42 bowfront!

Osiris489 · Jun 16, 2019

so im new to the saltwater game, my wife is wanting a saltwater addition and so i am. We have a 42 gallon bowfront were converting to saltwater. Thought about doing a FOWLR as our first since coral is a bit more finicky. Also dont really have the budget for a super expensive reef light. Any tips or equipment recommendations you can make for someone new to it? Must haves and optionals?

jsker · Jun 16, 2019

Welcome to R2R and bowfront reef tanks!!:)

Check you some other Bowfront tank here link

hdsoftail1065 · Jun 16, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!! If you can list what equipment you have, we can help point you in the right direction. :)

SPR1968 · Jun 16, 2019

Welcome to R2R and we need to see pictures! Lol

Auquanut · Jun 16, 2019

Welcome aboard. You've come to the right place to get questions answered. What kind of filtration are you planning to have? FOWLR tanks are a little more forgiving as far as nutrients go, but if you are considering corals in the future, a sump is the way to go IMO.

Osiris489 · Jun 16, 2019

Currently i have a
Magniflow 360 id be using for filtration, Finnex electronic 200watt heater. coralife aqualight 36". i thought about going the route of a sump but thats a whole new territory for me. Ill post pictures the moment i get everything setup lol.

Osiris489 · Jun 16, 2019

I do have a question for anyone who may come across this. with a 42 bowfront should i go with a sump or is a canister filter ok? Might move to reef once i get the tank setup and have had it running for some time. I can make a sump cause i kno the general needs and staples in one. but wanted peoples thoughts on this.

hdsoftail1065 · Jun 16, 2019

Osiris489 said:
I do have a question for anyone who may come across this. with a 42 bowfront should i go with a sump or is a canister filter ok? Might move to reef once i get the tank setup and have had it running for some time. I can make a sump cause i kno the general needs and staples in one. but wanted peoples thoughts on this.

There are folks that run canisters and have very successful reefs. I have never used one so I can't speak from experience using one. I have delt with AIOs and sumps. I like the added water volume, a place to hide my equipment and how versitle a sump can be.

Ruben's Reef · Jun 16, 2019

!!! Welcome to R2R @Osiris489 and Welcome to the salty side !!! If you can have a sump will be better but a few reefers use canister filters but the keep and eyes on maintenance because can become a Nitrate factory in no time. Don't forget to post pictures and make your own Build Thread to keep records of your progress.

Osiris489 · Jun 16, 2019

Well i want to make a Sump for aquarium but the idea is a bit daunting dealing with returns and overflow boxes plumbing ect. it scares me a bit not even gonna lie. And i will once i get the saltwater setup. Im switching from a freshwater tank to salt so lol.

BadFish619 · Jun 16, 2019

Welcome to R2R!

hdsoftail1065 · Jun 16, 2019

Osiris489 said:
Well i want to make a Sump for aquarium but the idea is a bit daunting dealing with returns and overflow boxes plumbing ect. it scares me a bit not even gonna lie. And i will once i get the saltwater setup. Im switching from a freshwater tank to salt so lol.

It is daunting the first time around. But once you done it you will look back and realize it was easier than you thought. There is a diy thread that can help with the sump. I recommend looking @jsker link he provided and thumb through the bowfronts and see what other folks are doing and touch base with them for ideas. My next one will be a diy for sure.

Osiris489 · Jun 16, 2019

Ill check it out, the main thing im wrapping my head around at the moment is lighting for this tank. Since my wife has now informed me she wants a full blown reef tank my lighting now needs to be changed lol. Any cheap budget options for a 36 inch spread?

jsker · Jun 17, 2019

Osiris489 said:
Ill check it out, the main thing im wrapping my head around at the moment is lighting for this tank. Since my wife has now informed me she wants a full blown reef tank my lighting now needs to be changed lol. Any cheap budget options for a 36 inch spread?

Good lighting is some that does not come cheap. I would look into a T5, LED combinations. One can put together some good lighting for a good price.

Osiris489 · Jun 17, 2019

is there a build you recommend for a 36" light?

hdsoftail1065 · Jun 18, 2019

So you have a 46g bowfront looking for some solid light options that won't break the bank but will support a mixed reef. I run hydra 26's on mine. Let's see if anyone has some other suggestions if your trying to keep some costs down. #reefsquad any ideas?

Dr. Dendrostein · Jun 18, 2019

Osiris489 said:
so im new to the saltwater game, my wife is wanting a saltwater addition and so i am. We have a 42 gallon bowfront were converting to saltwater. Thought about doing a FOWLR as our first since coral is a bit more finicky. Also dont really have the budget for a super expensive reef light. Any tips or equipment recommendations you can make for someone new to it? Must haves and optionals?

Can't believe you a wife wanting a saltwater addition, that's worth more than all the corals in the world.
Welcome, comrade

Dr. Dendrostein · Jun 18, 2019

Osiris489 said:
I do have a question for anyone who may come across this. with a 42 bowfront should i go with a sump or is a canister filter ok? Might move to reef once i get the tank setup and have had it running for some time. I can make a sump cause i kno the general needs and staples in one. but wanted peoples thoughts on this.

Stay within budget and plan for expansion. Simple