Getting back in

[ckwatson]

I am thinking of getting back into a reef tank. I have been looking around at all in tanks but I want to go a little bigger than the JBJ 28. I came across this in my searching and wanted to get some thoughts on it.
https://www.amazon.com/Starfire-Aquariums-Complete-Package-24x24x20/dp/B00HY5PD56

I like that it is 50 gallons and it seem to come with every thing (except a light) but would I need to upgrade anything right away. I'm pretty sure the answer is no but could I put a canopy on this set-up? It will be in my living room so I don't want to just have the light hanging over it.

If this is not a good option any suggestions would be great

Thanks

 

[danh]

The tank looks great. I like those dimensions. Easily lit with one light. I'd question the return pump and the skimmer. You CAN put a canopy on it. I personally love the look of a rimless open top. If you want to hide the light I'd do a floating canopy.

 

[ckwatson]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking of hanging a canopy with some pulleys or somehow attaching one to the wall behind the tank.

what are you concerns with the skimmer and return pump? Are they just not a known brand?

 

[danh]

Yeah. I'm just not familiar with them.

 

[mgerald]

SCA makes pretty decent aquariums from what I've heard/seen and they have been around for a little while now.  Cj's Aquariums on youtube has a bunch of videos on his 120g by them.

 

[mgerald]

Oh and look at their website they have a lot of different aquariums to choose from and sometimes they have Deal of the day on tanks I actually have been considering upgrading to a 120g by them.

 

[ckwatson]

Thanks MGERALD. I will keep an eye on the website, if I could catch the 50 or 66 gallon on sale that would be great. What size of LED would I need for something this size? I am wanting to keep mostly LPS and maybe some SPS up at the top of mr rock work.

I’m thinking of scraping it like this
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BLpcvTACMAAfpZk.jpg

 

[mgerald]

A lot of options are available for lights now you an AI hydra 52 would prob do well if your trying to keep any SPS up top.  If you have the money you could get a Radion and of course you can never go wrong with a T5 fixture ATI has a nice 24inch fixture that would fit a tank that size well.

 

[ckwatson]

It looks like this one would work for what corals I want. And it’s cheaper than the hydra 52 the video talks about par levels over a 24 in cube.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/radion-xr15w-g4-pro-led-light-fixture-ecotech-marine.html

Thanks for the info on the lights