10g to 45g Tank Upgrade in New House

[sushi&steak22]

Good afternoon fellow Reefers!! I know I’m not technically new, however I consider myself a beginner in many aspects of the hobby so I would love some dumbed down, easy to follow advice.

My situation: I currently have a 10g tank with just 2 clownfish (4+ yo healthy tank). I’m moving from a small home to a house that is being built 10 yards from my current home (very easy move!). The new house will be finished in about 2 months and instead of resetting up my 10g tank, I will be setting up and transferring my fish to a 45g tank with new filtration, stand, lighting, etc. I currently only have the tank itself with the rest needing to be bought.

I don’t plan on having coral anytime soon, I just need a new set up for my clowns that is practical, affordable, somewhat aesthetic, and low maintenance. I love my 10g, although I do have an issue with recurring algae that I have to deep clean once every couple weeks.

Recommendations for equipment and how to cycle a new larger tank greatly appreciated!!

 

[Formulator]

Can you go bigger than 45 for the new tank? 60g or even 120g (4’x2’) would open up sooo many more possibilities for you.

 

[sushi&steak22]

Can you go bigger than 45 for the new tank? 60g or even 120g (4’x2’) would open up sooo many more possibilities for you.

I’m definitely open to it!! Do you mean possibilities in terms of fish? I’d love to know what difference a 60+ gal tank would make

 

[kevgib67]

Good afternoon fellow Reefers!! I know I’m not technically new, however I consider myself a beginner in many aspects of the hobby so I would love some dumbed down, easy to follow advice.

My situation: I currently have a 10g tank with just 2 clownfish (4+ yo healthy tank). I’m moving from a small home to a house that is being built 10 yards from my current home (very easy move!). The new house will be finished in about 2 months and instead of resetting up my 10g tank, I will be setting up and transferring my fish to a 45g tank with new filtration, stand, lighting, etc. I currently only have the tank itself with the rest needing to be bought.

I don’t plan on having coral anytime soon, I just need a new set up for my clowns that is practical, affordable, somewhat aesthetic, and low maintenance. I love my 10g, although I do have an issue with recurring algae that I have to deep clean once every couple weeks.

Recommendations for equipment and how to cycle a new larger tank greatly appreciated!!

The rock you have already has enough bacteria to sustain your two clowns. Just transfer the rock and any other media over and you’ll have an instant cycle. That is how the vendors do it at the big trade shows.

 

[sushi&steak22]

The rock you have already has enough bacteria to sustain your two clowns. Just transfer the rock and any other media over and you’ll have an instant cycle. That is how the vendors do it at the big trade shows.

Ok perfect thanks!!

 

[Waters]

Is that 10 gallon light dimmable? I can see why you are having algae issues in the existing tank. Looks pretty bright with no CUC? I know you are moving them anyways...just an observation lol.

 

[PharmrJohn]

Can you go bigger than 45 for the new tank? 60g or even 120g (4’x2’) would open up sooo many more possibilities for you.

Oh yeah. With my new build, I settled on my dining room as to where it was going. Was gonna be a 90. Then a 120. Then I found you can order custom tanks so now it's 155 in my living room. See? I upgraded twice without buying a thing lol!!

 

[TeamAquaSD]

Good afternoon fellow Reefers!! I know I’m not technically new, however I consider myself a beginner in many aspects of the hobby so I would love some dumbed down, easy to follow advice.

My situation: I currently have a 10g tank with just 2 clownfish (4+ yo healthy tank). I’m moving from a small home to a house that is being built 10 yards from my current home (very easy move!). The new house will be finished in about 2 months and instead of resetting up my 10g tank, I will be setting up and transferring my fish to a 45g tank with new filtration, stand, lighting, etc. I currently only have the tank itself with the rest needing to be bought.

I don’t plan on having coral anytime soon, I just need a new set up for my clowns that is practical, affordable, somewhat aesthetic, and low maintenance. I love my 10g, although I do have an issue with recurring algae that I have to deep clean once every couple weeks.

Recommendations for equipment and how to cycle a new larger tank greatly appreciated!!

Keep as much water and media as possible to help the cycle go as fast as possible however I am sure you will be adding more sand and rock. I would recommend adding a little bit more bacteria if using dry rock or sand that does not contain dormant bacteria

 

[sushi&steak22]

Is that 10 gallon light dimmable? I can see why you are having algae issues in the existing tank. Looks pretty bright with no CUC? I know you are moving them anyways...just an observation lol.

It is dimmable yes! I think you’re right, I’m keeping it too bright

 

[Formulator]

I’m definitely open to it!! Do you mean possibilities in terms of fish? I’d love to know what difference a 60+ gal tank would make

In a 60 you can generally just get a lot more fish for a more lively tank with distinct areas for more territorial fish and even explore the dwarf angels. In a 120g you can start talking about small tangs or foxface. With a 45 you are still limited to a handful of fish and the tank isn’t quite big enough for contrasting “areas” within the scape. Its just one unified area. Does that make any sense? It does in my head, but that is often a very strange place