What if....

[Tanne]

You plan to move and had to decide whether to move the current tank, or to place a new tank. The current tank contains about 160 Gallons. The new tank shouldn't be much bigger, a little smaller is also no problem.

I don't want to go much smaller because I want to keep most of my fish and corals.

What tank design would you choose? Room divider? Cube? ...? I need suggestions... And of course I'll let you know what will happen

Thanx in advance!

Attached is a picture of the current tank...

[danny]

If its possible I would go for an inwall. Why don't you wan't to go bigger. If you have a map off your new home we could point out were the tank should be

[Tanne]

I don't have a digital map, but the new living room will be 41 square meters. I don't want to go bigger, because bigger won't offer so much more: just more of the same.

Inwall is a nice idea, but because I plan on living there only for about 5-7 years, I'm not sure about that idea. After all, I have to sell the house when I want to leave again

-Update- I've just drawn a not-on-scale map of the living room.

[Tanne]

Doesn't anybody have any suggestions about a nice tank shape till about 160 G??

[moonpod]

Well, I like tanks that have at least 3' front to back....

Additionally, I like to have a big workspace for the sump et al (which of course I do not have, but can wish for)

What about a 4x3x2h?

[steffen]

Examples

Would you like a new tank build?
Or use you the existing?

Maybe rectangular with a bent front.
A lot of examples

reg.
Ste.

[Tanne]

I'm not sure. Having a new tank built would come in handy, as I don't have that much hassle moving the inhabitants. On the other hand, keeping the current tank wouldn't be such a bad idea: the walls (PU foam) are beautifully covered with coralline and corals...

So, that's why I'm asking opinions: I want to know what you guys would do if you were me...

[steffen]

The rebuilding always becomes stress for the animals means.
Whether new or old tank.
But i would takes a new tank.
Because,in the old tank are possibly scratches.
And the glass tank could be problems,with the silicone connection.
I heart.....the silicone connection mußt always all 8 years new.
You be sure!!!

[Tanne]

I made up my mind and decided to opt for a new tank. The new tank will have almost the same dimensions as the current tank, but the distance between the front- and the backpane will be increased by 10 cm's.


I made some drawings for the dutch forum, so they need some translation

To begin with, I decided where the new tank will be placed:

[Tanne]

Here's the design for the new tank. The right side and the right part of the backside will be covered with a synthetic backdrop. The left side will be viewable from three sides. I plan to place the dinner table near the wall opposite to the left end of the tank, so you'll be able to watch the tank from the dinner table. At the back corner of the room I'll have a desk. So, when you turn your head, you'll also be able to watch fish.

The picture needs some translation:

'Juwel achterwand' means 'Juwel backdrop', which is also used in planted aquaria. In the past, I've made good experiences with this backdrop.
'Levend steen' means Live Rock. I won't use much, as I'd rather keep corals and fish instead of rocks.

The 'front' pane will be in optiwhite glass, which is as clear as acrylic. I'll keep the same equipment: RD 10.000, BK 200 intern, ATI t5, 2 x 150 W HQI, 2 x 24 W PC blue, Aqua Compleet calcium reactor. I'll also include a Tunze stream hooked to a UPS to make sure the water keeps flowing even in case of a powerfailure, which almost never happens here in Holland.

Just as with my current tank, the main focus will be on fish and on sps corals, but of course I'll keep the other inhabitants like shrimp, snails, gorgonians...

Here's a picture I took a few days ago:

[danny]

Looks oke I always liked room dividers. You can create "2" aquarium looks!

Are you able to cycle the tank before the movement or is this going to be a one day event?

When are you going to move?

Cheers

Danny

[Tanne]

It's going to be a 'different' room divider, i.e. half normal, half room-divider.

I'm not going to cycle the tank. I will set it up with old water mainly. I'll also transfer all rock and inhabitants. I'll do this in one day.

The 2nd of May the tank will be delivered. We will connect the sump with the Red Dragon and we will let the system run with tap water. On the current tank the RD will be replaced for a few days by another pump, probably an OR 6500 or an RD 8000.

On the 4th of May the inhabitants and the water will be moved. I'll make sure I do lots of water changes before this operation, so I have 300 liters water extra. That should make up for the loss in the process of moving.

Of course I'll also post pics, but not in those days. Apart from moving the tank, there are also some other things to do: paint walls, move the rest of my furniture, move the furniture of my girlfriend, and so on... Rush hour is coming!

[DragonReef]

Hey Tanu, good luck with the move. Your current tank is one of my Idol tanks, and I have a feeling the new one will be even better.

Good luck

[Aged Salt]

Hi Tanne, please keep us updated with progress pictures of your new reef--these are always exciting times Bob