Upgrades, Downgrades, New Tanks....OH MY! How many you had?

How many saltwater aquariums have you set up in your hobby "career?"

  • 1 Only

    Votes: 85 13.3%
  • 2 - 4

    Votes: 287 45.0%
  • 5 - 7

    Votes: 130 20.4%
  • 8 - 10

    Votes: 47 7.4%
  • 10+

    Votes: 89 13.9%

  • Total voters
    638

revhtree

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The fun of the hobby, for me at least, is setting up new tanks. A blank canvass! Whether it be upgrading in size, downgrading to the latest AIO or setting a cool little pico tank, there is something attractive about a brand new tank, a clean slate if you will. Many things factor into a decision to set up a new tank or "change" tanks and I would like to hear what it is for you as well as how many times you've done it! Let's talk about it!

1. How many saltwater aquariums have you set up as either an upgrade, downgrade or as an additional aquarium in your hobby "career?" (Include your first tank in the number)

2. What's your favorite part of setting up a brand new saltwater reef tank?


Beautiful soft coral reef via @Dmitry
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Ron Reefman

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I've had a dozen or maybe more over my 20 year career in the hobby. But I often have as many as 4 or 5 set up at one time. Currently I have 3 running. These 2 and a 16g frag tank.

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Sharkbait19

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Only one permanent saltwater aquarium, but if you're counting QT tanks, then 2. Now if we're counting FW tanks, then dozens.

My favorite part about reef tanks (and any tank, for that fact) is the planning. It's so exciting to come up with an idea then watch it grow. I also love the end results, because you get to see what was both different and the same about your initial plan.
 

PanchoG

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2 times a 80L nano and 1 a 500L tank. If we add the hospital tanks then 5 in total.
 
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Twillyg21

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I’ve had 5 tanks (60, 65, 75, 125, 240g) my current tank is my dream tank with the Red Sea 3xl 900 - 240 g system.

Honestly, my favorite part is taking the frustrating lessons I learned on previous systems and implementing new strategies to combat those issues (more convenient, accessible plumbing, better equipment, more automation, AWC, WC station etc)

I also enjoy ordering my new equipment from @BRS or my LFS and then picking up my orders! Feels like Christmas!

When I started my recent tank, I was at BRS will call pretty much every day for about 2 weeks picking up new orders. I love it!! :)

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Firstxreefer

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My 90 gallon is my first saltwater aquarium. Before that we had several freshwater tanks... A 10 gallon, a 50 gallon, and then a customer of mine was moving and sold me a 150 gallon bow front with about 75 cichlids in it they was a really neat tank. I sold it to family when we left the country for a couple years with our church. Now we are 2 years into our reef journey
 

Casket_Case

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This is my forth tank.
First was 20g tall previous freshwater tank, too small. Wanted more coral room.
Then 40g breeder, too big, too much for me to handle.
10g, wayyyyy too small. Needed a bit more room.
20g long. I fricken love it. Wouldn’t trade for anything. It’s an Innovative Marine Nuvo Fusion AIO 20g Peninsula pro. It’s the right amount of upkeep and just enough water for me to do good small water changes it’s got space but more space than the twenty tall and I love it.
 

lefkonj

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I started with Salt water 1985ish... Had 4 tanks for a while, then I bought a larger one and kept that for many years. I took a break and have had my 180 for about 12 years now.
 

Tmrvstyle

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I've setup many tanks in the years past with the same instant formula, Ehiem 2227 or 2229 wet/dry canister filter, live rock, hang on back skimmer. I'd take filter media from my tank, replace it with new mixed with old, rock from my tank and add new back to my tank, and the same day, buy fish and coral for the new tank. Did this at least 4 or 5 times with no losses, basically created a tank move type new setup.

Biggest to smallest:
220g x 6' display, 310 g system
180g x 6' display, 240 g system
125g All-in-one (technical support role)
85g canister method (best tank I've had yet)
75g with 30 g bio ball skimmer sump
65g canister filter hang on skimmer
Another 65g 2 day tank, live rock pump for holding during a messy move
55g canister methods (4 of these)
30g frag tank
20g hospital tanks (4 times) aquaclear hang on filter with sponges from main display return pump intakes
15 g (1st and not with coral) undergravel converted from freshwater with green spot puffers, later added a Mandarin that lived for years eating frozen (late 80s early 90s)

There were unmentioned periods of freshwater tanks too, and some other helping others.

Also moved tanks a number of times I think that can be harder, less time to stop and plan and think once you start.

Also built almost all the stands out of wood.
 

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Buckster

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First tank was a 180 about 20 years ago. Last year I purchased a 32 bio and a 30 quarantine all for the new 180. That's a total of "4"
 

MARK M. DAVIS

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I got my feet wet on a 40 and 90. When I upgraded to a 240, I realized that I had to learn about the hobby instead of just repeating the same mistakes. The mechanics of plumbing and electrical are good but, to really be successful in this hobby requires understanding water stability, bacteria cycle, chemistry, lighting, rock scaping, and inhabitant selection, and much more. Each tank is unique and to have a good understanding it's important to leave a setup running for a while.
 

ca1ore

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Not including transient tanks:

1987 - 30 tall
1989 - 125
1990 - 75
1990 - 180
1992 - 320
1997 - 180 again; 125
2013 - 90
2013 - 265
2015 - 60 frag
2015 - 29 permanent observation tank
2016 - 120XH refugium
2017 - 450
2020 - 29 mangrove tank
2021 - 110
 

AJsReef

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Not including transient tanks:

1987 - 30 tall
1989 - 125
1990 - 75
1990 - 180
1992 - 320
1997 - 180 again; 125
2013 - 90
2013 - 265
2015 - 60 frag
2015 - 29 permanent observation tank
2016 - 120XH refugium
2017 - 450
2020 - 29 mangrove tank
2021 - 110

Now that's a history! What size are you running now?
 
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