What tank should my reef be in?

[Jennifer]

I have a 70 gal odell 48 x 18 x 19 with a hang on overflow box.
I also have my 72 bow that once housed my cichlids. It has now been drilled and an internal over flow box installed. I even painted the back black. The two tanks are going to be connected to 1 sump. I have 4 x 65 pc's for 1 tank and I just picked up a 2 x 250 Mh and VHO system for the other.
The question is what would you guys do.
I need to replace the crushed coral substrate in the 70 gal with sand. So I am going to be moving everything around anyways. I am also adding a 15 gal frag tank to the system.
I was thinking of an Sps tank and an Lps tank or something like that.
I am open to all opinions, thanks all.-Jenn

 

[JohnK]

Sounds like the answer is clearly "both"

 

[Jennifer]

Yup, LOL. But which one should the Mh system be on. I hate the hob overflow on my 70. Does anybody with a 72 bow reef enjoy the look of their tank, or maybe not like it in 72 bow.

 

[Cheetos]

I think it's a matter of preference! I personally like the bowfronts. I don't own one but they do look cool.

 

[JohnK]

How about;
Move everything to the tank with the internal overflow installed, then empty the other and drill it and install an overflow in it also. (reliability, don't want the HOB overflow failing when your on vaccation)

In terms of what tank would be better for LPS vs SPS set up, I don't think it makes much difference since the overall shape and size is similar btw both tanks. Which do you like better, where you will put the tanks, astetic considerations for this one IMO.

 

[chew*]

How bout running the halides on the deeper of the 2 tanks...........that way the softies get ample light also with the compacts in the shallower tank.....

 

[Jennifer]

How about;
Move everything to the tank with the internal overflow installed, then empty the other and drill it and install an overflow in it also. (reliability, don't want the HOB overflow failing when your on vaccation)

In terms of what tank would be better for LPS vs SPS set up, I don't think it makes much difference since the overall shape and size is similar btw both tanks. Which do you like better, where you will put the tanks, astetic considerations for this one IMO.

I do like the look of the bow front better. I was considering drilling the second tank, I may do that. Just a pain in the you know, seeing as I dont dare to drill it myself. Empty it out, load in the car and so on.

 

[Jennifer]

How bout running the halides on the deeper of the 2 tanks...........that way the softies get ample light also with the compacts in the shallower tank.....

Great idea, the bow front is taller and I just put the Halides on there and turned them on WOW I am in love with that.
Should be a reel joy building a canopy for the bow. LOL

 

[JayM]

Of course, once the MH are on the bowfront, it's time for a light upgrade on the other tank

 

[SteveDola]

Ive had bowfronts and I like and dislike the tanks. I would suggest if youre into photography to keep the reef in a flat front tank...if not, it could get alittle hairy and annoying to take pictures. Also, Ive been known to just sit and stare/watch my tank for a while and I noticed that my eyes would hurt after looking through that curved glass for an extended period. Could be me-

If it were me, Id have the reef in the 70g. 2x250 isnt too much light and you should be able to keep all types of corals if positioned correctly.

Then in the 72g bow, have a softy/fish tank. The pcs would be ample lighting for leathers and would give some nice movement/height to the tank with most of the colors coming from the fish.

Just my 2cents.

PS- I would definitely drill the tank to rid yourself of the internal...Ive heard and seen some horrible mishaps.

 

[Nemo555]

Yep, bow front might look nice at first but not for long. After a week, i don't like it at all. Really difficult to see inside and all my fishes look bigger once they swim to the middle of the curve glass but they are not big fish. NO more curve or bow front tank for me ever.