I've been out of reef tanks for a while

[Myka]

I know a couple years back J&L had custom tanks made to your specifications, they just didn't advertise it. I seem to remember them being fairly pricey though.

Or...go with a standard 36" tank? That will save a lot in the budget, and you can spend it on getting a better skimmer or better lights. 36x18x16" is a 40 gallon breeder, 36x18x18" is a 50 gallon, or 36x18x24" is a 65 gallon. A few nicely shaped options out there depending whether you prefer shallow and wide or tall and narrow, or a nice one in between. This would also cut you down to a single halide, and if you put 2-4 T5 to supplement you will have a nice light distribution.

Are you going sump or not? Lots of new skimmers available in the last 3 years.

[Aquattro]

Most of the mainland shops still use the place that was Seastar, not sure what they're called now, but it's still the same place, different owners. Wendell can surely set you up with whatever you need. Good luck with the new build!

[Leah]

So sorry for your loss, but the tank set up in his memory is soo neat. I am sure he will be smiling down. Oh and it will be something your new little one can share, his/her little part of Grandpa.

[LostMind]

Thanks guys.

Leah, that was exactly my thoughts. Not only is it a nice memorial to my dad, but the little one will have something fun (all those colours!) and educational plus I get back into a hobby I love...

About standard tank sizes, I never really thought of that. LOL. I'll have to shoot off a few emails today to see if I can find some standard size, reef ready tanks...

I will definitely have a sump, I like clean tanks with as little equipment in them as possible. Those new vortec powerheads look VERY cool.

[Lance]

Welcome back to the hobby.

[Ron99]

Sorry for your loss. It's not the preferred way to get back into a hobby.

I second the suggestion of a standard tank. It will save you alot in the long run and there are several 36" long sizes that might work for you. Lot's of good deals on used tanks to right now too.

[LostMind]

Anyone know if you can get these with the overflow on the other side?

http://www.aqueonproducts.com/produc...w-overflow.htm

The 65 gallon is a decent fit into my space but the overflow is on the wrong side for me...

[Myka]

Originally Posted by LostMind

About standard tank sizes, I never really thought of that. LOL. I'll have to shoot off a few emails today to see if I can find some standard size, reef ready tanks...

I'm not sure I've ever seen any 36" reef ready tanks. However, I see that Bulk Reef Supply is now selling nice black acrylic overflows. Cut to length, and silicone it in. Then drill the back or bottom of the tank. BRS also sells cheap good-for-5ish-holes glass drill bits too.

Speaking of overflows, do a Google search on "Herbie reef overflow". It's a "new" style of overflow that is honestly silent. You will need a gate valve for the Herbie (also found for an unbeatable price at BRS), don't cheap out and try a ball valve.

PS I'm an idiot, you're looking for a reef ready, of course you have a sump. *smacks forehead*

[LostMind]

Thanks Myka, I found a RC thread about them. Will have to look into it! The durso style worked but needed weekly attention to get them back to near silence.

BRS seems like a good place too, never heard of them!

[Myka]

I know lots of people using Herbie overflows. I put my first one on my 90, but I haven't got the sump going yet. I'm excited to try it out.

BRS is awesome. Many of their prices work out to J&L prices once you add shipping and exchange onto it, but they carry plumbing pieces that are hard to find elsewhere. Like unions, gate valves (J&L can't touch the price on these), different types of bulkheads, black egg crate, now the cool acrylic overflows.