JMAL 2011 Tank Build

This will be the thread I will update from now on. I'm starting all over due to some unfortunate circumstances but only for the better. With all that I've learned I plan on patience and really saving for a sweet set up.

I'd love all the suggestions you can throw at me and I will work with them. I now am in Sunny Florida and have been to a couple LFS. I am loving the better prices and sweeter selection. I'm guessing that in about 2-3 months I'll be able to start buying the necessities to get things started so until then, I'll be doing homework and saving up the money!!

I'm debating on a custom tank so if anyone can suggest a nice place that isn't super expensive, throw me the info as long as they are not deep blue. I just have a few bad experiences with them so until they get better at making tanks, I won't deal with them. I'm also debating on LED's so fill me in on what you know. I'd still like to do a nice size tank but I think this time around I don't want one that's so deep so I can get a good smooth view from the top as well. I don't know but I'm wrestling with a few ideas.

I'd like to add that if you are a florida native, friend me. I'd like to make some cool friends from out here that are in the hobby. Even if you are not a local, please friend me too. I like friends.

 

Well, it sounds like an adventure to me. Keep us posted.

 

I like it when friends dont leave me.

Im ready for my goodie packaged filled with reasons why I should move too.

 

What sized tank are you looking for? Glass or Acrylic? And the biggest question is budget....Acrylic tanks, under 100G, I'd go on ebay and get one from this guy, 48x24x16 1" RIMLESS ALL-CLEAR ACRYLIC AQUARIUM TANK - eBay (item 190376539605 end time Feb-22-11 12:15:59 PST) I know there is Miracles, Envisions, AGE, and LeeMar, I've seen large tanks made by all, and they are top notch.

 

I feel bad bro but you know it was a better move at the end of the day. All you have to do now is MOVE and you can enjoy the goodness of florida.

As for the package, you wait and see. It's going to be awesome!!

 

It definitely has been thus far and I'll be updating as I find new things, my visits to LFS's and everything else.

 

I'm still not sure on the size or dimensions yet. It kind of depends on where I move to and I'm playing with the idea of either the normal dimensions of a 150/75 or doing a custom tank that will give me less depth so that I can have a nice looking display/grow tank. I plan on buying in about 2 years or less so I may hold off on doing a 75 or bigger. But if I find a really nice place that I can make the room for then I may just do a large tank.

Sweet looking tank on ebay but I'm not ready to buy right now. I don't start my new job till the 21st and then I'm moving so my funds will be helping me get established but I'm making great money so it should be about spring/summer when I have the funds to get the tank, rock, sand, lights and the ro/di. Then the cycle begins!! I'm getting so excited!!

 

So a quick review on a couple LFS spots I saw this week.

First one I went to is called Creative Aquarium. It's in South Tampa on Dale Mabry, going towards the Airforce Base. If I remember right it's after Kennedy. This place is not real big but he has some amazing looking coral and nice prices. They do have a lot of the stuff you would normally see but I saw a bunch of stuff I only saw online when I was in Morgantown. Frags are nice prices and not super small either. I'd recommend it for sure and the owner, I'm guessing he's the owner, is a nice guy.

Second place I went to is Marine Warehouse Aquariums and they are on Hillsborough in tampa. I'm not sure of the other road it's close to but I do know it's like 2 minutes from Sheldon. This place is also a sweet place to go to. They are a lot bigger than the last place and are pretty much a one stop shop. They seem to have good prices are on tanks/stands, the coral selection was nice and the prices were not bad at all. Some of the larger coral seems to be a bit expensive but I'm guessing that may be the norm for the larger sizes. The staff don't really say much to you or reach out which was nice for looking around and not being bothered but when I did try talking to one of the guys, he wasn't real friendly but he could've been having a bad day. Who knows? I still would recommend it for sure.

Hope this helps out for those who haven't been there and want to. I also want to add that I was in Morgantown, WV where the prices were ridunculous so if you check it out and say the prices are high then point me into the right direction. Thanks!

 

Hey all!! I wanted to update you and say my job is awesome and I'll be moving into my apartment in a few weeks. I'm also going to start looking for the new tank. Still up in the air with size but if anything I'll jump into a 75. Hope everyone is doing well!!

 

Glad to hear all is coming along well.