biorb alternative and starting size

Ok so we bought a 15 gal biorb and decided to set up as a saltwater tank, but after refreshing my memory- I had a 60 gal tank in hawaii some 20 years ago- I'm thinking with just the bubble filter and only able to keep a couple fish I may want to return this for something bigger and better that I can actually attach protein skimmers etc., am I thinking right? I'd like options for eventually a reef setup and some other fish, any recommendations on sizes to start with or tank brands?
Love this forum, I'm reading and reading to catch up and learning lots!

 

welcome to 3 reef Kiwiroo

your right in that you will be limited in what you can keep in terms of quantity with the biorb

a 60 gallon would have been a 4ft tank?
I think that would be an ideal size to start with, although going wider and having a 48 x 15 x 18 or 48 x 20 x 18 - would also be great sizes and offer great potential for aquascaping and for types and qty of inhabitants suitable

bigger is better IMHO

Steve

 

Thanks, as far as sourcing a tank I haven't found many larger tanks online, or at least not a large selection, or maybe I am just not finding them For a 75+ gallon tank am I better off searching locally versus online? Thx

 

welcome to 3 reef, a bio orb is probably a horrible tank in most saltwater circumstances.

 

Ok so I'm now thinking something like this 100 W Reef Ready (48x24x20) - Aquariums Reef Ready Rectangular 55 to 100 Gallons for a tank and having a refugium, maybe this one?- Platinum Series Refugium 180 - Refugiums
I am unclear if I need a sump as well or if this serves the purpose, and if I should get a skimmer that sets in this- or is it better to mount a refugium on the back of the tank versus in the cabinet?
My other question is pumps, I assume the water gravity feeds to the sump/refugium, what pump would give me enough turnover for this size tank, and are there any links to plumbing setups that would be similar to this? Thanks!

 

A bio-orb would make for a great shrimp tank - 2/3 shrimp with some macroalgae and or a couple of mushrooms would probably work out, and look neat too.

Good luck!