New to SW: 72 Gallon Bow Front

Mrramsey · 01/08/2014, 11:00 AM

Hi Guys and Gals,

I currently have a 72 bow front that is set up with a beananimal overflow but in fresh water right now. I am going to make the switch to saltwater and would like to do a reef. I am concerned that the tank will look crowded. Apart from a small scratch on the front glass I really like the tank and overflow.

I am on the fence right now as to bite the bullet and upgrade to a 90 tall or a 120 short or just go with the 72. I also have concerns on lighting a bowfront. I am planning on utilizing the two aquaticlife t-5ho fixtures I have and just put the appropriate bulbs in them.

If I upgrade tanks I am debating on doing a bean overflow again or just buying a rr tank. there are a couple of LFS's that have the 90 and 120 in stock. One I can get an Aqueon 90 RR with the megaflo for $469 the other I can get a Perfecto 90 with plumbing for $376 I can also get an Aqueon 120 rr no plumbing for $489. I am leary of drilling for a bean as I havent drilled one before. The 72 was drilled already and I just finished it.

I have a mag18 return in the 72 now and estimate the current max flow that the system can handle at 900GPH.

What do you think?

thegrun · 01/08/2014, 11:05 AM

If you are going fish only any of the tanks are fine. If you plan on a reef tank the extra depth front to back of a standard 120 (48"x 24"x 24") would be my first choice as it gives you more room for the corals to grow.

Mrramsey · 01/08/2014, 07:48 PM

Yeah, I am concerned with getting proper lighting for corals on the bow front 4x54 t-5 ho would probably be about it short of MH.

Mrramsey · 01/09/2014, 08:21 PM

Woohoo just nabbed an epic deal on CL for a 120g, stand,skimmer, mag24, rio2100, 8 NEw bags of caribsea aragonite sand. It's 8 years old but never seen water. Pristine condition I am going to build a bean overflow like I did in my 72.

01/08/2014, 11:00 AM	#1
Mrramsey NEO Reefer Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Hudson Ohio Posts: 1,801	New to SW: 72 Gallon Bow Front Hi Guys and Gals, I currently have a 72 bow front that is set up with a beananimal overflow but in fresh water right now. I am going to make the switch to saltwater and would like to do a reef. I am concerned that the tank will look crowded. Apart from a small scratch on the front glass I really like the tank and overflow. I am on the fence right now as to bite the bullet and upgrade to a 90 tall or a 120 short or just go with the 72. I also have concerns on lighting a bowfront. I am planning on utilizing the two aquaticlife t-5ho fixtures I have and just put the appropriate bulbs in them. If I upgrade tanks I am debating on doing a bean overflow again or just buying a rr tank. there are a couple of LFS's that have the 90 and 120 in stock. One I can get an Aqueon 90 RR with the megaflo for $469 the other I can get a Perfecto 90 with plumbing for $376 I can also get an Aqueon 120 rr no plumbing for $489. I am leary of drilling for a bean as I havent drilled one before. The 72 was drilled already and I just finished it. I have a mag18 return in the 72 now and estimate the current max flow that the system can handle at 900GPH. What do you think?

01/09/2014, 08:21 PM	#4
Mrramsey NEO Reefer Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Hudson Ohio Posts: 1,801	Woohoo just nabbed an epic deal on CL for a 120g, stand,skimmer, mag24, rio2100, 8 NEw bags of caribsea aragonite sand. It's 8 years old but never seen water. Pristine condition I am going to build a bean overflow like I did in my 72. __________________ Mike My 120 Build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2389417 Current Tank Info: 120g In-Wall \| BA Overflow \| 55g Sump \| SWC Extreme 150 Skimmer \| DIY ATO \| 2 Jebao RW-8\| Fluval SP6 \| Photon 48v2 LED \| GFO and Carbon

01/08/2014, 11:05 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	If you are going fish only any of the tanks are fine. If you plan on a reef tank the extra depth front to back of a standard 120 (48"x 24"x 24") would be my first choice as it gives you more room for the corals to grow.

01/08/2014, 07:48 PM	#3
Mrramsey NEO Reefer Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Hudson Ohio Posts: 1,801	Yeah, I am concerned with getting proper lighting for corals on the bow front 4x54 t-5 ho would probably be about it short of MH.