Bigger Tank Size.

[weezawoo]

Hi,

Now I know the answer to any 'should I get a larger tank' question is always a resounding YES!!!! But I want opinions on what route to take...

Ok I have a 5ft x 18" x 18", the calculator on here brings it up at 319l. I was looking at getting a 5x2x2 tank. This would come up at 566l which is a massive amount of extra water to have! I would love a 6ft tank but it would mean moving it to the opposite wall (away from the door) and would mean I can't see it from my bed!! I love sitting and watching my fish. Also it would make water changes a little harder with having to siphon to buckets rather than straight out the window!!

Firstly: do you think it is worth getting a 5x2x2 tank for that 247litres (minus the usual substrate etc)

Secondly; I have been offered a 5x2x2 tank, with filters, heaters, lights and cabinet for £350. Also I think he will deliver. He also said he would include 25kg of coral sand. The tank is currently a Malawi et up, he wanted £450 including rock and fish. I have a community planted tank so really wanted just the tank, although a malawi set up would be nice!!! I have a new external and light ballast so really wouldn't want to sell them so would need to sell all the extras. I am waiting to find out the specs for the filter etc. Do you think it is worth it? I paid £170 just for my current tank and stand and would need to sell it.

Thirdly; I was looking at ND aquatics and debating a tank from there, but thought about making a cabinet myself (with help) debating if it is a good idea, but really I need to save as much money as possible (hence not buying ND cabinet) any adivce on this? Or do I maybe get one a little higher and wider than 5x2x2?


I sort of just want to know what you would do if it was you. I hope it makes sense if not I can explain more!!! Will update with specs on equipment when I get it!

I guess the main question, is it worth upgrading by that little amount?

Thanks for reading hahaha

Edit: Does coral sand have buffering properties and be no good for a standard set up?

 

[KittyKat]

Firstly: do you think it is worth getting a 5x2x2 tank for that 247litres (minus the usual substrate etc)

Yes. It basically does double the number of fish you could have.. and so much more space for plants...

Secondly; I have been offered a 5x2x2 tank, with filters, heaters, lights and cabinet for £350. Also I think he will deliver. He also said he would include 25kg of coral sand. The tank is currently a Malawi et up, he wanted £450 including rock and fish. I have a community planted tank so really wanted just the tank, although a malawi set up would be nice!!! I have a new external and light ballast so really wouldn't want to sell them so would need to sell all the extras. I am waiting to find out the specs for the filter etc. Do you think it is worth it? I paid £170 just for my current tank and stand and would need to sell it.

I would personally take the whole lot and sell off whatever I didn't want afterwards.. but you may not have the space/time to do that, of course.

Thirdly; I was looking at ND aquatics and debating a tank from there, but thought about making a cabinet myself (with help) debating if it is a good idea, but really I need to save as much money as possible (hence not buying ND cabinet) any adivce on this? Or do I maybe get one a little higher and wider than 5x2x2?

Bigger tank would, of course be quite cool..

Edit: Does coral sand have buffering properties and be no good for a standard set up?

Yes, it will buffer the water, but it shouldn't be needed in your set-up (angels and plants, form what I remember/can see).

 

[weezawoo]

Yea just standard community fish. I didn't think I woud need the sand. Don't want it tbh, would rather new.

Well I would need to sell my tank but at the same time have space to keep the fish. I think he would be good and wait until I have sold the tank and am ready, but need the money to pay him then get it back from the buyer on my tank. Have to do a swap over in a day like before!!!

Is it worth £350? So you would defo do it?

 

[KittyKat]

Eugh, I'm reluctant to say either way... I would be looking for at least 50% off of getting a new one, and the rest would depend on scratches, etc.

 

[weezawoo]

Looking at ND they cost £232 tank only, £633 inc cabinet. Although I don't know the make, that is what I would pay to buy it through ND brand new. With the cabinet is way out of my limit. When you think £120 extra for a cabinet lights filter etc to make money off isn't too bad. Scratches don't bother me as I hardly see them, unless its so scratched you can't see! haha! I wanted to persuade myself against buying it but no I really want it lol

 

[KittyKat]

With all equipment and a stand, £350 is not an unfair price..

 

[weezawoo]

Hmmmm ok thanks for replying My BF would flat out say no, if I can back it up saying others think its a good idea I could make it work Would give my fish lots more space, better to work with for plants, although gotta work on the flow I would think. Or I raise the money for 2 tanks haha!!!

 

[weezawoo]

The 2 externals are Aqua vital avex 1200 and an eheim 2215. Custom made tank. What are the filters worth?

 

[KittyKat]

Eheims are really nice, so I'd keep that, if I were you and you got that tank.. otherwise it would probably fetch £40 if in good condition, but is closer to £100 if you were to buy it new.