looking to begin reefing!!

rylan629 · Jan 19, 2025

Hey guys i’ve been looking into starting a reef tank for a couple of weeks now and have been trying to do some research. although i know what i might have planned might not be the best long term… i am also just looking to see if this is really for me lol i have 30+ reptiles so it might just not be my thing but i do love coral and always have! now i only plan to have this tank set up for probably 2-3 years before i either upgrade or tear down completely just depends on how it goes. now giving that i have 30+ reptiles i don't have the most amount of space it so that is a reason for size and also why id prefer to go with a hob filter instead of a sump. also i understand learning a sump and the plumping is not that hard but for right now it is to much at once. I would also appreciate some advice from you guys i always appreciate talking to people about something they are passionate about i could sit and talk about reptile for hours lol but it’s a lot easier to learn from you guys then a person with a robot voice forgetting the most important information for newbies!!! list of what i will be setting up below |
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40g breeder or 20g long nothing special just the petco half off tanks
seachem tidal 75 hob filter
titanium heater off brs
wills coral light or kessil a80
Also if you guys have any recommendations for any skimmers or powerheads or others that i listed if you don’t prefer them and you like something better. you think there is anything i forgot make sure to add that too thankyall so much for reading!!

JumboShrimp · Jan 19, 2025

I wouldn't want to discourage you; but reefing can consume a lot of time-- especially if your tank starts to tank (pun there). You say you already have 30+ reptiles? Sounds ambitious.

rylan629 · Jan 19, 2025

JumboShrimp said:
I wouldn't want to discourage you; but reefing can consume a lot of time-- especially if your tank starts to tank (pun there). You say you already have 30+ reptiles? Sounds ambitious.

yea I do! Pretty much everything you can think of besides some of the bigger snakes and certain moniters as they are illegal in my state :( but i am aware that reef tanks do take alot of work,mantinice,and reasearch and it seems for some people luck lol but im always will my aniamls probaly 5-6 hours a day and doing matinice for about 2 but i also have it all schedulded so im not running around with my shoes tied! Ive grown up around reef tanks all my life but never got into the deeper aspect of them never asked questions so here i am now asking you guys!

Devaji · Jan 20, 2025

Hey welcome to reefing.
WOW 30+ reptiles, yeah you just might be right for reefing...haha

40br are great size tanks to start off with.
IMHO I would go with another 40br for a sump if you dont want to drill it and I dont blame you you can get the lifereef HOB overflow. only HOB overflow I would trust. be around for decades simple to set up and start back up if you loose power.

you can get the box store stands the will fit 2X 40br. that will give you alot of options for the sump. silicone some cut glass baffeles and you're off to the races.

good luck!