Aquarium Upgrade Maintenence

tmacarle · Dec 9, 2019

Hello,

I am new to the site but need some help from advanced reefers. I have had salt aquariums in the past (15 years ago) quit for a long time and then started a red sea max 250 reef tank. it has been running for 9 months now. I do take care of it well and know how to handle it. I have always wanted a 125-150 gallon tank as a dream tank. Well, I found one. The only problem is that it is really decked out. Lee-mar 150 gallon starfire glass. Protein skimmer, calcuim reactor, sump, battery backups, doser, apex controller, etc...

My problem is: I am a little intimidated by the advancement of it. (Although I am good at researching and figuring stuff out.)

I would like to know how much MORE maintenence will this larger tank be than my red sea max 250? Thanks for any input.

I am used to weekly water changes, regular testing, cleaning pumps, adjusting max protein skimmer, cleaning glass, etc... (The normal stuff.)

Bender · Dec 9, 2019

Welcome to R2R!

There is many more qualified people to answer your questions, however I do have a little advice. Expect a steep learning curve at the beginning with some of the equipment, but if you take it one piece of equipment at a time I am sure you will get it figured out. You didn't mention it came with live stock so there is no hurry and you can take your time researching the equipment, how it operates, why it is there and how to run it.

Again, welcome and don't give up! Research Research Research.

Samina · Dec 9, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!

I say that sounds like a great upgrade! And I agree with @Bender, about taking it one equipment at a time in learning and researching. You’ll learn so much and you may find it helps you or you may find it’s just not your thing and you can sell those pieces of equipment down the line if you choose. It will be a steep learning curve, but it is definitely doable and worth exploring, imho.

Changes to maintenance, I would say expect the same routine, just on a larger scale when it comes to water changes. Everything else should be relatively the same. When it comes to making sure your new equipment that you don’t normally use is working correctly or servicing it, you’ll already have the knowledge from the research you have done on it to guide you. Good luck!!

tmacarle · Dec 9, 2019

Bender said:
Welcome to R2R!

There is many more qualified people to answer your questions, however I do have a little advice. Expect a steep learning curve at the beginning with some of the equipment, but if you take it one piece of equipment at a time I am sure you will get it figured out. You didn't mention it came with live stock so there is no hurry and you can take your time researching the equipment, how it operates, why it is there and how to run it.

Again, welcome and don't give up! Research Research Research.

Thank you for the reply. I really appreciate it. I did forget to add that the aquarium is running from previous owner and fully stocked with 20 fish and softy corals. I am concerned about the health of these animals when transported. It would be about 2-3 hours maybe out of the tank and I was hoping to save a lot of his water and put it back in, plug it in and running it. I was hoping it would last a short while on it's own while I learn the mechanics and lights. I know this is not the best scenario, but is it doable?