Possible new tank - please advise!

[robert_hollis]

So, being the fool that I am, I was perusing craigslist, and I came across this ad:

http://houston.craigslist.org/for/1502157608.html

I got all giddy and contacted the guy, and offered him what I could for the tank, and he seems to be interested in my offer. Really I think he's just desperate to sell the tank before moving, but anyhow...

Now, I told myself a while back that I wasn't going to get anymore tanks until I could afford a 90g (or bigger!) saltwater tank. See what happens when I peruse craigslist???

After I made him the offer, I remembered that porcupine puffers are listed as requiring a minimum of 120g, and I obviously don't have that... So, I've asked him how long, and how old the porc is (I'm trying to delude myself into thinking it's ok to buy it, and leave the porc in a 55g with tankmates).

Oh, and did I mention I've never had a saltwater tank before?

So, basically I'm on here to ask for some input. If he accepts my offer, I think I'll buy it (unless it turns out to be a crummy deal). Aside from the puffer, is that tank overstocked?

Um... Yeah, generally any feedback is welcome. Feel free to cuss and yell about my stupidity, too.

-Rob

[Pufferpunk]

Depending on how big those fish are, you may be able to sustain that stock for a short while... but the porc needs a minimum of 100g, so does the trigger & tang, 90g.

[robert_hollis]

yeah, that figures... Of course, if I bought that, then picked up a 120g in a month or two, my roommates would probably decide to have an intervention, or boot me out of the house... Sad thing is I have the space for one or two large tanks in the living room... So... Hypothetically speaking... If I bought that, then obtained a bare 120g, would all the stuff that comes with that 55g (filter, sump, LR, etc) be enough to sustain the 120g, or would I just have to upgrade everything, anyhow? Cause, if I had to upgrade, then that's a deal breaker, but if I could just swap all (or most) of the stuff over, and then sell off the 55g, I might be crazy enough to do that...

I'd probably also have to get rid of my 30g and 5g just to appease my roommates...

Thanks,

-Rob

[Pufferpunk]

Depends on what exactly comes with that tank, as to whether it will suffice for a larger one. Plenty of LR there.

[pufferpuggirl]

"Um... Yeah, generally any feedback is welcome. Feel free to cuss and yell about my stupidity, too." - robert_hollis

I love the way you've worded this .... so accepting of any cursing and yelling to be thrown at you!

[Woodbutcher]

Do it. The 55g will make a great sump tank for the great big tank you get for the puffer.

[robert_hollis]

Yeah, I'd just need to a sell off a motorcycle (I have a few) to buy a bigger tank... I thought about building a plywood one, but after reading up on them, it's apparently not much cheaper than just buying a glass one...

-Rob

[Flutter]

Who needs multiple motorcycles anyways... I mean really...

Did you really think you'd find anything other than enablers here?!

[Pufferpunk]

You can only ride one at a time!

[CarmenH]

Good grief, look at that water level! He lost interest a while ago, hope the fish are still healthy.
I'm new to saltwater... but if this was a freshwater tank, I'd say move as much water as possible cuz suddenly changing the params from the levels of a neglected tank to nice and clean too quickly can mean wild swings that kill fish! (You know, the old "I only do water changes once a year cuz when I do, all my fish die" thing...)

[Pufferpunk]

Called, old tank syndrome.

[CarmenH]

So was I correct then about transporting a lg qty of water and gradually improving the conditions?

[Pufferpunk]

Difficult to do with that much water.

[robert_hollis]

Wel, here's his latest response.

"The puffer is about 6 mo. Old and I feed him frozen krill and shrimp . he is about 4 “ long approx . I bought him when he was really small but he has a great personality. I will let you know by Friday for sure."

So, I should find out tomorrow, if he's willing to accept my offer.

Sadly, my Eheim Ecco's impeller finally sheared off the other two blades tonight... Naturally it's too late to go buy a new impeller, and I haven't had the chance to fab up a new set of blades... So, I'm gonna swap around a couple of my other filters, and try to take care of this filter situation tomorrow... I guess, I'll just shell out another $35 on an impeller...

-Rob

[Pufferpunk]

Better find out what's trashing this impeller 1st.