How much harder is two tanks?

[JohnD]

Chris,

Let's get away for the 2 seperate tanks versus the two plumbed tanks conversation. You mentioned that you have many willing and able hands to help. And after all, many hands make light work.

Too many years ago, my sister and I wanted a dog. My parents agreed under the condition that we all share in the work of caring for the dog. We all kept up our end of the bargain (or at least until we moved out from home) and our dog was with us for 16 years.

My suggestion is that you harness all of that boundless energy into this endevour and you will do fine. Teach the children responsibility. Give them a sense of ownership. I believe it will be a positive topic of discussion long after they have moved out.

Regards,

JohnD

 

[shellshocked]

I have two 58 gallons and a 42 gallon sump plumbed together. It is definitely much easier than two separate. I have fish and coral in one and corals only in the other and feed the fish about every two days. I do have to clean the glass on both about once a week but this is what cleaning magnets are for. If a pump fails nothing bad really happens I just lose circulation between the tanks. I do have a spare however. If a heater fails I have enough volume that one heater failing will not cook the tanks. If something poisons one tank then I am definitely in trouble but this is a risk/trade-off. The increased volume has been a big help in keeping the systems more stable.

 

[Anonymous]

All of which can and should be prevented to the best of our ability in every tank. What do you do if you only have one tank?

This discussion was he wants to set up two tanks FOWLR and a Reef.

I know that tragedies can happen even in the most well planned out tank. But I disagree with relying on a second tank as a backup if it's going to cause one to skimp on the main tank because of cost issues. I'd much rather have one expensive and very reliable dosing pump on 2 or 3 connected systems than rely on three float switches that are cheap but prone to failure. I'd also rather have one large skimmer that works well than 3 cheap ones. I guess my point is that the cost of these types of items does not go up linearly with the effectiveness they provide.

Where have you seen anyone mention cheap? :?

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Anonymous]

Chris,

Let's get away for the 2 seperate tanks versus the two plumbed tanks conversation. You mentioned that you have many willing and able hands to help. And after all, many hands make light work.

Too many years ago, my sister and I wanted a dog. My parents agreed under the condition that we all share in the work of caring for the dog. We all kept up our end of the bargain (or at least until we moved out from home) and our dog was with us for 16 years.

My suggestion is that you harness all of that boundless energy into this endevour and you will do fine. Teach the children responsibility. Give them a sense of ownership. I believe it will be a positive topic of discussion long after they have moved out.

Regards,

JohnD

Heh, I believe I stated that in my first reply.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[JohnD]

David,

You are absolutely right! I was trying, in my own little way, to second your suggestion.

Regards,

JohnD

 

[Chris A H]

Thanks, Guys for the response! The two tanks will be about 40 feet apart in seperate parts of our home, so plumbing them together would be a nightmare I think.

We used the many hands approach for our cat and it worked out great. The children gladly keep up with litter changes, food, etc. and they are all sticking with it.

As far as the gallons issue, I have a cheap 55 gallon and a 30 gallon both of which I bought used. I'm going to put a thirty gallon sump/refugium under the 55 reef.

The twice as much work on water changes doesn't bother me that much. My eight year old daughter loves to make up salt water for my 75 and she checks my salinity every single day so I'm not that worried about that.

Upon reflection my primary concern I think is moving too fast in the hobby by having two SW tanks with 4 mo. SW experience (12 yr. FW exp.) I think I'm going to wait until Christmas or January to start the new tank just to make sure my 75 FOWLR is operating properly.

Again, thanks for the replies. Plumbing the two together would be a great idea if I could make it work.

Maybe I could convince the Mrs. that we need a 1000 gallon sump in the basement?

Chris 8)

 

[Chris A H]

Oh yes and on the cheap issue...

I've collected rare coins, restored old cars, restored old houses, built model railroads, and had other expensive hobbies...

But SW fish keeping seems to be as efficient at burning cash as anything!

Chris

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Guys for the response! The two tanks will be about 40 feet apart in seperate parts of our home, so plumbing them together would be a nightmare I think.

We used the many hands approach for our cat and it worked out great. The children gladly keep up with litter changes, food, etc. and they are all sticking with it.

As far as the gallons issue, I have a cheap 55 gallon and a 30 gallon both of which I bought used. I'm going to put a thirty gallon sump/refugium under the 55 reef.

The twice as much work on water changes doesn't bother me that much. My eight year old daughter loves to make up salt water for my 75 and she checks my salinity every single day so I'm not that worried about that.

Upon reflection my primary concern I think is moving too fast in the hobby by having two SW tanks with 4 mo. SW experience (12 yr. FW exp.) I think I'm going to wait until Christmas or January to start the new tank just to make sure my 75 FOWLR is operating properly.

Again, thanks for the replies. Plumbing the two together would be a great idea if I could make it work.

Maybe I could convince the Mrs. that we need a 1000 gallon sump in the basement?

Chris 8)

I was afraid you'd think we were all a bunch of raving lunatics. :lol:

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Mouse]

Shouldn't we all technically have two tanks anyway, one for QT or hospitalisation.

 

[Tackett]

one thing about this bunch, you dont have to ever ask.."hey, what do you think about that." Before you ever want to know, we tell you.