Curve Ball Already!!

zilly

zilly

Member
So tomorrow is the big day! Going to pick up my 70gal, new, not sure how much, but figure 3-5 hundred. And then in bed last night I'm reading the classifieds and I come across this. '225gal aquarium, 2 overflows, stand included. $300'. @!!?*!!
Now, heres my dilemma. Keep in mind i havent bought anything yet. First of all, Ive never had anything bigger than a 29g freshwater tank! So I find 225g to be highly intimidating! Makes me downright nervous! Buuut... how can i pass up a deal like this? Should i buy the big one and keep it as a SWLRO tank for a while until Im positive I can manage it? $300!!!!!!! (my new word- saltwater live rock only!
) or, do I stay in the 'comfort zone'? Every one says bigger is better! What do I do???
(Dont know the dimensions yet there was no answer when I called this morning)
 
salt210

salt210

Active Member
they do say bigger is better, but they also say go as big as you can AFFORD. don't let the size of the tank intimidate you. my 210 is my first SW tank as well. if its what you want and you can afford it go for it. size wise it'll prob be at least 72in long.
 
t316

t316

Active Member
Go BIG or go bust....

It is a good deal, but as salt210 pointed out, look more at the cost of what you can "maintain". Don't let the size scare you, but expect a big shift in the way you are use to doing business (water changes, cleaning, etc.).
Go for it....
 
socal57che

socal57che

Active Member
Don't forget that a 225 will be HEAVY when filled. Make sure your floor can support it before you dive into a big tank. You'll be looking at 2500 pounds on the conservative side.
 
zilly

zilly

Member
Originally Posted by socal57che
http:///forum/post/2738029
Don't forget that a 225 will be HEAVY when filled. Make sure your floor can support it before you dive into a big tank. You'll be looking at 2500 pounds on the conservative side.
I know, thats one of the negatives. It will have to go in the basement. :(
So your all saying that the 225 will cost a great deal more than the 70 to maintain? I know all the equip will be a little more as well as the energy bill... but other than that?
 
t316

t316

Active Member
Originally Posted by Zilly
http:///forum/post/2738033
I know, thats one of the negatives. It will have to go in the basement. :(
So your all saying that the 225 will cost a great deal more than the 70 to maintain? I know all the equip will be a little more as well as the energy bill... but other than that?
Water....you will need a lot more for top offs and water changes. This makes a difference if you don't already have your own RODI system.
 
zilly

zilly

Member
Originally Posted by T316
http:///forum/post/2738037
Water....you will need a lot more for top offs and water changes. This makes a difference if you don't already have your own RODI system.
Actually, that was another question i had. I have unlimited access to sparkling clear additive free well water. It is filtered by sand and the town is famous for its water, people come from miles around to get their drinking water here. I was kind of hoping it would be good... any knowledge on sand-based well water?
 
t316

t316

Active Member
Originally Posted by Zilly
http:///forum/post/2738063
Actually, that was another question i had. I have unlimited access to sparkling clear additive free well water. It is filtered by sand and the town is famous for its water, people come from miles around to get their drinking water here. I was kind of hoping it would be good... any knowledge on sand-based well water?
It sounds like it is pretty good, for human consumption. Only a RO or RODI unit will filter the water on down to 0 TDS. This is not to say you can't use it (as there are others on here who claim to use tap water with no problems) but if you had a TDS meter, I bet you will find that it's not nearly as filtered as you might think.
 
zilly

zilly

Member
Omg its 6ft long 24"w and 30"h AND comes with a 50gal refugium!!!!! Hes got a 4" sand bed in it but its been dry for a while. The stand is metal (bummer)
 
shaggyblz

shaggyblz

Member
Kev, what shop do you usually buy your livestock from? I live a little south of louisville and have to drive there for a decent selection. Only one I have been to is Sandy's.
 
teresaq

teresaq

Active Member
Go for it. You can always make a stand. Buy the rest of your equipment used and have a very nice tank for little or nothing.
T
 
scopus tang

scopus tang

Active Member
As others have said, if you can afford it, by all means go for it
. But keep in mind that the equipment will be significantly higher, not a little higher. What you said you had saved up for a tank won't even buy half of the light system you are going to need for this big of a tank (hopefully it comes with lights, but given the price I doubt it, at the least you will need to replace light bulbls which is expensive enough all by itself). Also on a tank that has been allowed to dry out, you are going to need to check the silicon to make sure it hasn't dried out - if it has you will have leaks when you fill it. Just my $.02.
 
mr_x

mr_x

Active Member
i'd grab the big tank before someone else does! you can do just like you said- run it as a FOWLR until you can afford to do more. great deal!
 
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