reef-Octopus-T60-32-Gallon-Luxury-Rimless-Aquarium--P3879.aspx

Thanks!

[hossa81]

I have a twenty reef, makes a decent reef tank but you are pretty squeezed in space. I also have a 55, worse size tank you can buy if you want larger fish, because ther is very little room for them to turn around.

[ronaldvalente]

So if I were to buy a 40G breeder, anyone have any recommendations on acrylic vs glass? I am leaning to glass.

Anyone have any good reef ready breeders? If now, I am assuming I would have to drill. I do not want to have a hang over back of the tank overflow.

Or maybe a glasscages 40L rimless?
http://www.glasscages.com/?sAction=OrderForm&sProdID=RLAQ_40Long

50 Tall Rimless?
http://www.glasscages.com/?sAction=OrderForm&sProdID=RLAQ_50Tall

I also was looking at the Nuva 24 rimless, obviously that drops me back to 12" of depth. My plan is not to have a huge amount of fish or very large fish. I do want some stability and I have always steered away from all in ones.
http://innovative-marine.com/nuvo-aquarium/nuvo24-602T-black.html

Is 3' too short for a reef tank? Right now I have my large 4' long planted tank in my living room and don't have that much space in my office.