Stuck on tank size decision...

[shrimped]

Hi I'm really stuck on choosing the correct tank size for my current situation. On my recent thread on choosing exquisite nano fish for a 34g everything went well until I realize that I will be going to a college or university in just two more years that could potentially be quite a distance from my home (which mean I have to live in a dorm). This is most likely a problem for me since moving the 34g will be a real pain and how would I produce/purchase RODI water. Im between a Red Sea Reefer Nano (21g) and Red Sea Reefer 170(34g) and I'm wondering if any of you kept Reef tanks in a dorm, what size, how to get RODI/Salt water, and any other tips or precautions to note. Thank you ahead of time!

 

[EriksOasis]

I have seen a lot of Nano tanks or biocube builds in dorms. Check and see if there are any local fish stores near your new dorm and see if they sell Rodi water most sell it premixed for you.

 

[shrimped]

I have seen a lot of Nano tanks or biocube builds in dorms. Check and see if there are any local fish stores near your new dorm and see if they sell Rodi water most sell it premixed for you.

That's a pretty good idea! Idk why I didn't think of that lol. I'll search for LFS nearby the dorm

 

[EriksOasis]

Yeah not sure where you are located but the few different local fish stores in ny area all offer Rodi and premixed saltwater. I think it’s a couple bucks a gallon and usually I see people come in with 5 buckets and get four premixed and one Rodi for top offs.

 

[shrimped]

Yeah not sure where you are located but the few different local fish stores in ny area all offer Rodi and premixed saltwater. I think it’s a couple bucks a gallon and usually I see people come in with 5 buckets and get four premixed and one Rodi for top offs.

I'm in CA and I used to buy RODI water from LFS. Thanks for the info though

 

[EriksOasis]

You’re welcome. Wasn’t sure I know not all LFS sell Rodi water.

 

[keddre]

My college only lets 20 gallon freshwaters on campus. Visually (unless your RA is a fish person), a 30 gallon could pass as a 20.

Since I don't have a dedicated reef tank, I can get away with treated tap but it could be different for you. If I did want RODI, it would only cost me $0.25/gallon

 

[sh4rkbyt3]

You could also buy an RO Buddy which is fairly small if you wanted to produce your own RO/DI? I purchased mine for less than $60 new which in my case worked out to .95 per gallon, as it produced 300 gallons. I understand you'll be limited in space in the future so just offering another viable option for you.

 

[shrimped]

My college only lets 20 gallon freshwaters on campus. Visually (unless your RA is a fish person), a 30 gallon could pass as a 20.

Since I don't have a dedicated reef tank, I can get away with treated tap but it could be different for you. If I did want RODI, it would only cost me $0.25/gallon

I'm hoping the college further away would let me keep 34g of saltwater since that college is somewhat Biology/Marine Biology based. Thank your for the info

 

[shrimped]

You could also buy an RO Buddy which is fairly small if you wanted to produce your own RO/DI? I purchased mine for less than $60 new which in my case worked out to .95 per gallon, as it produced 300 gallons. I understand you'll be limited in space in the future so just offering another viable option for you.

Thank you for the suggestion for RO Buddie! It seems very affordable and doesn't tak a lot of space. I'll definitely keep this in mind