75G Complete Upgrade Overhaul-->Need Help BADLY!!!

microman2k

microman2k

Member
I am about to start medical school in the summer, and I will be leaving my 75 gallon reef primarily in the care of my parents.

While I will still be close to home, I want to upgrade everything I can afford, and keep the maintenance as little as possible for my folks. (My tank and equipment are old and need to be updated anyways).
Here is some information on my tank:
75 Gallon
2x 250 watt MH Odyssea fixture (no hood)
125lbs live rock
bare bottom (no sand)
Coral: blue/red mushrooms & Kenya tree
Fish: 2" blue hippo, 2" clarki clown, 3" bi color angel, 3" bicolor pseudochromis
Flitration: Emperor HOB and Red Sea deluxe Prizm skimmer
Here is what I would like to upgrade:
I would like to try the Fluval G3 or G6 filtration systems. I did research and everyone seems to be on the line. I like the Fluval G series because you can change the filter/media easily and it has the electronic readings screen--which will keep maintenance clean, easy, and quick for my parents.
I would like to upgrade my protein skimmer to an Aqua C Remora model.
As for lighting, I would love to upgrade to LED lighting, but I am not sure I can swing that financially. (I want to eventually build up my coral collection to more than mushrooms and a Kenya tree)
I am also looking for a RO unit that could hook up inside the house (possibly under the sink?). I had a Coralife unit for years but it just busted due to the cold outside (it hooked up to our garden hose). To keep things simple for my parents I would really like a unit that could be kept inside.
As for powerheads, I have maxi jets now, but I want to upgrade to Koralias. For a 75 gallon with 30x turnover, I would need about 2,250 gph. Is it best to have one powerhead that has that kind of flow? Or, would it be better to have two?
I also plan to add a light sand bed. I like the CaribSea live sand.
I am a broke college student so I need to go cheap, but I want to get stuff that I can rest easy that it will work, last, and be easy maintenance for my parents while I am in med school. Any help, suggestions, recommendations, etc. will be GREATLY appreciated!
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I would sell it all too.
If your parents don't already take an active interest in it - they won't. They won't know if something is wrong with your livestock either.
Since you are a poor college student, try to go with a much smaller tank for your smaller budget. Nano tanks are complex and taking care of them can be tedious, fun, and relaxing.
Use the money from the 75 to buy yourself a nice small dorm room setup that you can keep up with and enjoy for yourself.
My 0.02$
 
microman2k

microman2k

Member
See, this is what I thought too, but my parents actually don't want me to sell it. They want to learn to care for it. Selling it was my first reaction, but we argued about it because they love the tank and I have been in the hobby for 10 years. They like showing it off when people come over and enjoy the fish themselves.
 
microman2k

microman2k

Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/389623/75g-complete-upgrade-overhaul-need-help-badly#post_3444876
I would sell it all too.
If your parents don't already take an active interest in it - they won't. They won't know if something is wrong with your livestock either.
Since you are a poor college student, try to go with a much smaller tank for your smaller budget. Nano tanks are complex and taking care of them can be tedious, fun, and relaxing.
Use the money from the 75 to buy yourself a nice small dorm room setup that you can keep up with and enjoy for yourself.
My 0.02$
And I would LOVE to do that, but I would be back to square one after two years because after my first two years of classes I will be on rotations locally, nationally, and internationally.
 
microman2k

microman2k

Member

I just snapped a quick picture from my phone. I have decided to sell it. How much should I sale it for? I wouldn't even know where to begin. It has a solid wood, hand-made stand.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
You will find that you will only get half or less of you paid for everything. Keep in mind that people just don't have the money right now to buy something like this. So, you won't get what you expect.
Good luck in med school!
 
deton8it

deton8it

Member
I would look on Craigslist and see what other similar items are going for. That should give you a good baseline.
 
microman2k

microman2k

Member
I tried searching Craigslist without much luck. Closest I found was a 75 gallon empty tank for $150. Thanks for all the help and support! I really appreciate it. This is extremely depressing after consuming over ten years of my life. This will probably be my biggest sacrifice for medical school
 
E

eric b 125

Guest
Quote:
Originally Posted by microman2k http:///t/389623/75g-complete-upgrade-overhaul-need-help-badly#post_3445122
This will probably be my biggest sacrifice for medical school

you will laugh at this in a year or so...
honestly, i have thought of what i would do if i had to sell my tank, and unless i was in a situation like yours i would do everything in my power to keep the tank because resale value is such a kick in the shin (on a good day). but honestly, i agree with the others and i think you'd be making a good choice by getting rid of it, unless your parents would be willing to set up a user name here and do some research if they show some interest in trying to maintain it
it sounds like the corals you do have are easy to care for and the tank has been up for long enough for us to assume a stable system?
 
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