OMG... This is a dream coming true.

[Goshawk]

So I just got an e-mail from my dad saying that one of his co-workers is moving and her husband is an avid salt water keeper. So there moving to atlanta and they need to get rid of his reef tank. Now get this, It's not some 12g nano reef (even though I would be happy with that) this is a full blown 90g reef tank. Comes with everything. ok so know your probably wondering how much is this gonna cost me $1000/$2000. Nope FREE thats right FREE. He's supposedly but a couple of grand into the thing.

My main ? Is, How much money (in an average year) do SW reef tank take to run it. Let just say we're willing to spend it :P.

[angelcakes]

a freebie............you cant get much better than that:19: :19:

[Rue]

Congrats! Excellent Deal! :19:

The cost is expensive...no doubt there. Salt costs $50 a bucket and lasts awhile, but you'll be doing 10% change weekly...so that's 9 gallons...which requires 4.5 cups of salt. The electricity for the lights also costs more than one would think, but you'd have to figure that out, I have no idea what your rates are. Food is more expensive as well...then there's all the miscellaneous...

But a 90 g tank is an excellent size! You can actually have 1-2 bigger fish in there!

[Goshawk]

Well as of now all I know is its a well established reef tank. I knew electricity would be costly. The only thing I'm worried about is if I know enough to be able to keep corals. Lets just say I have ALOT of reading to do.

[fastfly]

SIDETOPIC: How does one go about moving a 90g reef tank?

[Goshawk]

Snap I forgot to ask that. That has been in my head all morning but pushed to the back because of all the excitment.

[Rue]

Very carefully!

Seriously...you would get a large, temporary container going at home...then move all the fish and corals and rocks into it ASAP...with the heaters and skimmers going...

Then you would move the tank over...this is a good time to do a total clean up. I would replace the substrate (expensive, but safer than risking too many toxins being released into the water column). You can keep some to help seed the new sand, but you don't need that much.

Once the new tank is up and running (as in the water has cleared), move all the stuff into it!

Simple as that!

[Incredulous_Ed]

I HATE YOUR GUTS!

you jerk. I know there was no way you control this but i hate you. A frinedly hate, I guess. I dont know much about saltwater except it's salty.

[digital3]

Man, you scored.... research! research! research!

[RainMan]

I totally agree... you scored big time! I think Rue has the procedure down and simplified. It's gonna take a lot of work the first day or 2. But, I know why that person is giving up there tank...... Moving furniture etc. ontop of moving any fish tank sucks!!!! I won't ever do it again!

Congrats and good luck to you!!!

[Goshawk]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I just got an email from my dad with the stock list

1- nemo type clownfish
1-rabbit fish
1-gold rimmed tang
3-blue/green reef chromis
2 skunk cleaner shrimp
1-blood red shrimp
1-black sea cucumber

Is this stocked, under stocked or overstocked? Also what aer some good books to get?

[Rue]

Fishwise, about right, but you could get some smaller ones...

Understocked with inverts...so you have lots of room to play with...

Most of the newish marine books are quite good...I'd go to the library and get as many as you can, read through them (each seems to offer up some valuable info. another one didn't)...and then you'll know if you want/need to buy a couple of reference books of your own...

[cocoa_pleco]

congrats! one tip, do a CRAPLOAD of research!

[sandy_n]

That's a once in a lifetime! Congratulations :11: :11: :11:

[Ryuu]

=o lucky, I am full of envy

[NickFish]

Well, I talked to you a bunch in chat, and pm whenever with a time and we can go on and talk.

Again, congrats!

EDIT: Whoops, did I forget to mention how jealous I am! Lucky duck!

[Tigerbarb]

Lol, you lucky, lucky _____.
Your new reef looks like what you'd get if someone were to just go to the middle of the indo-pacific, just pick up this large rock with a bunch of corals on it, and place it in a tank.