Ocicat
Premium Member
So... I am not a newbie, but I am pretty rusty so I feel like one in many ways. And, this is a pretty newbie type of question. 
I have previously had a 180 and a ~66 (Red Sea Max 250). (NB: My memories of my 66 are somewhat cloudy because I was pregnant & had a new baby for the majority of the time I had it....)
I don't want a setup as involved as my 180 was (had custom cabinets built, plumbed a basement sump, etc). It was sweet, but I do not have the energy or time to plan (or implement) another project like that - planning that one took me close to a year.
I know bigger is better. Except, bigger means more space for making water, more effort for water changes, etc, etc.
I'm seriously considering another all-in-one solution like the Clear for Life uniquariums.
Enough rambling. My goals are:
- Fish are the stars; corals are a nice backdrop (softies only); other inverts are fun.
--- I know I want a tank-bred clown pair, a flame angel, and a coral beauty
- Ease of maintenance
- Big enough but not so big that maintenance is a major chore. No longer than 48" due to the optimal locations available in my house. No taller than 24" because I lack chimpanzee arms.
- Needs to look clean, inside and out (leaning toward acrylic despite the scratching issue), as it will be in a very prominent location
So out of all of this, if anyone is still with me, I do have fairly specific questions:
1) How much space do I need to house a Flame Angel and Coral Beauty together? I had one of each in my 180, and they were awesome... probably my favorites.
2) Anyone have advice on the Clear for Life Uniquariums? My biggest concern is access to the rear compartments for maintenance - that seems much harder than a separate sump... I'm imagining having to be on a ladder leaning over to get to the central rear compartment especially. Also there wouldn't be anywhere for an ATO. I'm thinking that if I do decide to go AIO, I would be better off finding one with a separate sump, as much as the clean look of the Uniquariums appeal to me (less visible plumbing, etc).
3) I'd love any other advice regarding both tank size and ways to simplify maintenance.
On a final note, I have considered going FW in the interest of simplicity. But I'm not sure I can turn away from the color and the fascinating inverts SW offers.
I have previously had a 180 and a ~66 (Red Sea Max 250). (NB: My memories of my 66 are somewhat cloudy because I was pregnant & had a new baby for the majority of the time I had it....
)I don't want a setup as involved as my 180 was (had custom cabinets built, plumbed a basement sump, etc). It was sweet, but I do not have the energy or time to plan (or implement) another project like that - planning that one took me close to a year.
I know bigger is better. Except, bigger means more space for making water, more effort for water changes, etc, etc.
I'm seriously considering another all-in-one solution like the Clear for Life uniquariums.
Enough rambling. My goals are:
- Fish are the stars; corals are a nice backdrop (softies only); other inverts are fun.
--- I know I want a tank-bred clown pair, a flame angel, and a coral beauty
- Ease of maintenance
- Big enough but not so big that maintenance is a major chore. No longer than 48" due to the optimal locations available in my house. No taller than 24" because I lack chimpanzee arms.
- Needs to look clean, inside and out (leaning toward acrylic despite the scratching issue), as it will be in a very prominent location
So out of all of this, if anyone is still with me, I do have fairly specific questions:
1) How much space do I need to house a Flame Angel and Coral Beauty together? I had one of each in my 180, and they were awesome... probably my favorites.
2) Anyone have advice on the Clear for Life Uniquariums? My biggest concern is access to the rear compartments for maintenance - that seems much harder than a separate sump... I'm imagining having to be on a ladder leaning over to get to the central rear compartment especially. Also there wouldn't be anywhere for an ATO. I'm thinking that if I do decide to go AIO, I would be better off finding one with a separate sump, as much as the clean look of the Uniquariums appeal to me (less visible plumbing, etc).
3) I'd love any other advice regarding both tank size and ways to simplify maintenance.
On a final note, I have considered going FW in the interest of simplicity. But I'm not sure I can turn away from the color and the fascinating inverts SW offers.
