Hello! I have been creeping on this site for a very long time, on and off the hobby due to school and work. Right now I have established pico tanks (2.2 gallon cubes by truaqua.com, check them out, they're awesome). I am into pico's due to their easy maintenance (water changes weekly, evaporation top off). What I really want is a 50 gallon plus. I want to drop money for a one time big purchase (already have my dream list of equipment and specs). Now that you have my background, here is my question:
How many months does it take for a tank to mature?
By maturity I mean you can place a frag into the tank and it will have a grand old time growing and getting its coral grove on. Given that your parameters are in order and you have the right equipment.
I am transferring to a university in a year, still in California but far enough that I will have to move. I'm not sure if I will be living on campus (limited to a 5 gallon tank) or renting (which would allow me to keep the large tank). I do not want to get my dream 50+ if I have to suddenly sell it due to not being able to care for it. I would not mind tearing it down (removing livestock, keeping it cycled) for a semester and coming back.
How many months does it take for a tank to mature?
By maturity I mean you can place a frag into the tank and it will have a grand old time growing and getting its coral grove on. Given that your parameters are in order and you have the right equipment.
I am transferring to a university in a year, still in California but far enough that I will have to move. I'm not sure if I will be living on campus (limited to a 5 gallon tank) or renting (which would allow me to keep the large tank). I do not want to get my dream 50+ if I have to suddenly sell it due to not being able to care for it. I would not mind tearing it down (removing livestock, keeping it cycled) for a semester and coming back.