Considering takeover of this tank, condition??

[trevorspencer94]

Hi all, I am relatively new to reef tanks, and there is a personal locally who has this 90g tank with a Picasso trigger, 2 oscillaris and 1 maroon clownfish, 5 damsels, and a royal gramma basslet. Only a couple corals, has live rock and sand. Been established for a year they claim. My concern is with the algae and stuff in this tank, I'm wondering if it would be worth taking over the whole system for $300. Here are pics of everything and what's included, has the sump and skimmer etc but those aren't what's in question. I know there is stocking compatibility issues too, the trigger would need rehomed.

 

[rajkovich207]

Looks like it would need a good overhaul, and I would rehome most of those fish as well the osc and maroon will end up fighting more then likely, royal grammas are jerks and don't get me started on the damsels. If you want the upgrade 300 isn't bad for the equipment but at the point the sand would have to go, and I wouldn't keep the rocks.

 

[rajkovich207]

It looks like they haven't done a thing to it in a while. Might be hard to bring back around without essentially starting over.

 

[Harry_Y]

If it was me I would probably pass (not really sure it is worth the money)

 

[ReefBum]

If it was me I would probably pass (not really sure it is worth the money)

Ditto.

 

[oscarinw]

I like the system. I would suggest restarting it and rehoming the trigger would be advisable if you are hoping to keep corals and or a community reef tank. I think $300 is a reasonable price for it but you will need to spend some more to bring it up to speed.
The substrate appears to be good quality. You will need to wash it well.
My suggestion without knowing what your specific intentions are:
-Put the ocellaris clowns in a temporary/quarantine temporary home. You may want to use the one most porous rock to be the living piece in that system and avoid a new cycle on that system.
Clean the setup. Get new, quality rock. Let it restart from zero. In general, Damsels are not advisable due to them possibly becoming very territorial.
Good luck with things

 

[trevorspencer94]

Yeah I think I will just pass, I have other empty tanks was just gonna buy this if it was really worth it, I guess I will just focus on starting a 26 gal nano reef tank! Would a dottyback be a good substitution for a similar colored fish to the royal gramma? I also hear a single yellowtail damsel is generally okay?

 

[ErikB76]

Rehome the life, I bet LFS or local auction will give you $150 for it. $300 sounds like a great deal for the tank, stand, and equipment. Tear everything apart, clean it up, keep the Rock and let it dry out. Make the system yours.

 

[trevorspencer94]

I may consider that, I will run to the lfs and see what they say about taking the damsels, rgb, trigger, and the maroon, we always have tanks and places for regular oscellaris! Haha

 

[maroun.c]

Don't see anything that's specifically interesting... A functional setup at 300 is always enticing but believe you still have to work out or replace many things.
At this stage the deciding factor to me would be the sump, stand tank and cabinetry conditions... The rest you'll address one by one as you restart the tank and have a clear idea on what you will stock in it

 

[big blue]

I agree with Erik even if it store credit you'll use it. Also offer him $200 and see what he says, remind him moving that is alot of work lol. Good luck

 

[mikesilverado8888]

Looks like it would need a good overhaul, and I would rehome most of those fish as well the osc and maroon will end up fighting more then likely, royal grammas are jerks and don't get me started on the damsels. If you want the upgrade 300 isn't bad for the equipment but at the point the sand would have to go, and I wouldn't keep the rocks.

Wait royals are jerks? My royal super nice to everyone

 

[nawilson89]

Wait royals are jerks? My royal super nice to everyone

My thoughts exactly. I've never seen a "jerk" Royal Gramma. I've seen HUGE Royal Gramma that are the most passive fish.

 

[trevorspencer94]

I talked to my lfs they said they would take the fish in but not give credit for them the only other 2 fish stores in town are petco and petsmart. I'm just gonna focus on starting up my 26 gallon bowfront! Gonna make a new thread for it here shortly!

 

[chaoha]

I'm with most others $300. Isn't bad at all. Dry the rock new sand a 90 gallon tank is A ice size and if your LFS takes the fish for credit you should have a nice start. Oh and I'd keep the royal grandma too

 

[SifuMemphis]

Yeah, for $300, it looks like a steal. I would do a complete overhaul of the system, new sand, live rock, clean out the sump, etc etc.. I would also take the existing fish into your lfs and see if you can get credit for them.

 

[gacolt]

I would pass.might be worth 300 but it's not a great deal.from the pics it looks like you will have replace a bunch of stuff.

 

[trevorspencer94]

Yeah not to mention the lfs won't give me credit there for the fish

 

[JasReef]

It really boils down to what the actual equipment is. I see a skimmer and what looks like some t5 lights so if the brands are solid you could easily come out ahead. Is the tank RR? What is the return pump brand and rating? Size of sump? That question requires the input of a lot of variables.

As far as the tank as a biosysytem I just see a lot of work. With a good break down plan when you move it you could easily set up a cleaning station and scrub the rock down, get rid of the sand and scrub the sump and tank with some vinegar. Fill it back up with what you want to keep and trade the rest with your local reef club or Craigslist. You could have a nice little tank with a lot of planning and a little work.