will i regret downsizing?

discotu · 03/30/2008, 11:18 AM

I have been toying with the idea of downsizing for a while now and keep changing my mind...aside from all the other pros and cons of doing so, my biggest concern is losing the facing I currently have. Every morning I sit in front of my tank with a cup of coffee and relax...i think it's analogous to having a 60" big screen tv and downsizing to a 32" TV.

tale of the tape:

Current setup is a 225g AGA, 72L X 30T X 24D

smaller tank is a 140g cube, 32X32X32, starphire front panel with ground and polished edges. Tank is sitting in the gargage...just waiting.

There's no questions that the downsize tank will be stunning, but i wonder if I will miss the "wide screen" proportions.

For those that downsized, did you miss the larger tank? I don't want to proceed only to find out I'll lose the wow factor.

so to put it into perspective, here's my 225 now:

and the facing I'd lose with the 140:

granted I'll gain some in depth, but will that be enough to keep me happy? yes, very subjective...but i'd still like to hear any thoughts you guys have especially if you experienced it yourself.

thanks!!

CMcNeil · 03/30/2008, 11:23 AM

i dont think you will be unhappy with the downsize,i am in the process of downsizing as well from a 5'x2'x2' 150g to a 32"x32"x16" rimless 60g.i hated the idea of doing this untill i did the math,the electic and chem savings are huge in my case and seem better suited for my needs and wants from a tank.good luck whatever you do.

GuOD · 03/30/2008, 11:26 AM

i have a 150 and a biocube

the biocube sucks in comparison.

i vote for stay big or upsize!

snorvich · 03/30/2008, 11:50 AM

For me it would be difficult to downsize either of my tanks. I try to figure out how to get away with upsizing and realize there is no way I can ever sell it at home.

macronut · 03/30/2008, 12:03 PM

I'm toying with the same idea as I am totally happy with smaller fish, saving some $$$ etc. The cost do add up when you have a larger system. I would love to have a super large tank for larger angels etc, but can't afford it. I strongly feel that you should consider what you want to do and what best suits your needs. There are stunning smaller tanks. I've been asked several times by various people "do you think you will be happy with a smaller tank". My answer is yes, I do. The hard part for me is trading my fish in as I have gotten attached to many of them and just making the switch as I hate to distrupt a tank. Personally, if you are toying with the idea I think you would be happy as you have already answered some of your own questions......saving money on chemicals, electricity. etc. Sorry to ramble on. Good luck with your decision.

03/30/2008, 11:18 AM	#1
discotu Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Valencia CA Posts: 1,355	will i regret downsizing? I have been toying with the idea of downsizing for a while now and keep changing my mind...aside from all the other pros and cons of doing so, my biggest concern is losing the facing I currently have. Every morning I sit in front of my tank with a cup of coffee and relax...i think it's analogous to having a 60" big screen tv and downsizing to a 32" TV. tale of the tape: Current setup is a 225g AGA, 72L X 30T X 24D smaller tank is a 140g cube, 32X32X32, starphire front panel with ground and polished edges. Tank is sitting in the gargage...just waiting. There's no questions that the downsize tank will be stunning, but i wonder if I will miss the "wide screen" proportions. For those that downsized, did you miss the larger tank? I don't want to proceed only to find out I'll lose the wow factor. so to put it into perspective, here's my 225 now: and the facing I'd lose with the 140: granted I'll gain some in depth, but will that be enough to keep me happy? yes, very subjective...but i'd still like to hear any thoughts you guys have especially if you experienced it yourself. thanks!!

03/30/2008, 11:23 AM	#2
CMcNeil Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: St.Petersburg,Florida Posts: 7,368	i dont think you will be unhappy with the downsize,i am in the process of downsizing as well from a 5'x2'x2' 150g to a 32"x32"x16" rimless 60g.i hated the idea of doing this untill i did the math,the electic and chem savings are huge in my case and seem better suited for my needs and wants from a tank.good luck whatever you do. __________________ Deep Blue 28g rimless, AI Prime LED,Vortech MP-10,SCA-301 skimmer, Tunze 1073.04 return pump,Tunze nano osmolator, 10g glass sump,Ehiem 100w heater,RK Lite. SPS dominant reef

03/30/2008, 11:50 AM	#4
snorvich Team RC member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Outlander Posts: 40,953 Blog Entries: 46	For me it would be difficult to downsize either of my tanks. I try to figure out how to get away with upsizing and realize there is no way I can ever sell it at home. __________________ Warmest regards, ~Steve~

03/30/2008, 11:26 AM	#3
GuOD Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 665	i have a 150 and a biocube the biocube sucks in comparison. i vote for stay big or upsize!

03/30/2008, 12:03 PM	#5
macronut Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Indianapolis IN Posts: 405	I'm toying with the same idea as I am totally happy with smaller fish, saving some $$$ etc. The cost do add up when you have a larger system. I would love to have a super large tank for larger angels etc, but can't afford it. I strongly feel that you should consider what you want to do and what best suits your needs. There are stunning smaller tanks. I've been asked several times by various people "do you think you will be happy with a smaller tank". My answer is yes, I do. The hard part for me is trading my fish in as I have gotten attached to many of them and just making the switch as I hate to distrupt a tank. Personally, if you are toying with the idea I think you would be happy as you have already answered some of your own questions......saving money on chemicals, electricity. etc. Sorry to ramble on. Good luck with your decision.