Hows a 36 bow front?

Thats exactly my point. within a yr or 2, you'll get bored with the 50 and you'll want a 75 or a 90. Its not only the monetary factor, but the pian in da azz of transfering everything from one tank to another. Luna

 

Brand new, the 36 will probably cost you more than the 55 anyway... My friend took the standard 55 metal stand, and put tinted plexiglass around it, creating a really cool, great looking stand out of nothing. My first SW tank was a 36, and I wish I had went with something bigger to start.

 

I hear most dont like lighting the bowfronts but i like everyone else so go as big as u can, even if it takes longer to setup it will be worth it in the end. I would have started with a 75 if i could do it all over again

 

I just filled my 36gal bow front on Saturday! Trust me, it's not about the money that I went with a smaller tank, it was the space I have available since my GF and I live in a smaller sized condo...

I set it up just like I would have a much larger tank. Infact, I had my future tank in mind with every piece of equipment I bought!

Lighting was a bit tricky, the only downside to lighting a 36gal bow front is the width of the tank. It's 30" and as everyone knows, lights are only available in 18", 24", 36" and up....so I decided to go with 4 24" VHO Actinics kind of staggered in the canopy so they cover the entire length of the tank. I then added a mogul, reflector, and wiring for a 250w Metal Halide. I'm just waiting for the ballast and bulb to arrive.