What should I do?

[jmill]

I have been maintaining a 14G BC for just over two years.
Today I was looking at some online classifieds and came across this:

• 
  135 gallon reef tank
• 
  130lbs live rock
• 
  oak stand and hood
• 
  VHO lighting
• 
  Skimmer
• 
  UV sterilizer
• 
  1 tang
• 
  2 clowns
• 
  2 misc fish (he couldn't remember the name
• 
  some misc. corals
  all accessories
  All of this for $250, it is mine if I want it I just have to drive 4 hrs to get it.
  So,
  Should I take this huge leap?
  What things should I consider when doing this (how much $$$ to maintain, time, knowledge...)?
  How should I go about transporting everything (mini-van or 1/2 ton truck, keep in mind it was a whopping 10 degrees this morning)?
  How much, if any, of the water should I try to keep?
  Anything else?
  The bulbs are 6-8 months old do they need to be replaced ASAP?
  With a sump, skimmer, and UV sterilizer how often, and what % water change would I need to do?
  How often do you replace the bulb in a UV sterilizer?

BTW the tank has been up for 6+ years.
Any and all info, opinions, and tips are welcome!
Thanks in advance.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by JMill http:///forum/thread/383667/what-should-i-do#post_3357329
I have been maintaining a 14G BC for just over two years.
Today I was looking at some online classifieds and came across this:

• 
  135 gallon reef tank
• 
  130lbs live rock
• 
  oak stand and hood
• 
  VHO lighting
• 
  Skimmer
• 
  UV sterilizer
• 
  1 tang
• 
  2 clowns
• 
  2 misc fish (he couldn't remember the name
• 
  some misc. corals
  all accessories
  All of this for $250, it is mine if I want it I just have to drive 4 hrs to get it.
  So,
  Should I take this huge leap?
  What things should I consider when doing this (how much $$$ to maintain, time, knowledge...)?
  How should I go about transporting everything (mini-van or 1/2 ton truck, keep in mind it was a whopping 10 degrees this morning)?
  How much, if any, of the water should I try to keep?
  Anything else?
  The bulbs are 6-8 months old do they need to be replaced ASAP?
  With a sump, skimmer, and UV sterilizer how often, and what % water change would I need to do?
  How often do you replace the bulb in a UV sterilizer?

BTW the tank has been up for 6+ years.
Any and all info, opinions, and tips are welcome!
Thanks in advance.

My opinion...buy it and unload the coral and fish at the nearest fish store and just keep the equipment and tank. Go home and set it up, let it cycle and get critters that you like and you choose.
You don't know how to set up the filter system or anything. You will have equipment to clean off and unfamiliar stuff to figure out. Moving the tank is enough without trying to reset it up fast so you can keep alive a few critters.
You don't have to explain a thing to the owner, just pay up and go. It will fit in a van if it is empty of seats..or a truck. Put live stock in bags in a cooler with heat packs...
No critters mean you can go slow and learn and set it up right. Every creature that is already in the tank dictates what else can be added. That choice should be yours and not feel guilty to care for another's pets. Find them a nice fish store to live in. If you like, tell the owner you will take the system but to find homes for the fish so you can make a clean easy move.
Oh and by the way..it is a fantastic deal..the rock alone is worth more than $250.00

 

[andrewjardin]

Completely agree with Flower!
+1

The only thing I would add, is that if you have room in your BC, you could keep the fish if you wanted too, and/or some of the corals?

 

[monsinour]

its a good deal that is for sure. You might want to change the lights later on too. But the tank and rock are worth the $.