Large tank owners, I need some advice.

leveldrummer

leveldrummer

New member
I am SO close to pulling the trigger on a 250 gallon deep dimension marineland tank, but Im just scared of the upkeep and maintenance of such a wide tank. Ive had a 120 before, and it wasnt too bad. Do you find it hard to mount frags? is it a pain to clean the sand or the back glass? I was at the store just drooling on it today, and I think Id really love the size for fish and corals, but Im just worried. How do you wide tank owners deal with upkeep? is it a huge chore or is it easier then you first thought?
 
leveldrummer said:
I am SO close to pulling the trigger on a 250 gallon deep dimension marineland tank, but Im just scared of the upkeep and maintenance of such a wide tank. Ive had a 120 before, and it wasnt too bad. Do you find it hard to mount frags? is it a pain to clean the sand or the back glass? I was at the store just drooling on it today, and I think Id really love the size for fish and corals, but Im just worried. How do you wide tank owners deal with upkeep? is it a huge chore or is it easier then you first thought?
Click to expand...

I have a Marineland 300 Gallon Deep Dimension tank. The only cons I have is when I am trying to place coral or rock. It requires me to take a swim (5'3" here). Other than that I love my tank, the aquascaping and fish combos are endless.
 
ChrisKirkland said:
I have a Marineland 300 Gallon Deep Dimension tank. The only cons I have is when I am trying to place coral or rock. It requires me to take a swim (5'3" here). Other than that I love my tank, the aquascaping and fish combos are endless.
Click to expand...

I was dipping up to my arm pit in my 120, Im 5'10", I think Id like to go with a minimalistic island scape with SPS, and LPS. I kinda look at the 250 like a huge nightmare, but the size of viewing would be so amazing I can decide if its worth it or not. When you say you "take a swim" do you work off a ladder? do you have a canopy? How involved is your maintenance?
 
If you have to ask, then you should probably not go up in size:D Seriously:)
 
My tank is the same dimension as the 300DD. Im 6'2" with long arms and sometimes gotta get a little wet when I'm working on it but it is well worth the trade off. :) Get yourself a good set of grippers for the routine chores. If you can set it up so you have access from the sides that will help also.
 
My 450g DT is 96"x40"x27"... Most larger base rocks had to be lowered into the front of tank, then moved back into position. My sump room is behind the tank, so I have some access to the tank of the tank, but it's still not easy.

BUT, there is no question that's it's worth it! The depth (front to back) makes all the difference, I only wish that I had made it bigger!
 
albano said:
My 450g DT is 96"x40"x27"... Most larger base rocks had to be lowered into the front of tank, then moved back into position. My sump room is behind the tank, so I have some access to the tank of the tank, but it's still not easy.

BUT, there is no question that's it's worth it! The depth (front to back) makes all the difference, I only wish that I had made it bigger!
Click to expand...

Bigger how? L, W, or height?
 
good mask and snorkel and a platform ladder is the only way I can reach the back bottom I'm 5'6" with t-rex arms
 
How often do you go into the tank?

During set up it can be a pain, but I go weeks without going into the display now.
 
the only time I ever go into my tank is for corals when ever adding a new one or picking up one that got knocked onto the sand
 
i have a foam rock wall on the back of my tank so I have the most sand area and swimming room for fish. and I use a dive mask so I can see what I'm doing but like I said I have t-rex arms so I have to go swimming in my tank. I also use different grabbers to help reach the bottom and the back.

all I can say is build your rock up when the tank is empty look at it a few days to know you like it than add water so all you'll have to do is add coral as you get them if you want to do a reef. with large tanks its never all that fun playing with rock when it has water in it
 
So, when you have to go deep into the water, do you worry about what kind of soap residue/deodorant/shampoo might get into the water?
 
Endless potential with size does matter....

Endless potential with size does matter....

I'm 5'2 and have no problem with the use of a penguin ladder--2 step w/large top step and long tongs and grippers. Request wider overflow cuts as they congest easily w/algae. Also allows for higher flow rate 4300gph. Mine is a peninsula 250DD all starfire and don't look back to the 125g acrylic. Bigger tank grows bigger colonies. Go LED for full coverage deep into the corners.
LIVING THE SECOND DREAM.

Deborah

b7b75a8253c2be065196b2b1b37cb5cb.jpg


P4071810.jpg
 
leveldrummer said:
I was dipping up to my arm pit in my 120, Im 5'10", I think Id like to go with a minimalistic island scape with SPS, and LPS. I kinda look at the 250 like a huge nightmare, but the size of viewing would be so amazing I can decide if its worth it or not. When you say you "take a swim" do you work off a ladder? do you have a canopy? How involved is your maintenance?
Click to expand...

I work off a 4ft ladder and I do have a canopy. The canopy opens enough that I dont need to remove it. (Monterrey canopy and stand here). Maintenance is as follows:

Daily:
Check Temp
Check Skimmer (empty if necessary)
Check water level
Clean glass with magfloat if needed

Weekly:
Check params and adjust as needed

Every 2 weeks:
10% Water change
Clean pumps and overflows

I dont typically clean the back glass unless I have an algae outbreak going on.

Hardest thing for me is placing new corals and doing the initial aquascaping (do it dry). Other than that I love my tank.
 
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