I’m thinking of upgrading to a 70-100 gallon tank now that I’ve been in the hobby for a year and really been learning and working on good husbandry practices. So my questions are... What should I absolutely have from day one? Is a used system from someone on this website a good or bad idea (or start from scratch)? What should I avoid? How does the migration of existing tank to bigger version work? Thanks for all your help and recommendations!
Upgrade Recommendations
- Thread starter BonnieB
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What is your current tank and what's in it?
Lots of people buy and sell tanks here. They seem to be forthcoming on details like scratches and seam issues, so you can make a judgement if you want to rehome a tank or buy new.
What to have from day 1 is entirely dependent on your reefing style. Do you do regular water changes? Maybe a good RODI unit. Do you do heavy filtration? Maybe a beefy skimmer and a fleece roller. Au natural? Maybe invest in gulf live rock and get an algae scrubber or refugium setup.
Lots of different ways to do things.
Lots of people buy and sell tanks here. They seem to be forthcoming on details like scratches and seam issues, so you can make a judgement if you want to rehome a tank or buy new.
What to have from day 1 is entirely dependent on your reefing style. Do you do regular water changes? Maybe a good RODI unit. Do you do heavy filtration? Maybe a beefy skimmer and a fleece roller. Au natural? Maybe invest in gulf live rock and get an algae scrubber or refugium setup.
Lots of different ways to do things.
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I've been doing this for 25 years or so now. Here's my opinion. Many people get in and out of this hobby because of maintenance. You will read there are other issues, but almost always those are caused by maintenance neglect. Set your tank up in a way that maintenance is easy, so it won't be as much of a chore.
Getting a new tank plan for easier water changes by running a drain line, or a feed line from a mixing station. If you can do a water change by pressing a button, you are much more likely to do so.
Give yourself some space in the sump to work.
Buy a great skimmer and a great return pump.
I understand the hobby is expensive but there is a reason the guys who have been here for 10+ years mostly have nice equipment, it is because we have learned that buying a $100 skimmer, then replacing it with a $200 skimmer, then getting a deal on a $300 used skimmer, finally just to buy the new $400 skimmer is a lot more expensive than just starting with the $400 skimmer; and it will save you hours and hours of work.
Used tanks are fine if the stand is sound. 100g isn't so big that a few guys can't move it.
Afterwards there are a hundred different ways you can go with this hobby, you have to pick your own.
Getting a new tank plan for easier water changes by running a drain line, or a feed line from a mixing station. If you can do a water change by pressing a button, you are much more likely to do so.
Give yourself some space in the sump to work.
Buy a great skimmer and a great return pump.
I understand the hobby is expensive but there is a reason the guys who have been here for 10+ years mostly have nice equipment, it is because we have learned that buying a $100 skimmer, then replacing it with a $200 skimmer, then getting a deal on a $300 used skimmer, finally just to buy the new $400 skimmer is a lot more expensive than just starting with the $400 skimmer; and it will save you hours and hours of work.
Used tanks are fine if the stand is sound. 100g isn't so big that a few guys can't move it.
Afterwards there are a hundred different ways you can go with this hobby, you have to pick your own.
I would find a reefing mentor, someone who you can trust and guide you through your journey if possible? My mentor came in the form of books (which I still recommend people read). The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Bob Fenner is a great book for those just starting the hobby, but for those with a little science background or who have been in the hobby a little longer, I recommend the 3 volume set by Delbeek and Sprung The Reef Aquarium (if only buying one of the three, the third volume would be my choice).
I agree with Jojo, a quality RO unit will save you lots of money and you can start with a 4 stage and add on as you go. A good (appropriately sized) skimmer would be my next purchase. I am an advocate for ocean live rock or live rock from a healthy established system, but I'm not a huge fan of gulf rock. I would stick to any pacific live rock if possible (you don't need much, just a few nice pieces). Depending on what corals/animals you want to keep, lighting will be the next thing.
As far as tanks go, buying used has its risks, so taking your time and finding the right tank may take a while, but if you're buying new, there are plenty of options out there. I'm a big fan of the Innovative Marine systems and they have a lot to choose from and often have sales throughout the year. UNS is another company that's now venturing into reef systems, but I'm guessing they're not cheap either. I'm not a fan of Red Sea tanks, their overall design is kinda wonky and I really don't like that they don't support the entire bottom of the tank with their stands.
There are lots of things to consider when upgrading and it takes time and patience to do it right, which takes me back to my first piece of advice, finding a trusted reefing friend who can help guide you.
I agree with Jojo, a quality RO unit will save you lots of money and you can start with a 4 stage and add on as you go. A good (appropriately sized) skimmer would be my next purchase. I am an advocate for ocean live rock or live rock from a healthy established system, but I'm not a huge fan of gulf rock. I would stick to any pacific live rock if possible (you don't need much, just a few nice pieces). Depending on what corals/animals you want to keep, lighting will be the next thing.
As far as tanks go, buying used has its risks, so taking your time and finding the right tank may take a while, but if you're buying new, there are plenty of options out there. I'm a big fan of the Innovative Marine systems and they have a lot to choose from and often have sales throughout the year. UNS is another company that's now venturing into reef systems, but I'm guessing they're not cheap either. I'm not a fan of Red Sea tanks, their overall design is kinda wonky and I really don't like that they don't support the entire bottom of the tank with their stands.
There are lots of things to consider when upgrading and it takes time and patience to do it right, which takes me back to my first piece of advice, finding a trusted reefing friend who can help guide you.
Figure out how big you want to go and what you want to keep, and the other decisions should fall into place. I would say it is better to have eurobracing and very solid stand since we are in Cali and we need to account for earthquakes. Used tanks are good if owner kept it running and made by good manufacturer with good seams. I think you want to think about all of the equipment you want to get, and then start planning how it will all fit. Plan your sump. Like other said, ease of maintenance is essential and having a controller will make it much easier on running a tank. I would say running super high end is not necessary, but do buy from reputable brands.
Finding another reefer that you like their setup and emulate it. I always try to check out other reefers setup when they invite me over to pick up frags. We also have TOTM, and they have their gears listed, that is a great way to see what others are using.
Finding another reefer that you like their setup and emulate it. I always try to check out other reefers setup when they invite me over to pick up frags. We also have TOTM, and they have their gears listed, that is a great way to see what others are using.
