What do you think?

[mhaynes01]

For a student the summer is coming to an end....I will be going back to UT....Longhorn band....classes.

So...here it goes, i have a 50 gallon (hence my signature) although the work load on my tank, is not that bad... with school fast approaching I'm getting worried I cannot keep up with it becuase of the size of my tank. even though it is not that big its quite an ordeal when i will not be home as much as i am now....

I have several options....tear down completely part out live stock/corals, and keep live rock, sand and equipment.

Go to a smaller tank I own, 38 gallon....and have a smaller setup

bite the bullet and keep it up and running

or have someone take care of my corals and I will keep my fish.

or teach my family to take care of my tank.


advice is greatly appreciated

what should I do?

-thanks-

-Michael-

[cbianco]

I have several options....tear down completely part out live stock/corals, and keep live rock, sand and equipment.

You will most likely regret this decision. Cold turkey has never been a good idea for us reefers.

Go to a smaller tank I own, 38 gallon....and have a smaller setup

38 gallons still presents the same problems as a 50 gallon.

bite the bullet and keep it up and running

Depending on how far a drive it is, this could be a good option.

or have someone take care of my corals and I will keep my fish.

or teach my family to take care of my tank.

Good luck with that idea. Unless the new person taking care of the tank is as educated and passionate about fishkeeping as you, you may end up with problems.

Another idea is to do with a nano. It will keep your fishkeeping alive until you can carefully care for a larger tank.

Just some ideas to consider... HTHs!

Christopher

[LoneStar]

Isn't a 50g or 38g nano's already? :lol

But Christopher brought up some great points. Are you going to be in a dorm up at UT or living off campus? And is the tank going to be with you up at UT? From what I have learned personally, the larger the tank, the more stable/easier it is to care for. But thats just me....

[cbianco]

Isn't a 50g or 38g nano's already? :lol

Lets not get into this You probably think my 24 gallon is a pico! LOL

FWIW, I would also keep away from bringing a tank back and forth from school, unless it is a very small all in one type tank. Seems like too much hassle to me. $.02.

Christopher

[mhaynes01]

Well I live at home, but because of my major...Music education....I'm forced to spend alot of time at school practicing, rehearsals, so my time at home is either sleeping or eating. I live about 11 miles south of UT.

I do want to keep it up and running......but i dont want to lose anything either.....

and yes i know its not terribly big.....but i think I'm going to get frustrated with it during the semester.

[cbianco]

and yes i know its not terribly big.....but i think I'm going to get frustrated with it during the semester.

I hate to be cliche but size doesn't matter :blink when it comes to tanks. We all get fustrated dude.

I am a college student just like you. Long semesters always take their toll on my tank.

Since I now know that you are living at home, I say just put up with the minor maintenence the tank requires. You probably will be glad that you did, a more mature tank awaits you.

Christopher

[mhaynes01]

This is true, I appreciate it Christopher.

-Michael-

[cbianco]

Now we need some pictures of your tank!

Christopher

[mhaynes01]

Actually I was planning on doing that tonight.

[hanknmorgan]

Definately keep it up and running. I hear you on the getting too busy with school stuff, but I think you will regret breaking it down. Just put into maintenance mode and it shouldnt be much work. Most of the time spent on my tank is me messing around with it. The actual upkeep is really quite minimal.