What Would You Do?

[cadbury]

I need some advice, I finally have just about everything I need to start my reef tank. I want to set it up when I get back from vacation in about a month, I have a 180 gallon acrylic with all the necessary equipment. I'm going to be moving sometime Spring or Summer of next year, I dont want to wait a year to set-up my system? What, if any advice would you give me? I checked with a LFS and they said that they charge about $250.00 to move an aquarium that large to a new location after it is set-up?

 

[m i r a g e]

I would set it up. A year is a very long time.. and moving aquariums is not as hard as it seems. Don't get me wrong, it is very time consuming, and difficult.. but it's not impossible. I could never wait that long.

 

[cadbury]

The thing is, I have already been waiting a year because I have been trying to do this right. I didnt want to set this up untill I had everything I needed, so I definetly dont want to wait another year!

 

[bammbamm74]

Actually, $250 doesn't seem like that bad of a deal for someone else to move your aquarium. It would save you a LOT of time. And you have almost a year to save up the money for that. But there have been a few topics on moving reefs. Do a search for it.

 

[jacksonpt]

First of all, I compliment you on your patience to this point. It's good that you waited until you had everything. This will only pay off in the long run. As for your question... I say go ahead and set it up. I moved my 75g tank no problem (granted it's signifcantly smaller than your 180, but same idea). I guess if you were going to be moving some distance, then it might be worth waiting, but if you are planning on staying in the area, go ahead and set it up. If push comes to shove, see if the LFS will hold your stock for you for a couple of days while you tear down and get set back up.
HTH

 

[twoods71]

For me I think it would depend on how far the move was. If it is a long distance then I would probably just wait but if it is within a day a would probably go ahead and set it up.
Moving a 180 I am sure would be a royal pain but you would have a year to plan it out.

 

[cadbury]

I actually already spoke with my LFS, they said that they would house the fish for me. I just wanted to get some advice, I did'nt want to set-up this reef tank and do it for nothing, the last thing I want to do is get this all set up and then kill everything because of a move? Hey jacksonpt, I looked at your site which it looks really nice, but I have one question? I noticed you have a Picasso in your Reef tank, does'nt it bother your corals or your hermit crabs and such?

 

[broomer5]

I'd set up the 180 and add "some" of what you want now. Sand and live rock.
I'd get some fish and maybe a "few" easy inexpensive hardy corals.
This year will allow you to play with the tank and learn how all of your new equipment works.
Also - depending on your level of reef keeping experience - this year would allow you some time to get your water chemistry right.
If you already are an experienced reefer - then no great advantage for this first year set-up.
If not - great time to tinker with everything.
Either way - just have some good old reef'n fun !
Again if it was me - I'd keep it simple for now - then when I had to tear it down and move it - I'd do so ... knowing that once I get it set up again in a year from now - I could go all out and rebuild it.
From there ......... go wild !
Stock the reef as you see fit, with some more expensive specimens, and not risk losing them all in the move.
Just what I'd do ........
There ain't NO WAY I could just sit back and look at all that cool reef tank stuff - sitting in a room somewhere or in storage.
I'd have to set it up too
Good luck - sound fun !!!

 

[cadbury]

Thanks Broomer5, would you have any suggestions of corals to keep it fairly simple but as well appealing to the eye? I was pretty much think of some soft coral, mushrooms, xenia, maybe a colt? I am a beginner so It will be fun learning as I go, but I have been reading alot and this websites helps alot too!!! Thanks to all of you!

 

[broomer5]

cadbury
IMO -
I think you are on the right track - I'd go with any or all of the types you mentioned.
Mushrooms, some bright yellow, green or red polyps are pretty easy and nice looking too.
Some of the leathers maybe as well.
I'd shy away from the "large" more expensive corals for now - knowing that you'll be moving in a year. Although that's just my opinion.
I went back and re-read the post here - and didn't see mention of your lighting.
This is probably the one "limiting" factor that still should be addressed when making any coral selection.
Other than that - if you got everything ready to go - let'er rip, but take it easy.
Setting up a reef tank - can be done quickly - but for the most part - the really impressive ones, the ones that make ya drool and go ooohhhh and ahhhhhhh ,,,, normally take quite awhile to get that way.
Patience, and a dedicated reef keeper - that "knows" what he/she wants before the first coral is introduced - is what I consider to be the key.
Have a blast with your tank cadbury

 

[nm reef]

Lots of good advice above....but even better plan. Nice to see someone thats has taken the time and effort to prepare in advance!!
If it were mine I'd follow the path of set it up and use the year to see how it matures...plenty of time to let it stabalise and great opportunity to learn first hand what it takes to keep a system healthy. Then when the time comes move to a more permanent location and continue to develope it. Lots of info out there on moving a system. Plus you have a year to get ready for the move. I'd say go for it now and continue to learn...you are obviously way ahead of those that buy equipment/critters....then wonder what they should be doing. Great plan........

 

[heavenly damsel]

Moving all you household stuff is a large enough task for anyone...if the LFS will move the tank for $250 I'd let them. That is a small price to pay for a major project. My last move was 7 yrs ago and the memory is still vivid enough that I wouldn't even consider it again any time soon. I didn't have a reef tank then either. Just getting the beds set up, the washer, dryer and refrigerator operational and finding the coffee pot the day of the move was a challenge. You will be pooped from carrying boxes and furniture. Let the LFS help with the tank. IMHO

 

[cadbury]

Thanks to all for the great advice, Like I said I have been preparing for this almost year, its just about ready to go! I'm going to Las Vegas May 12 for a week for a vacation and when I get back I'll be getting that aquarium up and running. I'll be sure to post some pics. I'm definetly going to take this really slow, I really want to do this right and just keep learning here from all you guys and gals. Its so hard stareing at a empty aquarium, specially one that BIG!