[megahaus]

Hey yall, I'm thinking about buying me a 55g pre drilled used with vho fixture because of all the darn problems I've been having with my 29 aga. I will probably use the 29 as either sump/fuge or a nice cichlid tank. ANYWAYS back to the topic. What would you have done to your 55 if you knew what you know now??

andrew

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Its good you are getting it drilled.If you are planning on the usual 55 gallon thats the first thing I would change36lx18dx12 wide.I would get at least a 65 36lx24dx18w.This tank will do 3 things for you,extra water volume for stability,a more efficient shape when you consider water flow,and the perfect depth to take full advantage of the vho lights.I would use at least 1.5 pounds of rock to the gallon,and if the budget will handle it get close to 2 pounds.I would use a 4+ inch deep sand bed and a skimmer rated for at least 50% more than the tank water volume.I would use the 29 for a sump/fuge and make at least 1/3 of it fuge.Instead of using two power heads each capable of causing there own sunami I would use three modestly powered pumps with flow deflectors(2 hydor #2's and one #1).After calculating for head pressure loss and elbows I would use a return pump that gave me 500 to 550 gph in flow.With the acception for the lights I have described perfectly a tank now under constrction for my sweety.On that one I will use a 6x36x60 watt retro t-5 VHO fixture(and may only use 5 bulbs).

[pete york]

what does it mean pre drilled like for the sump and filter and stuff? whats the deal?

[Taras1]

Originally Posted by pete york

what does it mean pre drilled like for the sump and filter and stuff? whats the deal?

The bottom or sides have holes drilled in the glass. A water-tight bulkhead is then installed in the hole so you can fit PVC pipe for the outflow (to sump & filters) and inflow (return from sump/filters). It cuts down the visible clutter both inside and outside the tank.

[Waterlogged]

Originally Posted by megahaus

Hey yall, I'm thinking about buying me a 55g pre drilled used with vho fixture because of all the darn problems I've been having with my 29 aga. I will probably use the 29 as either sump/fuge or a nice cichlid tank. ANYWAYS back to the topic. What would you have done to your 55 if you knew what you know now??

andrew

Quarintine everything!

[dfurbee]

I would have got a drilled tank, and put in a deeper sand bed! I am happy with the AGA, glad did not get acrylic

[jimw369]

Everything Nativevaman said except a 1" or less sand bed in the tank and a RDSB in a refugium. Since I believe a DSB has a lifespan and requires maintanence I want my sand to be easily accessible and not in the DT.

LOL Take that Dale!!!

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I never said a dsb doesnt need maintainance.the addition of a miracle mud for trace minerals and the addition of of something like garf grundge to replace sand bed critters every year or so is a good idea.I also agree the a remote dsb is a good idea,but in this case I think if one is good 2 has to be better lol.

[jimw369]

Originally Posted by NATIVEVAMAN

I never said a dsb doesnt need maintainance.the addition of a miracle mud for trace minerals and the addition of of something like garf grundge to replace sand bed critters every year or so is a good idea.I also agree the a remote dsb is a good idea,but in this case I think if one is good 2 has to be better lol.

Point taken!

[Rainman69]

I would have bought 100 gallon.seriously I will never buy another tank with out having built in overflow.

[jimw369]

Originally Posted by Rainman69

I would have bought 100 gallon.seriously I will never buy another tank with out having built in overflow.

LOL. Been there done that!

[FINDING_NEMO]

a 55gallon tank is 48" long

[pete york]

i wish i could buy a 55 gallon

[e_baer]

No, I COMPLETELY agree with Native. 55's are a pain in the butt. They are way too thin. If I had to do everything over, I would start with a 75, also a much larger selection with fish. Definately get a predrilled tank.

[FINDING_NEMO]

the perfect size is a 120, 48x24x24

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I agree with Nemo on 2 out of three measurements.24 inch's front to back is a good depth.It wont prevent you from doing a good aquascape.You can use large pieces of rock.The 24 inch height is a good one for working on a tank.Most people can actually reach the bottom.Since I am a member of "da bigga da betta" club the 48 inch length is ony a good place to start lol.

[e_baer]

55's are 48"..... and so are 75's....

[NATIVEVAMAN]

ooooook....and your point is?

[e_baer]

Originally Posted by NATIVEVAMAN

Its good you are getting it drilled.If you are planning on the usual 55 gallon thats the first thing I would change36lx18dx12 wide.I would get at least a 65 36lx24dx18w.

this is my point

[NATIVEVAMAN]

OOOOOOOOOOOPS.......Am I fired? lol

[e_baer]

hmmm.....I guess we could let you get away with it THIS time....but you better watch yourself!