Opinions on new tank

[schr25]

I currently have a 20-gallon tank that’s been running for a little over a year, and I’m looking to upgrade without spending a ton—ideally something in the 40–60 gallon range. I don’t have a lot of space, so I’m trying to stay reasonable with both size and dimensions.

Right now I’m running a HOB filter, but I’m really interested in switching to a sump or a tank with a built-in filtration system. I’d love advice on the best way to go about this, especially since I want to support a copepod population.

I do already have a 40-gallon breeder that was previously used for freshwater, which I’m considering as a potential display tank. I’m unsure what the best filtration/sump setup would be for that. Is drilling the tank the best option, or are there reliable alternatives that don’t require drilling? I’d prefer to avoid drilling if possible, but I’m open to it if it’s significantly better.

Also, I came across a used 65-gallon setup with a sump included for $300—curious if that sounds like a good deal or something worth jumping on?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I drilled my 40 breeder, you can do it too. You can add a sump and whatever filtration equipment you want.

Or you can get an 'over the top' type of overflow which doesn't require drilling.

You can also get the 65 with a sump, $300 sounds like a great deal if its in good condition. But still need to add filtration equipment into the sump.

A tank that comes with filtration equipment already added is called an All in One (AIO).

You can run a tank with hob equipment as well. Lots of different ways to run a tank. Running a tank with no filtration, just rocks and flow, is also possible.

It really depends on what you want to keep. The more livestock you want (higher bioload) means you need more filtration. The tank size depends on what fish you ultimately want to keep.