Go BIG or Go... small or maybe medium

[New&no clue]

I started my first tank 4 months ago and I’ve got the bug, I want to upgrade my system to something bigger, better, more bells and whistles… but it that the best thing to do?

Let me start with my current setup. I have a 55 gallons tank with only an Aqueon HOB filter, heater and power heads, all very basic. The only thing I splurged on is my lights which is a Current USA lighting system. I have roughly 30 pounds of live rock and 2” deep sand bed, live. For livestock I have 2 black clown fish, a bicolored blenny, a purple fire fish, cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp, and a big CUC (40/60) snails and hermits of different species. I haven’t bought corals yet because I want to figure out what I’m doing with this tank. I keep flipping back and forth between options and thought I would see what you guys thought

Option A(small)

Keep the tank that I have now, and add a HOB overflow(I know, I know the risks associated with it, but I have read some really good reviews on the CPR Aquatics w/aqua lift and the ESHOPPS PF-800) along with sump and all items. This would be the easiest and the cheapest option for right now.

The reason I like this option is I’m a mom of two small boys, plus I work a full time job. While I love my fish tank and have wanted one for 12+ years but never had the space, funds, or courage to start, I’m also realistic and know that I have a lot on my plate right now and why not keep this hobby small until kids are a little older.

Option B(medium)

Buy a new tank with holes already drilled, maybe slightly bigger like a 75 or 100. Buy all the plumbing and sump stuff and transfer everything for my current tank over to my new tank.

The reason I like this idea is no HOB overflow. That’s the only reason I like this idea. On the other hand it adds probably $1000 to the cost because I would need to buy the tank and a new stand as well. Oh wait I thought of another reason, I would like new sand so if I switch tanks I could get different sand.

Option C(big)

Just go for it and buy a Waterbox130, plus all other equipment needed in the sump.

The reason I like this idea is because it is the easiest thing for me to do. The tank, stand, plumbing, and sump are all there and compatible with each other. One of my biggest hesitations with the other options is the plumbing so to have it basically done, except the connections is so appealing. Plus waterboxes just look nice. Of course this is the most expensive option there is.

I would love thoughts and options from you guys. I added some picture from the last 4 months, it’s certainly not an AMAZING tank yet.. but I’m pretty proud of how it’s coming along.

Day one

rocks added

New lights

Peppermint shrimp

Clowns

Cleaner shrimp

 

[Peace River]

A couple more options could include (1) staying with the setup that you have for now and add some softies, and (2) move your existing fish and livestock into a temporary set up while you drill (or have someone help your drill) your existing tank (this would also allow you to change your sand).

On a side note, if you did go with a HOB overflow and did have a water issue where 10-20g of water ended up on the floor, what would be the impact?

Good luck with whatever option you choose!

 

[Aardvark1134]

In the size range you are considering I would recommend a 120 wide... 4x2x2ft is a great shape

As for HOB the tidal series is designed in a way that won't toss water on the floor when you forget to clean it.

 

[New&no clue]

1) staying with the setup that you have for now and add some softies,

I guess my reason to not just stick with where I am is I have a hard time keeping good parameters and I’ve always just blamed it on poor filtration. In my inexperienced mind poor filtration will make it harder to keep corals.

Maybe I’m wrong on this.

 

[New&no clue]

2) move your existing fish and livestock into a temporary set up while you drill (or have someone help your drill) your existing tank (this would also allow you to change your sand).

I think if I’m going through the trouble to remove everything to drill, then might as well use it as a reason to get a bigger tank

 

[JoshH]

move your existing fish and livestock into a temporary set up while you drill (or have someone help your drill) your existing tank (this would also allow you to change your sand).

I would say this is your best option and the one I'll second. Very easy to have a temporary tub holding your livestock and purchasing an external slim overflow. Drilling is something even most LFS' will do if you're not confident in your own abilities. You get the option to replace your sand AND you get the much more reliable drain setup.

 

[New&no clue]

On a side note, if you did go with a HOB overflow and did have a water issue where 10-20g of water ended up on the floor, what would be the impact?

A big mess a I have clean up... but nothing dire. This is kinda the option I’m leaning it. The only thing really holding g me back is I’m worried in another 4 months I’ll have regretted not going bigger

 

[JoshH]

A big mess a I have clean up... but nothing dire. This is kinda the option I’m leaning it. The only thing really holding g me back is I’m worried in another 4 months I’ll have regretted not going bigger

What is the urge that's pushing you to go bigger? Is it a fish you absolutely want? Do you not like the shape of the tank you currently have?

 

[Medic58]

Sweet spot. 120 4x2x2 and maybe a 50 gallon sump.

 

[Peace River]

I think if I’m going through the trouble to remove everything to drill, then might as well use it as a reason to get a bigger tank

There is no question that it would be a lot of work. The difference is the cost - ~$100 vs. $1,000+. All options come with positives and negatives.

 

[New&no clue]

In the size range you are considering I would recommend a 120 wide... 4x2x2ft is a great shape

I’m worried about the weight on my floor going this big

 

[JoshH]

I’m worried about the weight on my floor going this big

It wouldn't weigh any more than a Waterbox 130. And a waterbox 130 with all the equipment is probably a $2500-$4000 upgrade when it's all said and done, something worth noting.

 

[Aardvark1134]

Well that is a valid point...always make sure your floor can hold a medium to large tank.

 

[New&no clue]

What is the urge that's pushing you to go bigger? Is it a fish you absolutely want? Do you not like the shape of the tank you currently have?

It’s the fish.. I want a Tang

 

[New&no clue]

It wouldn't weigh any more than a Waterbox 130.

I thought a waterbox130 was a total of 130 gallons between the display and sump, but a 120gallon tank would have a 40gallon sump so now that’s 160gallons

 

[Aardvark1134]

Which tang...this will help us recommend a size tank as some need more space than others

 

[JoshH]

I thought a waterbox130 was a total of 130 gallons between the display and sump, but a 120gallon tank would have a 40gallon sump so now that’s 160gallons

You're correct, there would be a slight size increase, your sump with the 120 would realistically hold 20ish gallons of water so that would put the system around 140ish gallons. You're only looking at a difference of 100-200 pounds in weight overall so they are in the same category really when your talking about floor support.

 

[Medic58]

I’m worried about the weight on my floor going this big

Oh yeah that may be a problem

 

[New&no clue]

Which tang...this will help us recommend a size tank as some need more space than others

Most likely a yellow tang, but purple are cool too. It’s also about the number of fish. I kinda feel like with four fish right now, maybe I could add one or two more. However, there are several I’d like, even maybe a small school of chromis or anthais.

 

[ZaneTer]

I have a 180g. It was a freshwater conversion a few years ago.

I wish I had started with a smaller tank. The equipment costs on a larger tank are horrendous not to mention the maintenance.

There are some amazing smaller tanks on here, some real show pieces. It’s not about the size of the tank, only the skill of the reef keeper.