Oh, here it comes...

LulusMoogle · 05/28/2009, 02:05 AM

Around Christmas time, I was befuddled. Why would nanotank owners such as myself want to upgrade the size of their tank to a 55g or larger tank?

And now I understand.

There's still money left in my wallet.

And there's a nice 55g at my LFS that's BEGGING for experimentation...

Hrm. What a dilemma.

Does anyone have any advice or input about upgrading? I want to, but I'm leaning against it since I'll be in college this fall.

Byronc · 05/28/2009, 02:13 AM

Upgrading is amazing as long as you can afford to do it!! Keep in mind all of the costs and logistics that accompany a larger tank. As a person who just graduated college I would advise you to save as much as possible for the next several years of your life...you will be poor as hell.

With those words I would say......DO IT, UPGRADE!

arctictwist · 05/28/2009, 04:07 AM

I would say stay away from the standard 55 unless its going to be fowlr. if you get a more cubish tank you will appreciate the width for aquascaping.

snorvich · 05/28/2009, 04:41 AM

I agree with arctictwist. However, moving a tank to college is a pain.

Ohiomom · 05/28/2009, 05:36 AM

Not to mention even in an apartment/rental home most will not allow a 55 or larger. Course maybe you are commuting from home like I hope my kids will do

Aquarist007 · 05/28/2009, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LulusMoogle
Around Christmas time, I was befuddled. Why would nanotank owners such as myself want to upgrade the size of their tank to a 55g or larger tank?

And now I understand.

There's still money left in my wallet.

And there's a nice 55g at my LFS that's BEGGING for experimentation...

Hrm. What a dilemma.

Does anyone have any advice or input about upgrading? I want to, but I'm leaning against it since I'll be in college this fall.

the glass tank itself is the cheapist outlay
consider:
live rock(60lbs @5) 300 $
lighting 300-500
substrate 50
filtration system 200
power heads 80
heater 40
salt mix 60
ro/di filter 200
---and that's just to setup--nothing in the tank

Aquarist007 · 05/28/2009, 07:12 AM

here is a good thread to read

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1526752

spleify · 05/28/2009, 07:17 AM

Upgrading is awesome, and I think we are ALL looking for our next tank whether we know it or not. Like mentioned, unless you are commuting and going to school locally, I would probably hold off until you are home for good to maintain it properly.
Not to mention having a tank at college scares me, crazy things happen at those college partys

luther1200 · 05/28/2009, 01:16 PM

I would say if you ever think you are going to want a bigger tank (bigger than 55) get it now. I went from a nano to a 65 and now I want a bigger tank. I should have just got a 125 or bigger back then. It may sound crazy but I really wish I had just gotten a bigger tank back then.

aquaman67 · 05/29/2009, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arctictwist
I would say stay away from the standard 55 unless its going to be fowlr. if you get a more cubish tank you will appreciate the width for aquascaping.

+1

I went fom a standard 29 gallon to a Oceanic 50. Same length but 6 inches wider.

It's much easier to clean around the rock because it doesn't have to be on the glass.

If you're going to do a 55 you might was well do a 75 and if you are going to do a 75 you might as well get a 90.

fufu · 05/29/2009, 03:55 PM

Craigslist yourself an aquarium, you can find some amazing deals that comes with all the extras.

VacavilleFC3S · 05/29/2009, 04:15 PM

i went from a 20H and a 15g hex to a 90RR and i've never regretted it, did cost about 2k+ though to setup

arctictwist · 05/29/2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by aquaman67
+1

I went fom a standard 29 gallon to a Oceanic 50. Same length but 6 inches wider.

It's much easier to clean around the rock because it doesn't have to be on the glass.

If you're going to do a 55 you might was well do a 75 and if you are going to do a 75 you might as well get a 90.

And if your gonna get a 90.....u might as well get a 120....and that's exactly how I ended up in my current build! Lol. U know...after the whole casino trip!

Mr. Brooks · 05/29/2009, 04:41 PM

GO BIG.

saltjohnswharf · 05/29/2009, 10:37 PM

Dude. College. Keep it simple. Study hard, make some money, then when you move somewhere more permanent buy a large tank. But 55's suck. The dimensions are crap. Go with a minimum 75 gallon tank.

scottwhitson · 05/30/2009, 12:28 AM

I agree don't get a 55 they are way to narrow.

Keith A · 05/30/2009, 06:45 AM

When (if) you decide to upgrade:
1) go at least 75 or bigger. With a 55, the tank is too narrow and you may have some dificulty getting everything to fit. Besides, you may want to upgrade from a 55 to a bigger tanks when you graduate from college.
2) Keep your eyes out for LFS going out of business. There is one in our area that is getting rid of everything. Tanks, skimmers, filters, coral, fish, rock, you name it. It's all used but after a good cleaning, they still work fine and cost a fraction of what new materials would.
3) Maybe wait until after college. It may be tough to manage enough time between school work, socializing, job (if you get or already have one), and maintaining an aquarium. Not to mention the $$$. You could buy an lot of Raomin Noodles and frozen burritos (Staple foods of the college student) for the same amt of money it would cost for a skimmer. Good luck.

Aerowen · 05/30/2009, 06:57 AM

i upgraded to a 90 from a 24 aq- im in college, and my tank def. gets neglected during midterms and finals.

Electrobes · 05/30/2009, 07:11 AM

If you are successful with the nano I would stick with it till after at least a year in college. Moving a nano is far more easier, as well as setting it back up. You still get to keep the reef, plus you already know it so you have no worries trying to get down new routines that come with bigger tanks.

Save your money and possibly hassle until you get used to college life.

JustinReef · 05/30/2009, 08:53 AM

I like how an upgrade to most means a bigger tank...I just upgraded (at least in my mind) from a 200G to a 34G

I have a life again!!!

redfishsc · 05/30/2009, 10:36 AM

A 40-breed is, IMO, the perfect "college reef" tank. It's small enough that one person can (usually) carry it empty, has GREAT dimensions, and looks bigger than it really is.

I would not use a 55g. Maybe for a sump, but not for a display tank.

ChuckLawson · 05/30/2009, 11:04 AM

+1 for the 40 breeder. With a hang-on skimmer and some lights (actually, maybe a canopy and put a locking latch on the door for use in the dorm room), it's a very serviceable tank that takes up not much room, makes a nice display, and can be moved by one person in the back seat or the trunk of a car.

Later on, when you've got room for a larger tank, it'll make a dandy sump or quarantine tank.

05/28/2009, 02:05 AM	#1
LulusMoogle Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 370	Oh, here it comes... Around Christmas time, I was befuddled. Why would nanotank owners such as myself want to upgrade the size of their tank to a 55g or larger tank? And now I understand. There's still money left in my wallet. And there's a nice 55g at my LFS that's BEGGING for experimentation... Hrm. What a dilemma. Does anyone have any advice or input about upgrading? I want to, but I'm leaning against it since I'll be in college this fall.

05/28/2009, 04:41 AM	#4
snorvich Team RC member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Outlander Posts: 40,953 Blog Entries: 46	I agree with arctictwist. However, moving a tank to college is a pain. __________________ Warmest regards, ~Steve~

05/28/2009, 05:36 AM	#5
Ohiomom Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,586	Not to mention even in an apartment/rental home most will not allow a 55 or larger. Course maybe you are commuting from home like I hope my kids will do __________________ .....Sandra “Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.” Current Tank Info: 75 galllon reef, T5HO love em!

05/28/2009, 07:12 AM	#7
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	here is a good thread to read http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1526752 __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

05/28/2009, 07:17 AM	#8
spleify Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 9,579	Upgrading is awesome, and I think we are ALL looking for our next tank whether we know it or not. Like mentioned, unless you are commuting and going to school locally, I would probably hold off until you are home for good to maintain it properly. Not to mention having a tank at college scares me, crazy things happen at those college partys __________________ Make it a Great Day!!!! Current Tank Info: 60 gal SPS cube, with 25 gal refugium, 400W MH, DIY Lumenarc III, DIY skimmer, DIY stand and canopy. 40 breeder LPS with 40 gallon sump, DIY stand, 250W MH

05/28/2009, 02:13 AM	#2
Byronc Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 173	Upgrading is amazing as long as you can afford to do it!! Keep in mind all of the costs and logistics that accompany a larger tank. As a person who just graduated college I would advise you to save as much as possible for the next several years of your life...you will be poor as hell. With those words I would say......DO IT, UPGRADE!

05/28/2009, 04:07 AM	#3
arctictwist Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: CT Posts: 818	I would say stay away from the standard 55 unless its going to be fowlr. if you get a more cubish tank you will appreciate the width for aquascaping.

05/28/2009, 01:16 PM	#9
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	I would say if you ever think you are going to want a bigger tank (bigger than 55) get it now. I went from a nano to a 65 and now I want a bigger tank. I should have just got a 125 or bigger back then. It may sound crazy but I really wish I had just gotten a bigger tank back then. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

05/29/2009, 03:55 PM	#11
fufu Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston Posts: 432	Craigslist yourself an aquarium, you can find some amazing deals that comes with all the extras.

05/29/2009, 04:15 PM	#12
VacavilleFC3S Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vacaville California Posts: 2,613	i went from a 20H and a 15g hex to a 90RR and i've never regretted it, did cost about 2k+ though to setup

05/29/2009, 04:41 PM	#14
Mr. Brooks MASVC Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 3,477	GO BIG.

05/29/2009, 10:37 PM	#15
saltjohnswharf Conscientious Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Carmichael, CA Posts: 524 Blog Entries: 1	Dude. College. Keep it simple. Study hard, make some money, then when you move somewhere more permanent buy a large tank. But 55's suck. The dimensions are crap. Go with a minimum 75 gallon tank. __________________ If you had to live the rest of your life in an aquarium what would your minimum tank size be? Think before you buy Current Tank Info: 27 gallon Dying Reef Biotope

05/30/2009, 12:28 AM	#16
scottwhitson Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lewiston, Idaho Posts: 1,395	I agree don't get a 55 they are way to narrow.

05/30/2009, 06:45 AM	#17
Keith A Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 253	When (if) you decide to upgrade: 1) go at least 75 or bigger. With a 55, the tank is too narrow and you may have some dificulty getting everything to fit. Besides, you may want to upgrade from a 55 to a bigger tanks when you graduate from college. 2) Keep your eyes out for LFS going out of business. There is one in our area that is getting rid of everything. Tanks, skimmers, filters, coral, fish, rock, you name it. It's all used but after a good cleaning, they still work fine and cost a fraction of what new materials would. 3) Maybe wait until after college. It may be tough to manage enough time between school work, socializing, job (if you get or already have one), and maintaining an aquarium. Not to mention the $$$. You could buy an lot of Raomin Noodles and frozen burritos (Staple foods of the college student) for the same amt of money it would cost for a skimmer. Good luck.

05/30/2009, 06:57 AM	#18
Aerowen Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long island, NY Posts: 497	i upgraded to a 90 from a 24 aq- im in college, and my tank def. gets neglected during midterms and finals.

05/30/2009, 07:11 AM	#19
Electrobes Montipora type guy Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Fort Myers, FL Posts: 2,945	If you are successful with the nano I would stick with it till after at least a year in college. Moving a nano is far more easier, as well as setting it back up. You still get to keep the reef, plus you already know it so you have no worries trying to get down new routines that come with bigger tanks. Save your money and possibly hassle until you get used to college life. __________________ Christian Current Tank Info: 100G Half Cylinder

05/30/2009, 08:53 AM	#20
JustinReef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,715	I like how an upgrade to most means a bigger tank...I just upgraded (at least in my mind) from a 200G to a 34G I have a life again!!!

05/30/2009, 10:36 AM	#21
redfishsc Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Wake Forest, NC Posts: 3,696	A 40-breed is, IMO, the perfect "college reef" tank. It's small enough that one person can (usually) carry it empty, has GREAT dimensions, and looks bigger than it really is. I would not use a 55g. Maybe for a sump, but not for a display tank. __________________ "The measure of a life is not its duration but its donation." Corrie Ten Boom “The tyrant dies and his rule is over, the martyr dies and his rule begins” -- Søren Kierkegaard Current Tank Info: ghetto grad school reef.....11g rimless tank, 36X9X9, lit by Cree and Rebels scobbled together. Stocked mostly with free stuff I got from panhandling my fellow reefers.

05/30/2009, 11:04 AM	#22
ChuckLawson Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 383	+1 for the 40 breeder. With a hang-on skimmer and some lights (actually, maybe a canopy and put a locking latch on the door for use in the dorm room), it's a very serviceable tank that takes up not much room, makes a nice display, and can be moved by one person in the back seat or the trunk of a car. Later on, when you've got room for a larger tank, it'll make a dandy sump or quarantine tank.