New Build Questions Thread

T

travis32

New member
I've been debating a ton of options to replace my leaking 55g reef.
Obviously Money is the largest factor (when isn't it?)

At the same time I want to do things right. I've considered tons of options on Craigslist to buying new.

I'm still in the decision stages so.

Option 1: Used 75g rescue. It has a hippo tang and a purple tang. All the rock and sand I need, not drilled. It needs help. Comes with 2X 250w halides, overflow with aqualifter pump(needs replacing, quit working so I couldn't see the overflow in operation) canisterfilter with uv sterilizer. Powerheads, bak pak skimmer, stand, everything one needs to start over.

Was considering offering $500.


Option2: Brand new 90g stand and tank (drilled - 1 center overflow) $368.00 (Does not include anything, but the store manager indicated he would give me discounts on everything to get started, including possibly throwing in some free sand, etc.) -- plumbing kit $50.00 and bulkhead $6.00... Etc.


Option3: Brand New 125g (6' X 2'): 2 drilled overflows. $428 for tank and stand. plumbing, return pumps, etc. all extra.


So, with that said, I'm leaning towards the 90g possibly. I was wondering is that big enough for at least 1 "tang" like fish? I know generally 100g is the rule. If I'm going to upgrade from 55g, I would like to upgrade to something that opens the type of fish I can have to more options.

If it's the same fish between the 90g and 55g, then I'll either A) wait until I have money to go to a 125g. (may be a few months of hoping my tank doesn't fall apart) or replace my 55g with a 55g...) The wife is all up on me going larger. She wants me to, but she's currently not employed, so until she has a job, I would need to restrict myself to the 90g, another 55g, or wait until she's employed.

After getting my 55g used, I'm leary of buying used again.
 
Go big or go home! :)

Seriously, option 4 is to reseal the 55 you have. Least expensive, though you'll need to relocate your stock for a couple days. Consider what options will allow you to reuse existing equipment as well. In my case, it would come down to WAF -- Wife Acceptance Factor.

Jeff
 
I would offer the guy on craigslist less money. I know it sucks, but when times are tough for people, that's when the best deals are to be had. I've seen 90gal tanks, stands, and canopy combos going for less the $200 here in San Diego.
 
Yeah, I found a nondrilled 125g with stand, canopy, sump, center overflow, for $400.. 6' X 2'. includes DIY T5s with aluminum foil for individual reflectors. Heh.

Lots of options in this economy. I may consider that. Just hard to trust people and trust that equipment won't leak when you get home.
 
Either way you go I recommend drilled. They are so much easier than HOB overflows with less worry for you about possible floods. I would go with the 125 myself if you have room for a 6 foot long tank. For a tang it is more about swim room than gallons that the tank can hold.

V/Tim
 
I feel you on buying someone elses headache, but I've had extremely good luck with craigslist and buying used tanks from local reefers. Have you considered joining a local reef club or forum? Most of the time when a reefer sells to another reefer you can be pretty sure the tank is OK. Especially if you guys are in the same club. I just pick up a 37 gal oceanic cube and stand for $50.
 
The closest reef club I'm aware of us 400 miles away and I emailed their webmaster and got a returned to sender reply. So, not sure how "functional" that reef club is. .. Errg!
 
there has been some cheap tanks on cl here in fargo lately you could always drill your own overflow/return? and depending on the cash flow i would go with a 125 keep the 55 for a sump/fuge and some of the other stuff you have might transfer over...you wont get what the 55 is worth and then you have to get a new sump anyway.

there is a place in town to get acrylic for the sump, just what i would do
 
Yeah, the comparison is that a new 125g, is $428 including stand, drilled with 2 overflows.

The problem with that is the 2 overflows. The fish store said then I'd need two overflow kits, two bulk heads, two return pumps. 2 X a lot of stuff.... Yeah the tank is cheap, but, the dumb accessories eat you alive. He saw the $$ coming.
 
Na. Don't need all that stuff. I would pick up a 125, drill it myself, and use the bean overflow. You don't need two return pumps. I would use 1 big one. You can save money by DIYing alot of stuff yourself. Prefabed stand=$200. Make you own for less than $100. Little stuff like that can go along way. The stand I built for my 80gal cost me way less than buying one of similar quality.
 
+1 on the stand, i will never buy a prefab stand, ever! build your stand, its fun, cheap, fun and well, fun :)

i tend to believe in the go big or go home on this one. I would buy a 125 and drill it for a bean animal setup and truck on
 
I'm not very construction oriented and I have no tools. So by the time I bought saws, equipment, and tools and more tools, plus I'd be clueless, carpentry is something I've never been good at. I nearly failed 7th grade shop class because I couldn't figure out how to build a simple square box on my own. ;)
 
talk to your LFS and not petsmat or other chain store. the ones around here either can drill it for you or knows of someone who can. they usually charge $20 per hole, but just don't make any guarantees on cracking or anything like that. that's the route i'm going. i just bought a 150g on CL 4'x2'x30" w/stand for $125. he was honest though and told me before hand, it probably needs a reseal.
 
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