Tank upgrade: Purchase Full Tank or Empty?

[Ian Baxter]

I recently got back into reefing and purchased a 32 biocube that has been running for 3 years. It came with a few fish, corals, and live rock (not much). I added more dry rock about 1-2 weeks ago. But, I already want to upgrade to a 65g tank. I have been checking out several in my local area and have come across two that I am interested in. One comes fully stocked with a few small fish and a ton of rock and coral. The other is an empty set up. The one with the fish and coral is cheaper, but obviously would be a real pain to move. I will be using new sand and water if I go with the full one, but I would also need to keep my current rock due to the corals I have. Would it be a better idea to get the empty one or the full one cheaper?

 

[ryanjohn1]

Does the stocked one have thing you would want to have?

 

[Ian Baxter]

Does the stocked one have thing you would want to have?

Honestly, not much. There is some frog spawn and some hammers, but nothing that's really worth anything. It's about $250 cheaper and that's it.

 

[ryanjohn1]

Personally if it was something I didn’t want I wouldn’t care about spending a few extra bucks for the blank slate you know what I’m saying

 

[twentyleagues]

I used to buy tanks like this and take whatever I didnt want to the lfs for a few bucks credit. Is that an option? I mean $250 maybe $300 or more depending.

 

[Ian Baxter]

Personally if it was something I didn’t want I wouldn’t care about spending a few extra bucks for the blank slate you know what I’m saying

I think that's the way I'm leaning. Can make it look the way I want. Do you think there would be any issues with adding new sand and water and then just move my rock, fish, and corals over? I don't think there would be a new cycle right? Also, live sand or dry?

 

[Ian Baxter]

I used to buy tanks like this and take whatever I didnt want to the lfs for a few bucks credit. Is that an option? I mean $250 maybe $300 or more depending.

That has also crossed my mind. Just not sure it's worth all the work, but I should look into that.

 

[twentyleagues]

Either way you go with new sand and water and cycled rocks you should be good.

 

[Ian Baxter]

Either way you go with new sand and water and cycled rocks you should be good.

Perfect, that was my biggest worry.