Hypothetically spending...

Let's say you have a 40B (basic drilled setup with a couple korilias) and plan on upgrading to a 90 or maybe even a 120 in the next year to year and a half. You have $1,000 give or take to put into your current system. With the future upgrade in mind what would you invest in first. (Lighting excluded)

 

Reactors

Dosing solution

Vortech pumps. Mp10w right now and add a mp40w on the 90/125(maybe another one if 125)

Auto top off system

Better water change storage container (brute trash can with external pump to send straight to tank for instant water changes)

 

pumps

Better water change storage container (brute trash can with external pump to send straight to tank for instant water changes) - per DevinH

maybe a high quality skimmer? or do you have one already?

 

If your going to upgrade within year I wouldn't upgrade, save that money for bigger and better equipment for the new tank. Going from a 40 to a 90 or 120 your only going to have so much equipment that can usefully transfer over. Better to keep the money for now.

 

Well the thought process is along the lines of what can I get that's universal. I'm thinking maybe an mp40 and a battery backup could be something used for any tank 40-120. A quality ATO is another universal item. I don't have the room for a quality skimmer for those size tanks so that's probably not realistic either.

 

You could get a UV Sterilizer too.

 

Skimmer for the 90, return pump for the 90, and vortechs.

 

Put the money in a savings account and wait until you upgrade Seriously, just start an upgrade fund.