Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2010 19:39:38 GMT -5
Help me think, please. You guys will understand the details on my dilemma and I value your input.
I have a 90 gallon tank and 31" high stand (so, 55" to tank top) sitting here empty. My plan was to start filling it tomorrow, but on our 6.5 hour drive back from PA today my hubby, son and I talked about what to do. Three things continue to bother me, some significantly. First is not being able to buy a mesh lid with a hinge so that every time I get in the tank I don't have to move 2 heat lamps and the entire top (including dealing with the humidifier tube that would go through the screen top). Second is needing to access the tank from a step stool for everything from daily feeding to cleaning. I have back problems and using a step stool to get in my 30 tall hurts my back. Third is the amount of time that would be needed for deep cleans. Also, the tank and stand are pretty huge in our dining room.
I'm seriously considering putting the 90 tank and stand on craigslist and watching craigslist for a 55 and nice stand. I can get a screen lid hinged side to side for a 55, put my two 20" long heat light hoods on the back part of the screen and only lift the front daily, except to get out the water dishes once a week for cleaning. Also, if I get a slightly lower stand I can reach in it from the floor. It somehow seems much more manageable, but I'm a little worried about the floor space in the 55. Most of what I got for the 90 would work for the 55, but I'd have to get at least one smaller water pool. I should be able to sell the 90 and stand for more than I'd pay for a 55 and stand so the difference covers anything else I'd need.
As far as crabs per gallon it's not an issue. I have 7 PP right now (1 lg, 4 med, 2 sm). I'd like to get 3 to 5 Compressus and eventually maybe 3 straws.
I think backing off to the 55 is the right move, but I'd like to hear input. Thanks!
I have a 90 gallon tank and 31" high stand (so, 55" to tank top) sitting here empty. My plan was to start filling it tomorrow, but on our 6.5 hour drive back from PA today my hubby, son and I talked about what to do. Three things continue to bother me, some significantly. First is not being able to buy a mesh lid with a hinge so that every time I get in the tank I don't have to move 2 heat lamps and the entire top (including dealing with the humidifier tube that would go through the screen top). Second is needing to access the tank from a step stool for everything from daily feeding to cleaning. I have back problems and using a step stool to get in my 30 tall hurts my back. Third is the amount of time that would be needed for deep cleans. Also, the tank and stand are pretty huge in our dining room.
I'm seriously considering putting the 90 tank and stand on craigslist and watching craigslist for a 55 and nice stand. I can get a screen lid hinged side to side for a 55, put my two 20" long heat light hoods on the back part of the screen and only lift the front daily, except to get out the water dishes once a week for cleaning. Also, if I get a slightly lower stand I can reach in it from the floor. It somehow seems much more manageable, but I'm a little worried about the floor space in the 55. Most of what I got for the 90 would work for the 55, but I'd have to get at least one smaller water pool. I should be able to sell the 90 and stand for more than I'd pay for a 55 and stand so the difference covers anything else I'd need.
As far as crabs per gallon it's not an issue. I have 7 PP right now (1 lg, 4 med, 2 sm). I'd like to get 3 to 5 Compressus and eventually maybe 3 straws.
I think backing off to the 55 is the right move, but I'd like to hear input. Thanks!