Two 93 gallon tanks VS one big tank......convince me into a decision

[mkengr45]

OK, I currently have my 92 corner (quarter cylinder shape) and love it. It is setup with all the controllers, dosers, killer lighting, stocked to the brim with sps lps clams zoas etc....and looks great.

I have a 95 gallon cube sitting in my garage. Stand and canopy are gorgeous furniture grade stuff. I have bought a bunch of equipment to set it up. Just to give you an idea of what sits in a box waiting, Reefkeeper Elite, SL1, SL2, I have 5 extra PC4, BRS dosers (1x50ml, and 2x1.1ml), AI Sols, 250w mh with megachrome bulb, SWC skimmer, BRS reactors x2, Sicce pump for return, brand new bulkheads and tons of plumbing etc.....you get the idea. Basically everything to do another full blown setup.

THE QUESTION?

Should I set up this **** cube, or get rid of both tanks and combine livestock into one larger tank? From a maintenance perspective, I know one tank would be easier. I love the corner tank, and have always loved cube tanks. I just don't want to go through the trouble of setting up this cube, and then find I'd wrather go with one big tank. I've been down this road before, and know what the better route is....but it would help if some fellow reefers would push me in a direction.

Thanks for listening,

Randy

[rrasco]

Hard call, considering I have more tanks than I can count on one hand. I like having multiple smaller tanks (I say small but I have three 100+ tanks) because you can have some diversity. Maybe a FOWLR in one, or an all LPS, or a mixed reef like you have, or all SPS. Themed tanks I suppose. I like the idea of one big tank to cut down on maintenance though, since multiple tanks equals multiple routines repeated multiple times. However, as I've experienced, with bigger tanks comes bigger investments and bigger risks. You have all your eggs in one basket. And IMO, not that it can't be done because it obviously is, but you increase your risks of something structural failing. A 200+ gallon tank ways a ton, literally. With that type of force come inherent risks.

What do you plan to keep in the 2nd tank should you set it up?

[Kristy]

Advantages of the one big tank: could keep more of the space-loving big fishies; easier maintenance.
Disadvantage to the one big tank: selling off the brand new equipment you've accumulated (never seem to get full value) and have to purchase new equipment

Advantages of the two separate systems: one is already going strong and sounds very successful so you have that to enjoy while the other gets going; you already own most of what you need for the cube system; they can meet different needs or have different specializations; they are both shapes / types of systems that you really enjoy; more unique.
Disadvantages of the two separate systems: more maintenance; takes up more space in your home?

So........ seems to me if you don't mind adding a little maintenance to your routine, that would be the way to go.

[Cammed_02]

Your corner was pimp, and the cube looked great just sitting in the garage. Definetely run both, multiple tanks FTW.

[hobogato]

i vote two tanks.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I agree with Ace. 2 Monster tanks.:bigsmile:

[mkengr45]

Well crap folks, this isn't directing me in the direction I was expecting. I will let this post grab some more responses before making a decision. I do love unique shaped tanks....someone sell me a 300+ gallon corner or half cylinder tank quick! Thanks for the complement on my corner tank...I'll likely never sell it.

[EpicWin]

I recent went from 5 smaller tanks to one large and I will never go back.

[350gt]

I would do one big one with a killer fuge down below and a grow out area for frags....


2 is fun if your up for more work, unless your linking them together..


I gots a idea.... that whole area where your tank is now, a tank big enough to walk around.......

then you can jam just about every light and device you have on that one super tank.......