rethinking the 450

[NYPDFrogman]

I hate to admit it my tank hasnt been getting the care it deserves, my own fault of course.
I have planned out an upgrade for sometime now but just havent been able to pull the trigger. My electric bill is.... well out of control.

I need to move my tank from it's current location so sometype of upgrade/ downgrade is inevitable. it's a 180 (72X24X24) glass tank
I currently run 2-250W 10K XM with the aro ballasts and VHO actinics.
return is an Iwaki RLXT40


I'm considering an acrylic tank, 60"L X 36"W X 30" tall, using 2 -250W MH w/ larger Luninarcs 2-48" VHO actinics and running a dart return

any thoughts suggestions

 

[steveo32]

Well I'm not sure if this helps but have you thought of taking a break from the hobby ? I mean you said you need to move the tank anway so what if you took everything down and saved everything. I'm only speaking of personal experience so I don't know how it would work for you.

In my case I felt similar to you and felt that the tank wasn't where it should be health wise and husbandry wise. So I took it down saved everyhting I needed and then when I had the money I started to build a new stand and got the new tank and bascily started all over again. And I waited like 3 or 4 months. Now granted I didn't have nearly as much livestock as you but what I am basicly trying to say is if you have second thoughts don't rush inot because you will regret rushing it in the end.

 

[Henrye]

I can understand just how much time and money gets wrapped up in this, especially on large tanks. I'm concerned the change in tank size won't really help, for the following reasons
1. You're still putting essentially the same lighting over the tank that you currently have, so I can't see a savings on electricity in the setup. You may be running a more efficient pump with the Dart, but that alone is not going to lower your bill that much. You'll still need to maintain circulation (I don't know if you're running a closed loop) which will still need power, and it's unlikely you would change your skimmer to try a smaller pump, as it would take too long to recoup the investment in a new pump when the one you have can work on the new tank.

2. As far as maintenance, less volume helps, but with tanks this size, it's still a lot of salt, water, chemical media, etc, that will still be a monthly financial drain. In addition, a new acrylic tank is not cheap, and then you have to deal with changing your maintenance care to allow for the increased attention acrylic requires.

3. Is a new tank really going to relieve the burden of caring for a large tank and encourage you to to pay better attention to it? This is really psychological, and I can't answer it, only you can.

There are times I get overwhelmed coming home from work and dealing with 2 LITTLE tanks in comparison, as well as my dog. Still, I focus on the fact that I committed myself to care for these animals, and go forward if not always with joy, but with accepting the responsibility. Besides, if I let something die in the tank, my daughter would kill me.

Unless you need to make a quick decision regarding relocating your current tank placement, sit down and think about the pros and cons in this hobby. I find the pros outweigh the cons, so I actually do enjoy it, but that's also because I keep small enough to easily manage (although I work pretty hard to keep things in line on the mini reef, the FW is essentially on autopilot). Maybe dropping back some more in size from your proposed new tank and keeping it for your most prized corals and fish might be easier and leave you with a feeling of contentment rather than a burden.

Henry

 

[Deanos]

I agree with Henry. You need to inspire yourself to maintain a reef (regardless of size). Once that occurs, you'll be able to better manage the financial considerations (electrical in particular).

 

[masterswimmer]

Frank, has the new business taken away from your available husbandry time? If it has, will that change in the near future? Better? Worse?

The size tank you're proposing is really nice. 100 gallons larger than your current tank, but smaller than the original 450 you considered.

Having seen your tank in its heyday, I know you've got the ability to put together a spectacular display. The biggest question everyone seems to be focusing on (and rightfully so) is whether or not your desire to maintain the reef has waned. Will the new tank rekindle your interest?

Sounds like there needs to be a bit of soul searching done.

If you go forward with the tank I know it'll be a show stopper.

Good luck, keep us posted,
Russ

 

[jhale]

Frank,
I know how you feel about the electric. It's tough with larger tanks though, there's just no way around it. I have tried on my tank to make everything as efficient as possible. The only thing left for me to upgrade would be the return pump. But even that is a snapper using just 100 watts. I could get a RD and save 40 watts, but is that worth the expense?
You could try to use all T5 for lighting, that might save some watts, but on a 36" wide tank you might end up with as many watts as with MH.
It's a tough call, but perhaps going with a smaller tank for a period of time would be one way to go. Like Henry said keep your favorite pieces, you could find people to hold the rest, or sell them to help defer some costs.

 

[NYPDFrogman]

it's not a question of motovation, I really enjoy my tank, the livestock I have I really cant replace with too much ease, I have a super healthy regal, that has a great personality I can pet him if I want to!
I've lost some Sps to that brown star polyp, ned to rid the tank of a Large Asfur angel that there is no way he'scan be caught wiith out destruction.
as far as the cost, I figured one less light, smaller VHO's and a more efficent pump (Iwaki's are pigs!)


dont misunderstand the tank and live stock are doing well! I just havethat brown star polyp problem and have been procastinating getting into the tank to address it. The tank ahs to be moved I want to put a wet bar where the tank presently is. in it's present location the tanks lights reflect into my big screen TV so I have a few reasons for the change
but my desire to maintain the tank is there

I'm doing this saltwater/ reef thing since the early 80's never gets old for me

 

[bad coffee]

Frank,
good to see you around. Moving the tank to put in a wet bar? We're ALL okay with that!

I'm upgrading from the 20 to a 58. I've designed everything to use as less electricity as possible. Doing the planning that way will benefit me later. Right now it means more expensive pumps, lights, ect. But I know i'll like it when I see the elec bill NOT jump too much. and have three times the water volume.

I'd say go for it. 60x36 sounds like a great sized tank.

B