What would you do differently next time?

[UltraKelius]

I’ve just ordered a brand new tank, having always had nano tanks, never really had the space for much more than that until now. I’m upgrading to the new Reefer G2+ 300XL. I’m binning the rock from my current tank as it’s infested with massive vermetids, curing some marco rock as we speak while waiting for the tank to arrive.

I’m just wondering if any of you can share your upgrade stories, and whether there would be anything you would do differently if you did it again?

 

[The Farmer]

One of the most important things for me was a larger sump. Easier to maintain equipment, room to work with. Also eliminated filter socks for a larger overflow section for a filter roller.

 

[One Reefing Boi]

Getting roller mats sooner and getting a sump instead of an AIO

 

[SPS2020]

Keep my wallet in my pocket!

 

[UltraKelius]

Keep my wallet in my pocket!

That’s the kinda sensible answer that we don’t want to hear haha

 

[UltraKelius]

Getting roller mats sooner and getting a sump instead of an AIO

I’ve been lucky, been given an old Clarisea to start off with so hope that does me a while so I can save up for a reefmat. Bit short on space inside the cabinet for a bigger sump so I hope this does the trick!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Keep my wallet in my pocket!

I can agree with this statement for myself

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Make sure everything has a place and it's easily accessible. Maintenance won't happen if it's a major chore to get it done

 

[Dom]

I’ve just ordered a brand new tank, having always had nano tanks, never really had the space for much more than that until now. I’m upgrading to the new Reefer G2+ 300XL. I’m binning the rock from my current tank as it’s infested with massive vermetids, curing some marco rock as we speak while waiting for the tank to arrive.

I’m just wondering if any of you can share your upgrade stories, and whether there would be anything you would do differently if you did it again?

My experience has been that success with smaller tanks doesn’t necessarily translate to larger tanks.

Under the guidance of many R2R members, all of my smaller tanks went from surviving to thriving.

But about 10 months ago, I upgraded to a 125 gallon and used a 30 long as a sump. My plan was to condense all of my smaller tanks into one large one.

Things didn’t go well.

I attribute the problem to be related to water chemistry. You see, I depended on water changes only to keep my chemistry stable and within acceptable ranges.

But water changes on such a large tank wasn’t practical, so I attempted a DSR method. But my dosing was incorrect, and the tank suffered.

I would suggest that you read up on dosing.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Keep it simple, don't over complicate your setup

 

[UltraKelius]

My experience has been that success with smaller tanks doesn’t necessarily translate to larger tanks.

Under the guidance of many R2R members, all of my smaller tanks went from surviving to thriving.

But about 10 months ago, I upgraded to a 125 gallon and used a 30 long as a sump. My plan was to condense all of my smaller tanks into one large one.

Things didn’t go well.

I attribute the problem to be related to water chemistry. You see, I depended on water changes only to keep my chemistry stable and within acceptable ranges.

But water changes on such a large tank wasn’t practical, so I attempted a DSR method. But my dosing was incorrect, and the tank suffered.

I would suggest that you read up on dosing.

Thank you for the insight, definitely a valid point. I’m already dosing my nanos due to uptake of Alk by sps that I have in them.

 

[X-37B]

Actually after 30+ I went from large to nanos, still have larger systems too.
I think 50% live rock minimum perfect. I typically do 100% but did 50/50 on my 120 and it worked well. No substitution for good live rock,

Best advice I can give is to have a plan. Know what you want the tank to look like in a year, hard for some.
Have all your equipment before you start, part of the plan.

Make sure your ro/di system, and storage can handle the job, again before water hits the system.
Going from 2g WC to say 20g's as an example.

Quality non dc return pump and have a spare for everything. Equipment will break when stores are not open.

Have the proper chemistry on hand to deal with issues like high po4. Also your plan should include how you plan to deal with the issues that come up.

So for me its no different running a nano vs say a 120.

I run A4R on my nano, esv 2 part on my 45, and a carx on my 80/30.

A4R is great for nanos but I dont think I would use it on a larger system due to cost.
My 18" 20g nano cube is 5 months old and was started with all live rock.

My 30g that started as a fuge, it stripped my nutrients so its now has my breeding pair of clowns and their Nem, plus a little more, lol.

 

[stoney7713]

If I started a new tank I would definitely go at least half live Gulf rock. I have started 2 tanks, one with dry rock and one with live rock. The live rock tank was so easy and the hitchhikers are great.

 

[Hollywood_XL]

Damsels... Never again..

Also, im starting a new reefer now.. Spent insane amounts of time building and looking @ my scape till i'm 100% happy with it. and also build a 'island' for zoas...

 

[Dom]

Thank you for the insight, definitely a valid point. I’m already dosing my nanos due to uptake of Alk by sps that I have in them.

Excellent. If you've had success dosing smaller tanks, I expect your transition to be problem-free.

 

[Rocky Mountain Reef]

I’ve been lucky, been given an old Clarisea to start off with so hope that does me a while so I can save up for a reefmat. Bit short on space inside the cabinet for a bigger sump so I hope this does the trick!

I' ve got the advantage of having not a problem with cost, just want health in my reef...go slow and spend in moderation...but always let your dreams of a wonderful reef take the front seat...please keep me posted on your progress

 

[PeterErc]

Stay single?

 

[UltraKelius]

Damsels... Never again..

Also, im starting a new reefer now.. Spent insane amounts of time building and looking @ my scape till i'm 100% happy with it. and also build a 'island' for zoas...

Interested to hear about your experience with them. Funny you should bring them up as I was reading an article about keeping a shoal of them today.

 

[UltraKelius]

I' ve got the advantage of having not a problem with cost, just want health in my reef...go slow and spend in moderation...but always let your dreams of a wonderful reef take the front seat...please keep me posted on your progress

I will be sure to do a build thread! It’s very exciting for me, I’ve always wanted a bigger tank and that day has finally arrived. I’m just trying to garner some solid advice now from you lovely people so I can make sure I have the best start possible!

 

[workhz]

I think I’d use a shallower sump. I currently use a 29g and it’s just a little awkward to get things in and out of given it’s proximity to the bottom of the tank.

You’re doing this but it’s worth reiterating. Cure whatever rock you get if used or previously used/dry, and test the water before putting into the display.

Be a lot more selective about what to put into the display. Too many palys for me now and they’re impossible to control without tearing the tank down and starting over.