Help Me Decide

[xxxbadfishxxx]

Well as some of you may know i have been saving/dreaming of upgrading to a 90/120 within the next year or so. I just brought a house and havent even moved in yet. The reality of this project taking off anytime soon is slim. I dont think i will have much money after down payment, closing costs, lawyers fees, inspection........ Who knew a fence costed $3000 :eek1: . To set up a 120 i figured would be roughly 2,000 for tank/stand/canopy, skimmer, T5 Lighting, Return pump and Powerheads. I just dont think i will have that anytime soon. I like my 50, but wish i had better lighting, and a sump.

My choices are
1) - wait - save up and buy peices a peice at a time when i have the money, could be a few months to a few years. I want to do things right this time and get everything i want from the beggining, and not have to worry about upgrading anything.

2) - upgrade lighting on the 50, add a sump. Maybe get a reef optix III 250watt metal halide, overflow and sump with small fuge. This will allow me to get a clam and mandarin, part of the reasons of why i want to upgrade. This can all be done for under 500, which i can purchase now.

Problem is, to buy all that, i dont plan on reusing that in the future tank. I was looking at Retro T-5 Fixtures for this and they have a T5 4X24watt HO (with individual reflectors) that is in my price range, but would 100 watts of T5 be enough for a clam and would it be much better then my current 2x65 watt PC? My tank is only 30" long, and the way the stand is, the biggest sump i could add is a 10 gallon, I just dont want to have any floods, maybe i can add an overflow resevoir on the side? I havent heard good things about CPR Overflows, can you recommend any good ones?

an comments and suggestions would be really appreciated

thanks,

Jeff

 

[Lakeside518]

It is difficult having the "I wants" Jeff i wouldn't rush it. You are on the right path You just bought an awesome house. If i were you and this is just my opinion...

I would get comfortable in the new place let the dust settle. Be sure there is no future house upgrades needed. Put somethings on your X-mas wish list for your family and Miss's I have been buying all the equipment for my future 120 RR piece by piece. As annoying as that has been. Its coming together.

If you can't hold out get a spider reflector, mogul, bulb and ballast and build a small canopy for your 50 gallon tank. Then you can always use the halide down the road for the 90/120.
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_lighting_metal_halide_icecap_system_reflector.asp?CartId=

The CPR overflows aren't all that bad. They do require some extra attention but all in all they aren't that bad. Lifereef makes the best HOB overflow but they aren't cheap.

www.lifereef.com

 

[saltcreep12065]

Piece, by piece, by piece. Take your time. You will be glad you did in the long run. I have slammed together too many tanks over the years with all those "Well I wish I had". Fill that 50 in tighter than tight with stuff for know, and the 120-180 (haha) will come.

 

[xxxbadfishxxx]

yeah, i think you guys are right. I have been saving money, and selling stuff on ebay that i no longer need to put towards stuff for the new tank, and i have around 700 saved, but it is difficult having it on your all the whole time. Thank you both for your opinions.

Jeff