I use to have a 220+ SW about 10 years ago and many FW aquariums thru the years.
My problem is with a family member (brother) that is in the process of buying a home with a brand new Glass Cages 410g reef ready tank, 3/4" glass, sitting inside one of the walls. The tank is made so the back can be accessed from the garage. It has what appears to be a large rodi unit beside it in the garage. It has 4 glass overflows and 3 tanks, sumps etc. underneath the tank. It 's beautiful, and to him, all shiny, was a selling point of the home. There is zero plumbing and zero equipment included. It appears to be fairly thought out, even with reinforced concrete underneath. The home even has a new, unfilled, koi pond in the front. the previous owner was obviously a fish guy.
I don't remember my brother even owning a Beta his entire life.
He knows I love aquariums. He knows I like SW. My previous tank had no automation and I remember not taking vacation for several years also because of it. I know things have come a long way since then.
Well here goes:
I told my brother that there are 100 things i need to tell him about that tank and about 96 are the advantages of removing it now, new, and cut his losses. I told him #97 was "nobody want's him to have that tank more than me. Lol
He has taken a kume-buy-ya attitude of he just wants some fish in it to watch.
Here's what I think are non-negotiable terms for my help.
It's suicide to attempt that tank, FW or SW, without some sort of stand-alone support tank whether it be for quarantine or what ever. I feel that new tank is also worth less than half once it's used. The support tank could also be used to build biologic bacteria that could be placed in the 410 to reduce cycle time later if he decides he would like to proceed in the hobby.
My advice was to start with a 40 to 70 gal, in his garage, which is heated and cooled, to see if he has interest (love) in the hobby. I feel most equipment etc. on the first tank can be used on the 400 later, at least in support. You all know you have to love this hobby to have a chance to be successful.
He also travels extensively and the automation expense is a must.
The tank is 11'-9"x 24" x 28". 410g is what I calculated.
What would you all tell him? (aside from giving you the tank, lol)
My problem is with a family member (brother) that is in the process of buying a home with a brand new Glass Cages 410g reef ready tank, 3/4" glass, sitting inside one of the walls. The tank is made so the back can be accessed from the garage. It has what appears to be a large rodi unit beside it in the garage. It has 4 glass overflows and 3 tanks, sumps etc. underneath the tank. It 's beautiful, and to him, all shiny, was a selling point of the home. There is zero plumbing and zero equipment included. It appears to be fairly thought out, even with reinforced concrete underneath. The home even has a new, unfilled, koi pond in the front. the previous owner was obviously a fish guy.
I don't remember my brother even owning a Beta his entire life.
He knows I love aquariums. He knows I like SW. My previous tank had no automation and I remember not taking vacation for several years also because of it. I know things have come a long way since then.
Well here goes:
I told my brother that there are 100 things i need to tell him about that tank and about 96 are the advantages of removing it now, new, and cut his losses. I told him #97 was "nobody want's him to have that tank more than me. Lol
He has taken a kume-buy-ya attitude of he just wants some fish in it to watch.
Here's what I think are non-negotiable terms for my help.
It's suicide to attempt that tank, FW or SW, without some sort of stand-alone support tank whether it be for quarantine or what ever. I feel that new tank is also worth less than half once it's used. The support tank could also be used to build biologic bacteria that could be placed in the 410 to reduce cycle time later if he decides he would like to proceed in the hobby.
My advice was to start with a 40 to 70 gal, in his garage, which is heated and cooled, to see if he has interest (love) in the hobby. I feel most equipment etc. on the first tank can be used on the 400 later, at least in support. You all know you have to love this hobby to have a chance to be successful.
He also travels extensively and the automation expense is a must.
The tank is 11'-9"x 24" x 28". 410g is what I calculated.
What would you all tell him? (aside from giving you the tank, lol)
