BayouBandits
Community Member
This is my tank I've had for about 15 years. It's a basic 75 gallon with basic power filter, a couple of power heads, heater, and testing equipment.
We've been through a lot of ups and downs through the years. The first 5 years I maintained it myself. Then as my kids got older and work got more demanding I hired my lfs to help with maintenance. Two years ago my Powder Brown Tang died, and I was fishless. I wanted to restock and take over the aquarium again, but my job was more demanding than ever, and two months later my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. For me, it was time to break it down.
My teenage son overheard me tell my wife that I was going to call the lfs and ask them to take down the tank. He didn't say a word, but the next day he came home from school w/ a new fish and a job at the lfs. He told us he knew how much we liked having the aquarium and that he would take care of it.
After many trips, every two weeks, to MD Anderson (6.5 hour one way drive) I'm glad to say my wife is cancer free. During all of it my son has done a much better job maintaining the aquarium than I would have done at his age. I've also changed careers and have a lot more time to share with the people I love.
Now my son is off to college and it's time to take over the tank. I want to do some updates and maybe even automation eventually. First thing I'll do is get rid of the power filter and move to a sump. I would like some advice about how to do this. Is it reasonable to remove everything from the tank, drill this tank, and plumb it in one day? It will be a very basic build, but this is my first time dialing in a sump so I don't know what I don't know.
Once the sump is dialed in and all is good I'm looking to add a few corals and probably a Midas Blenny and Watchman Goby. Also, I'll start looking at upgrading/purchasing other equipment.
Anyway, that's enough about me. Looking forward to being a part of your community. Thanks
We've been through a lot of ups and downs through the years. The first 5 years I maintained it myself. Then as my kids got older and work got more demanding I hired my lfs to help with maintenance. Two years ago my Powder Brown Tang died, and I was fishless. I wanted to restock and take over the aquarium again, but my job was more demanding than ever, and two months later my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. For me, it was time to break it down.
My teenage son overheard me tell my wife that I was going to call the lfs and ask them to take down the tank. He didn't say a word, but the next day he came home from school w/ a new fish and a job at the lfs. He told us he knew how much we liked having the aquarium and that he would take care of it.
After many trips, every two weeks, to MD Anderson (6.5 hour one way drive) I'm glad to say my wife is cancer free. During all of it my son has done a much better job maintaining the aquarium than I would have done at his age. I've also changed careers and have a lot more time to share with the people I love.
Now my son is off to college and it's time to take over the tank. I want to do some updates and maybe even automation eventually. First thing I'll do is get rid of the power filter and move to a sump. I would like some advice about how to do this. Is it reasonable to remove everything from the tank, drill this tank, and plumb it in one day? It will be a very basic build, but this is my first time dialing in a sump so I don't know what I don't know.
Once the sump is dialed in and all is good I'm looking to add a few corals and probably a Midas Blenny and Watchman Goby. Also, I'll start looking at upgrading/purchasing other equipment.
Anyway, that's enough about me. Looking forward to being a part of your community. Thanks
