Hi all, been lurking for awhile, but it's time to take the plunge. I teach chemistry and physics at a high school in upstate NY. Just added a 20 gallon freshwater tank this year, and it's been a wonderful addition. I'm in the middle of writing a grant right now for the setup and 12-month costs to run the tank. The grants are within the district - a group offers several grants for innovative ideas. The limit is $1500, with the option for more in year 2. I don't mind spending some of my own money, because it's become a hobby for me as well, but that's sort of the soft limit. The goal would be 2-4 fish, softies/zoas/LPS and taking the slow-and-steady approach.
Three questions:
1. I can cover holidays. I planned to leave a larger tank at school over summer and visit often (I'm close enough to drive). But the summer is off-limits for a couple years (asbestos abatement). After that, they can keep my room A/C'd for the tanks. I assume moving the tank for summers (15-minute drive) is doable, but not recommended long-term?
2. For year-1, moving the tank, any recommendations on size? I had planned for a 20-gallon long tank or larger. But now I'm wondering if something like the IM 15 cube may be a better option for starting out, and maybe easier for moving? I'm looking for something large enough to attract the kids attention, small enough to move the tank.
3. What am I looking at for monthly expenses? Let's assume I have a good idea what the tank setup will cost, as well as a livestock budget and salt. What about food, medicines and other chemicals? Obviously with living animals you can't anticipate everything, but I'm hoping there's a rough estimate I can sue here. I have access to ro/di water and utility costs are irrelevant.
If things go well, I'd love to upgrade to something more permanent in the future. I have a lot of great students, who go on to take advanced chemistry, physics, bio and/or environmental science. I think something like this could really motivate some kids. Thanks for any help.
Three questions:
1. I can cover holidays. I planned to leave a larger tank at school over summer and visit often (I'm close enough to drive). But the summer is off-limits for a couple years (asbestos abatement). After that, they can keep my room A/C'd for the tanks. I assume moving the tank for summers (15-minute drive) is doable, but not recommended long-term?
2. For year-1, moving the tank, any recommendations on size? I had planned for a 20-gallon long tank or larger. But now I'm wondering if something like the IM 15 cube may be a better option for starting out, and maybe easier for moving? I'm looking for something large enough to attract the kids attention, small enough to move the tank.
3. What am I looking at for monthly expenses? Let's assume I have a good idea what the tank setup will cost, as well as a livestock budget and salt. What about food, medicines and other chemicals? Obviously with living animals you can't anticipate everything, but I'm hoping there's a rough estimate I can sue here. I have access to ro/di water and utility costs are irrelevant.
If things go well, I'd love to upgrade to something more permanent in the future. I have a lot of great students, who go on to take advanced chemistry, physics, bio and/or environmental science. I think something like this could really motivate some kids. Thanks for any help.