Time To Upgrade???

Im very very very very hesitant to upgrading but the time is now or never. My birthday is coming up monday and my parents will definately help me upgrade for my birthday if i wanted. Just some things i would have to upgrade.

More rock
More sand
Bigger light
More powerheads
Anything else?

If i were to upgrade, this is exactly what i would do. Order this package, make my own stand, get a 260 watt coralife, and 55 gallon tank.

PETCO.com : Configure your own aquarium

any other things i would have to do or things that would complicate this please tell. should i put my fish in my dads tank for a week so they dont die in the cycle of the new tank? i would just be transferring everything. In your honest honest opinion because i know you guys like new tank builds but, should i just be satisfied with my tank. I would really love a bigger tank but i just dont know if it would be worth all the money i would spend

thanks,
ryan

 

If you want a 55g, that is cool, but I would stay away from the PCs. 260W sounds like PCs to me. You can put together your own tank for cheaper than going through those guys. How much are your parents willing to help out ($$ wise)?

And I would keep the fish in your current tank until the 55 is cycled. Then transfer over a little at a time. All the coral could go over, but you would only transfer a fish every week or so (with some LR to keep up with bacteria).

 

Alright sweetheart. I work at Petco part time, and that is not the way you want to upgrade. If you are going to go bigger than your 20 long, then you need to decide if you are going to go with a drilled tank, or an overflow box (You would then be adding a sump in either case. The other option you would have is a cannister. They need alot more cleaning attention. As far as the sand, use what you have along with your rock, and add later. That goes for the lights too. You do not have corals yet,so you can upgrade later. The main thing I was getting at, is that if you go bigger, you cannot use the Hang on back filters anymore. You will also need a protein skimmer down the road. I would look at craigslist for some complete used set-ups first. You can get some great deals. It will be very expensive if you go all new.

 

i already have a 20 gallon sump up and running with a HOB overflow so with that being said, does your answer change?

 

Absolutely...I thought all you had was the penguins. I would go for a drilled tank then...You will like it alot better than the HOB overflow. Safer too. I would still look on craigslist for a deal. As far as a 55 gallon. I would try to go bigger--Like a 90. Reason being, There is very little room front to rear on a 55. Makes it hard to build a reef. Also consider a 75 if a 90 is outta reach.

 

Sorry about the sweetheart remark---I thought you were a girl---my bad dude!!!

 

I think my 55 is great. not too big and not too small. I use HOB skimmer, no fuge/sump. not saying i won't be upgrading... but i like this stage too. i think it's a great size.

 

I didnt comment just because i thought you were a girl lol! its all good