Need Suggestions/Help With New Build!

[Preme]

Hey everyone,

So I recently re - setup my 56 gallon aquarium as a reef tank. Currently not running any super high tech equipment besides lighting because I may be getting a new tank or drilling this one and making a new stand.

So firstly as I mentioned above my tanks a 56 gallon rimmed tank with the demensions of 30L x 18Wx 24H.
Now don't get me wrong the length and width are great but the height... not so much. Also the reason I've never drilled the tank and set up a sump is because of the way the standard stand that comes with the tank was set up. Here's a few pictures so you understand what I'll be talking about next.

So The trouble I've found I would have about getting a sump is I only have a 14" opening to fit a sump in don't get me wrong that's a decent size sump... but I want a larger fuge on my sump.

So this leads me to ask all of you what I should do.

Option #1 make a new stand with a larger opening in the front so I can get a sump I actually like, drill my current tank (which doesn't get rid of the height issue).

Option #2 buy a new tank that has similar length and width demensions but shallower height (I'm open to suggestions I like the looks of Red Sea but the height is pretty much the same, other wise I was thinking the deep blue 80 RR and making my own stand, keep in mind I'm only 17 so I'm not looking to spend the money on an super expensive tank such as Elos. Price range for tank and stand would be little over $1000, also looking for a tank that an ATI sunpower 4x24 could cover).

Option #3 open to any other suggestions.

 

[AndrewShields]

just drill the tank you have, and make a new stand. or if you want to keep the stand you have, you could put a small tank like a 10 gallon. you would only have a filter sock and a return pump on it at that point, but you could put a algae scrubber on it. its really up to you, but i would just built a bigger stand where you could fit a 40 breeder underneath, so you have enough room for a refugium.

 

[AndrewShields]

if you wanted to upgrade red sea makes nice tanks but they are super expensive. you can get a 120 gallon tank and build a stand for just under 1000 bucks, and will give you tons of room and be a nice upgrade.

 

[Preme]

Thinking of just getting the Innovative Marine SR60.
Here's a quick list of equipment I'd use which would put me a little over my limit of $2500.

MP10wQD x2 $185 (already have 1)
Innovative Marine SR60 $800
Custom Stand $300-400 ( now the guy who's making it)
Aquagadet ghost skimmer $300
AutoAqua Smart ATO $150
GHL dosing pump $400
TBS Live Rock $150-200
ATI sunpower (already have)
Heater (already have)

This sound good for a mixed reef (sponges, SPS, Gorgs, Anemones, and a few fish)?

Or would I be better off going the other route which is keeping the tank I have and getting other equipment such as this?

MP10WQD 285
Tbs live rock 150
New Stand 300
Advanced Acrylics Sump 300
Skimmer 200-300
Smart ATO 150
GHL dosing pump 400
ATI sunpower (already have)
Heater (already have).

This one brings me to around $1850.

The only thing as I mentioned before that bugs me about me current tank is the height + it being a rimmed tank.

 

[wkscott]

If you have the space, you could build another stand (cabinet) that would sit right next to the current stand. Design the new stand to fit whatever size sump you want.