Need suggestions in tank upgrade

[christwendt]

Hello reefers. I’m looking to upgrade this 20 gallon IM is a pain in the butt. I love it but I wish I went bigger. I’m in this hobby for the long haul I know that. I love it so much. I can’t decide on my next tank brand/ size. I need some suggestions and why. I have been looking at the IM int 100 gallon with stand but it’s 1700. Is it worth it for that? I really like the low iron rimless glass. I should add I bought this skimmer off FB for 100$ which was a steal it’s practically brand new. It’s reef oct0 150 INT says it’s rated on brs for tanks up to 120 gallons.

Things to consider. I’m moving into a rental house in 3 months. ( this is when I’ll set up new tank) and move my current 20 gallon into that)

I only plan to live in this next house for a year max two until I buy my house. Is it worth it to set up a tank for a year or two if I know I’m moving or should I wait until I move into my own house ?

Looking for tank suggestions between 75-125 gallons. I’m not keen on going on Craigslist and buying a used tank.

Can’t wait to hook this up!!

 

[Mical]

Personally, just from my experience - I would stick with the tank you have until you buy your own home. (I know it's painful) Learn as much as you can, who knows might be new equipment, tanks etc...

I moved 2 tanks a 65 & 120 by myself, in 5 gal buckets. It was stressful. Start your new home with a new tank.

 

[Ron Reefman]

IMHO, don't spend any money on a new tank until you are in the new house you own! Moving a big tank is a PITA and only causes problems.

If I were you, I'd be looking for a used tank and stand while you are in the rental house. That way you can take your time a wait for a good tank that is a good deal. Given the current economy, houses and aquariums should both be better deals over the next year or more.

If you really, really can't live without a new, bigger tank, look for a 40g breeder. One of the big pet stores does a $1/gallon sale every 6 to 9 months and you can get one for $40. That also keeps the value of used ones down so they sell used for next to nothing. Heck, I got a 10g, a 20g and a 40g out of a neighbors trash. They were in great condition. I didn't know this neighbor (2 blocks away from my house), so I went up and asked about them. Their son had bought them a couple of years ago and kept a snake and some lizards in them. So they never even had water in them. I use all 3 as back ups, temporary holding tanks, QT's and such. If you got a 40g soon, then keep it when you buy a home and set up a bigger tank. Everything you get for the 40g will be useful later. The 40g could even become a sump for a bigger system.

 

[christwendt]

Personally, just from my experience - I would stick with the tank you have until you buy your own home. (I know it's painful) Learn as much as you can, who knows might be new equipment, tanks etc...

I moved 2 tanks a 65 & 120 by myself, in 5 gal buckets. It was stressful. Start your new home with a new tank.

Thank you. I’m so glad I asked the forums. I’ll be okay with this tank for awhile I’ve only had it 3 months. I’ll be moving in 3 months. Does moving kinda restart the tank if I use the same rock, sand , and water ?

 

[christwendt]

IMHO, don't spend any money on a new tank until you are in the new house you own! Moving a big tank is a PITA and only causes problems.

If I were you, I'd be looking for a used tank and stand while you are in the rental house. That way you can take your time a wait for a good tank that is a good deal. Given the current economy, houses and aquariums should both be better deals over the next year or more.

If you really, really can't live without a new, bigger tank, look for a 40g breeder. One of the big pet stores does a $1/gallon sale every 6 to 9 months and you can get one for $40. That also keeps the value of used ones down so they sell used for next to nothing. Heck, I got a 10g, a 20g and a 40g out of a neighbors trash. They were in great condition. I didn't know this neighbor (2 blocks away from my house), so I went up and asked about them. Their son had bought them a couple of years ago and kept a snake and some lizards in them. So they never even had water in them. I use all 3 as back ups, temporary holding tanks, QT's and such. If you got a 40g soon, then keep it when you buy a home and set up a bigger tank. Everything you get for the 40g will be useful later. The 40g could even become a sump for a bigger system.

Question if I bought a 40 gallon breeder, would I need to drill holes for a sump ? I don’t get where I’d put my protein skimmer I currently have if I used a 40 gallon breeder. I will wait to buy something fancy tho thank you for the input.

 

[Super Fly]

Thank you. I’m so glad I asked the forums. I’ll be okay with this tank for awhile I’ve only had it 3 months. I’ll be moving in 3 months. Does moving kinda restart the tank if I use the same rock, sand , and water ?

no, only if the sand is old/dirty and it's not rinsed clean prior to reuse. When rinsing, save 1 cup of old sand to help seed the cleaned sand. If u can, make new saltwater in new house prior to moving tank. After transport, can throw out most of the old water and fill tank with new saltwater. Just ensure water parameters are same.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Question if I bought a 40 gallon breeder, would I need to drill holes for a sump ? I don’t get where I’d put my protein skimmer I currently have if I used a 40 gallon breeder. I will wait to buy something fancy tho thank you for the input.

You would need to either drill a 40g breeder, or use a siphon overflow to get water from the 40g to a sump.
Do you have a sump on the 20g tank you have set up now?