So....

[ZLTFUL]

I am finally going to have to move my tank on Saturday...

I am having something of a hard time deciding what to do.
1. Move the tank, drill it and build a new stand and hood for it to incorporate the new lighting plumbing and sump stuff...
2. Tear down the tank, sell the exsisting tank, stand, and HOB filtering and buy a 55 (not looking for much more volume or size but similar with a larger footprint). Then build a stand and hood for this one...
3. Sell it all and start over again from scratch. This is tempting as I will be moving again in around 6 months and can then build a tank at that time...

So...I live in a fish friendly place right now but with moving again in 6 months, I am not looking forward to doing it all over again. But at the same time, I like the overall look of my tank...problem is, the aquascaping is very limited with the exsisting tank.

So if the shoes were on your feet, what would you do?
Keep in mind that I am not looking for a bigger tank just tempted to go with a different layout.

TIA
Ryan

 

[slovan]

Hey Ryan, you have some tough choices but I would do #3 until you find a more permanent place.

The only thing I would add to #3 is starting up a nano tank. This will keep you in the hobby and wouldn't cost much if you can find a used nano. Good luck!

 

[xroads]

I would say #4, keep it as it is until you move. I know I will never have another tank that is not drilled though.

 

[Ball]

If you are for sure moving in 6 months, I would keep it as is and start over bigger and better after you move.

 

[Philby]

I say keep it as is for 6 months - and plan your next tank (or modifications to this tank) for when you're going to be somewhere a little more permanently...

Also I think you'd like a 40 or 50 breeder a lot more than a "standard" 55 - much more depth (width or whatever. front to back measurement) for aquascaping...you do sacrifice a little height (although not as much if you went 50B) compared to your current tank - but fish like to swim horizontally more than vertically so I think you're livestock would be happier.

Plus you'll be building the stand/canopy yourself so you could customize the height of the stand to whatever you wanted so the less height potentially wouldn't be noticed (IE you could build your stand taller if the tank was gonna be viewed standing up most of the time or lower if viewed in a seated position...)

 

[acidlittle]

or step #5 you can buy my 75gal drilled with a 20 gal sump!

 

[ZLTFUL]

I already have a sump bigger than that.

 

[acidlittle]

awww poodoo

 

[ZLTFUL]

Tank is moved. I decided to move it and set it right back up in the new location.
My plan is to start designing and collecting parts for my end all be all tank when I get my own permanent residence.

The move did not come without a loss though.
My pygmy angel fish died while in the holding container after the move. I wanted to give the tank a while to make sure there were no spikes because the sand bed got stirred pretty good...
So I had the fish and some live rock in a large container with lights, power heads and clean water. But when I woke up on Sunday morning, the angel had passed on. I got the live stuff moved over to another container and had a nice burial at sea for our dearly departed Bill....

Anyway, plans to make and new fish to buy...

 

[matt the fiddler]

i moved 4-5 times with in 4 years with my old tank [and upgraded it in the process], gotta love that life at the end of college....

i hate moving tanks..

but- i would keep as much livestock as possible. i have a clown fish that is 5 years and moves old