Decisions, Decisions & Facing the Harsh Truth!

[Iconz]

Well, over the past 2 days, I've been constantly rolling the idea over in my head of halting my 75g project. Here's why, and then I'll give you all my alternative options:

- My wife and I are currently in an oversized 1br apartment with a walled-in "sunroom". Space is already an issue. So, I'm scared that I'm not going to having the space needed to store some of the equipment for water changes, as well as space to do some of the water mixing, and other DIY projects. I do have a close-friend's house who has tons of room right down the road, but I'd hate to have to go bug them every time I wanna do something.

- We are currently in a 7-month lease that we are 1-month into. So, that leaves us with a probable move in about 6 months. Either into a bigger apartment, or into a house similar to the one we just moved out of. Either way, I would be aquiring more space, which would be a very good thing.

That pretty much sums up my delima, now here's my thoughts on options.

I can either:

A: Go with a much smaller (30g w/ a 20 sump, or a 55g w/ a 20 sump). setup.

B: Wait until we move and start my projects then.

C: Start collecting parts and pieces for the futher 75+ gallon project. (this would help spread out the cost over time, instead of blowing $1200+ in a couple of days.

D: Or go with an option that one of you fine folks can come up with!

I really hate to face the harsh truth that I really don't need to go all out right now, but I don't want to give up entirely. I also wanted to kinda give everyone an update of my project and where I stand.

All opinions and ideas are greatly appreaciated.

Thanks!

-JD

[perpetual98]

I'd go with option C. That'll give you more time to research and do things right the first time.

I'm working on a new tank and I'm taking my sweet time with setting it up instead of doing what I usually do and rushing through everything and then finding problems.

You can see my "blog" here: http://www.myreef.com/smf/index.php?topic=21.0

If you went with the 55G, you'd regret it because you'd say to yourself, "Ugh, the 75 isn't THAT much bigger, why didn't I get that?" You could always go with the 30G, but in my opinion, if you went that route, just get the tank and use some Hang-On filtration and ditch the sump all together. That would be much easier for a temporary situation until you move again.

Option B is more like option C, but makes less sense. :)

Eric

[jojo22]

I agree if you take your time you will afford better equip.

[Iconz]

Hmm! I have another idea! A nano tank, or nano cube!? What do you all think?

[lReef lKeeper]

nano tanks are cool. but why not do a nano now and option C when you get i bigger place ??!!

[Iconz]

That's exactly what i'd do bobby. Sorry for not being more clear. A nano now, and option C. That way, I get my fix on wanting a reef, and can have my big tank eventually!

I think this is what I'll do. Now, I just need to learn how to keep a nano!!! :)

[jojo22]

It's preaty much the same. I started out with a 10 gal nano. They are lots of fun!!! Any specific questions??

[lReef lKeeper]

just be sure that when you buy the cube ... you buy the "little" skimmer that i dont think comes with it.

[perpetual98]

If you're looking to us for justification for you spending your money.......


You've come to the right place! :)

[graphixx]

JD, hey buddy I would get like a 10 gallon nano and start that little puppy or even better I would do a very basic 20 gallon right now with no sump and when you move you can get your 75 set up and use the current 20 as your sump and you allready have good live sand and LR to start the cycle with!!!! That way you still have a little ocean in your place now. That is how I would do it but I hate to wait for stuff.
good luck buddy keep us posted.

[jojo22]

I don't know about those cubes. I am a member on another forum and have heard lots of problems with then. I would just do a 10 or 20 gal long. Then you can later after the upgrade make it into a remote refuge or DSB!!!!!!!!

[Iconz]

Hmm, not that I don't trust you Joe, but I REALLY liked the idea of a all-in-one nano cube. Does/has anyone else have any experience with the Nano-Cube?!

Thanks!
Iconz!

[Iconz]

If you're looking to us for justification for you spending your money.......


You've come to the right place! :)

LOL! I never had a doubt!! :)

[jojo22]

I will warn you now and tell you I TOLD YOU SO later. Go look at NR or ABF in their nano forums maby one brand has a better record than others but if it was me I'd do a 20 long.

[Iconz]

K, so i do a 20L (which i already have the tank)... So, help me out with ideas on filtration, lighting, heaters, and flow! :)

[jojo22]

Coralife aqualight worked great on my 10. set up an aquaclear 70 as a hang on refuge, a nice maxijet should get your flow, any submersible heater will work (I have had great luck with the metal Guardian ones.

[Iconz]

Hmm, an link for the heater, I've found everything except that.

[Sweetpea]

I think you've hit the nail on the head... nano now, big later! Greg's suggestion of getting a 20g and then using it later as a sump saves you money down the road! See??? Us crazy folks can justify spending money on just about anything!!! ;)

[Iconz]

Yeah, I like the idea myself! Ohhh boy! I can't wait! lol... i'm heading to the lfs here in a minute to check out some stuff on them. I'm estimating a total of 500 or so for nearly everything... we'll see! Thanks for the input everyone, any more ideas are welcomed as well!

-JD

[jojo22]

Look at the local "PETSUPPLIESPLUS" That is the only store I found them at so far.

[Reptoreef]

Nano and 'C' is my vote!

[Sea~Horse~Whisperer]

We "may" have another nano contest comming up, you could always enter that if it happens. I'm not sure what the requirements will be though. I'm still waiting to hear more about it.

I also agree that a nano now would be the best option. I just tore down a 75 and reset one up 2 days later. Not fun. Trust me.

Angie