vadryn
Active Member
I few months ago I finally got up the courage (and frustration) to commit to bringing a 2nd tank online. I've had a 90 g sumpless going for over 15 years, though recently became fully re-engaged. The lack of another place to put a coral, or fish, even for a day or two made me feel helpless to address problems.
I took advantage of the PetsMart deal and got a 40 Breeder. Why? I thought it was the biggest "inexpensive" tank I could throw together. I had visions of setting up something good but cheap. I had room for up to 150-180 g, but I didn't want to spend that much money. Now, a few months later as I near the completion of the "build" stage of the tank, I have second thoughts about how smart the 40 B choice was?
After the great price for the tank, I got a nice old console stereo to put it on, cork yoga mat under a custom peice of tempered glass on top to set it on. Ordered the Fiji AIO insert. Vinyl backing. Then a heater with inkbird, Sand, live rock, DMP pump, Used AI Blade light... then the livestock. Well, the term "inexpensive" wasn't even vaguely accurate.
I like it. It looks good and adds to the space. I've been able to save picked-on fish and nurse struggling (nipped?) corals back. But I can't help but wonder if I shouldn't have gone with a 75 g.... or a 90 g like my main tank, and realistically how much more expensive (not) it would have been? Not sure I was being honest with myself about how a small tank would be inexpensive? I'm sure a lot of bigger tanks have been born of this type of situation... I'm not dissatisfied. This fills the niche and the need... but next tank I do I will err on the side of "larger is better."
I took advantage of the PetsMart deal and got a 40 Breeder. Why? I thought it was the biggest "inexpensive" tank I could throw together. I had visions of setting up something good but cheap. I had room for up to 150-180 g, but I didn't want to spend that much money. Now, a few months later as I near the completion of the "build" stage of the tank, I have second thoughts about how smart the 40 B choice was?
After the great price for the tank, I got a nice old console stereo to put it on, cork yoga mat under a custom peice of tempered glass on top to set it on. Ordered the Fiji AIO insert. Vinyl backing. Then a heater with inkbird, Sand, live rock, DMP pump, Used AI Blade light... then the livestock. Well, the term "inexpensive" wasn't even vaguely accurate.
I like it. It looks good and adds to the space. I've been able to save picked-on fish and nurse struggling (nipped?) corals back. But I can't help but wonder if I shouldn't have gone with a 75 g.... or a 90 g like my main tank, and realistically how much more expensive (not) it would have been? Not sure I was being honest with myself about how a small tank would be inexpensive? I'm sure a lot of bigger tanks have been born of this type of situation... I'm not dissatisfied. This fills the niche and the need... but next tank I do I will err on the side of "larger is better."
