argg... help me with a decission

[Shnabbles]

OK in 2 weeks we are moving to the next town over "clayton" after the move i will be starting a big tank build... but the build could take several months to possibly a year mainly because i am very much a newbie when it comes to big tanks, not to mention the construction and electrical work that will need to be done.

But here is the dilemma.. my current tank and stand arent the nicest looking... So i can A. Buy a new tank and stand and set the current tank up again as is, and get started with the big tank build. or B. Set the current tank up in a 100 gallon Rubbermaid Poly tank that will be later used as a fuge or sump.

Problem with A. is i dont really have a place to hang my dosing pump, and of corse i would need to buy another tank and stand for possibly only a couple months worth of viewing.

Problem with B. is i'll miss looking at my fish and corals, and fishroom construction in the basement could really upset the fish right?

Sorry for the book but i dont know what to do lol.

 

[ronert]

Not really a book, at all.

Why not settle for ..... both!

Move the current residents to the poly (to be used later) and set the old tank up in the new place. Sure, it might not look nice as a new tank, but it'll be better than nothing.

And, just guessing, you probably don't need to put the old tank in the basement.


$0.02
- ted

 

[Gordonious]

It's not to hard to keep corals in a rubber made, but what about jumping fish? Are any of your fish known to be jumpers? If your doing a lot of work in the room they could also be startled during that. Just a thought I had.

Jon

 

[Shnabbles]

iv never had a fish jump out and the top has been open for over a year... i think im leaning towards the poly tank in the basement.... my thinking is not being able to see the tank will help me get it up and running faster lol

 

[kaptken]

KA-BONG!!!

I like plan B !!

first off, you are doubling the capacity in the rubbermaid, so that's a good thing. just drop you sump skimmer in there and let it rip. a few power heads and maybe even an elevated trickle filter above the tank fed by a sump pump from the rubbermaid tub. some sort of suspended lighting and its a good holding tank for your system in the basement. not being able to see it as viewing tank will only increase your zeal to complete construction of the new tank system.

I'm about to consolidate a few smaller tanks, some with bad dino problems, into a tub in the kitchen to save and clean up the rock, frags and sand, so i can tear down the current set ups and think of a better filtration system for the next one. its a good time to clean up the rock and sand of unwanted algea, nutrients and stuff. it could be a good thing. just keep the water fairly clean and healthy and the fish will be fine. put the corals on top and well,, you have your lights already. make a large 2 x 4 saw horse type stand above the tub to suspend the lights and then get busy building the new set up.

K.I.S.S. principle rules.

 

[cmondo]

I would say go with the tank. I am assuming you will be using the same equipment, so if you buy a decent used tank it wouldn't be that much more expensive that one of those tubs. Also you could reuse that tank when you get the bigger one complete.

 

[kaptken]

Uhh! i have ten koi up to 12 inch long outside in a 110 gallon tub, and as long as i keep the water 4-5 inches below the top, they can't jump out. I have found 3 to jump out when it filled to within 2-3 inches of the to though.

but this year i have had several fish, including a blue madarin dragonet and one little percula clown fish that did jump out of the back corner of my 75, with water 1 inch below the top, . probably chased by the big bully yellow tang.

If you keep the water level 4 inches below the top. no problemo.

 

[Shnabbles]

Since I will be hammering, and sawing in the basement i think that will totally freak out the fish so now im leaning towards getting a 75 gallon in the family room... (not sure if reef ready or not.)... I figure once the big tank is set up i can plumb the 75 gallon in as a QT tank.....

Since i dont yet have a fuge or sump set up if i got the reef ready could i just plug the over flow wholes?

 

[Gordonious]

You could plug the holes. I play on just adding PVC plugs to both the front and back of bulk heads. I've been told there is also a special part you could use to clog then a while ago. Long time ago I met someone who said they just put a piece of glass on each side and glued them into place. I have to buy the bulk heads at some point any ways and the plugs are only about 30 cents so why not get er done?

Jon