Thinking about adding another aquarium? Then you should know this...

[revhtree]

Today I was thinking about how many of us have more than one saltwater reef aquarium and if it's actually a good idea or not. The thought of a brand new tank, with new equipment and a new "clean slate" does seem quite attractive. More coral, more fish, more fun right? Is it a good idea? Today I want to hear from all of you crazies who have more than one aquarium.

1. What would you say to someone who is thinking of setting up a second aquarium?

2. What is one PRO and one CON to setting up a second saltwater tank?


image via @Coastie Reefer

 

[Scott Ulrich]

Only one saltwater tank, but I have 4 other freshwater tanks.

 

[JCOLE]

 

[DxMarinefish]

One is enough for me for now.

 

[sfin52]

I have two a 90 and a 55. The 55 was turned into a reef this year. The 90 been up since 2014 the 55 up since 2016

I have a third thats not mine but I'm in charge of is a 40 breeder. Been up since March 2021.

Have what you are willing to take care. Keep the second stupid simple. If you make it too much you will let it go a little from time to time.

Pro cons. Cons More work more expense.
Pro different corals and fish inverts and such.

 

[revhtree]

Only one saltwater tank, but I have 4 other freshwater tanks.

You need to turn at least one of those FW into SW to make it more fair...

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

I usually advise against it tbh. I absolutely love this hobby and my fish, corals, tanks, etc., but it would be nice if I didn't lose sleep every time I went on vacation worrying about things. Inb4 "get an apex" - I have an apex with a trident, and I have 2 webcams pointed at my tank, still doesn't change the fact that something goes wrong every single time I go out of town.

 

[Dania]

No saltwater tanks for me but I have one freshwater and when I get rid of a bookcase I'll be getting a 20 gallon long. Split it for two bettas and see if I can find a divider that Kuhli loaches can fit through but the bettas can't. After that I will be done.

 

[ZoWhat]

CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES

 

[vabben]

One saltwater, two FW (My Peacock cichlid spawn regularly, so one is a grow-out tank)

My second SW tank is in the works, 135 gallon. Just collecting parts now, pumps, UV, apex, etc.

 

[dbowman5]

pro: the ability to incorporate. lessons-learned in a new tank without losing the growth and history of the older tank
having a place to timeout conflicting fish or inverts
con: the tendency of favoring the new tank to the detriment of the first one.
I have one FW DT, two SW DT's with sumps. a FW QT and a SW QT. i think i am maxed out until i put a pond in the back yard.

 

[RipVanWinkle]

I have my second SW tank running now and 5-6 fresh tanks. I’m learning to try and make tanks as easy to manage as possible, and not overstocking because all these water changes suck. So yes get another tank but do it right, pros are more fish of course cons more time worrying about tank things

 

[swiss2]

I have 2 tanks set up and working on a 3rd.
1. First thing I would say, If you are married or have a significant other, have them sign of on the endeavor. My wife is a patient women but with this third tank (180) I’m testing my marriage. We compromised and I promised this will be my last one. Also I have to get rid of the 4th and the 5th tank sitting in the garage.

If all that is good then I would say do it! It’s I love the setup process and the struggles of setting up a new tank and enjoying the success of it up and running.

2. Well depending on how big your tanks are here are the CONS: water changes are a pain, more salt, more time feeding and testing, more money, just multiply everything by 2.
PROS: More room, more fish and more corals. If ever one tanks crashes you have the second tank up and running (as long as they are separate systems). Oh and most of all more enjoyment!

 

[4FordFamily]

2X the headache but 3x the enjoyment! Moving stuff between them is a big perk...

I've run as many as 4 SW tanks at once. Now I have the 500G wall tank and a 180 "reef". I use reef in quotes because it's basically cabbage, kenya tree, and texas trash palys at this point... lol

 

[Jilly92]

Today I was thinking about how many of us have more than one saltwater reef aquarium and if it's actually a good idea or not. The thought of a brand new tank, with new equipment and a new "clean slate" does seem quite attractive. More coral, more fish, more fun right? Is it a good idea? Today I want to hear from all of you crazies who have more than one aquarium.

1. What would you say to someone who is thinking of setting up a second aquarium?

2. What is one PRO and one CON to setting up a second saltwater tank?


image via @Coastie Reefer

2 not a big deal. When you get to 4 or 5 things start getting neglected and family/friends think you're going through some type of breakdown LOL

 

[Futuretotm]

MORE TANK = MORE CHANCES FOR SUCCESS!!!!!

 

[alain Bouchard]

ah...since you have so much money to throw down the drain, would you give me some of it? But seriously, get a bigger one!

 

[King_Acidic]

You need to turn at least one of those FW into SW to make it more fair...

I can't say much... I'm in a similar boat. 5 freshwater and just set up my first salt tank about a week or so ago.

 

[Cell]

1. Welcome to the club.

2. Pro: more room for more variety
Con: more upkeep = more money/time

 

[neonreef3d]

It better be a frag tank!!