Is a new tank worth it?

I currently have a 20g long aquarium and have had my heart set on upgrading to a 40 gallon one. I also recently found a free 30 gallon aquarium that someone near me is giving away. Would it be worth it to upgrade to the 30 until i can find a 40 gallon aquarium? I feel like it would cause the fish unnecessary stress by moving them around and I'd also have to cycle the new tanks each time. I'm not sure what to do. does anyone have any suggestions? advice?

 

I currently have a 20g long aquarium and have had my heart set on upgrading to a 40 gallon one. I also recently found a free 30 gallon aquarium that someone near me is giving away. Would it be worth it to upgrade to the 30 until i can find a 40 gallon aquarium? I feel like it would cause the fish unnecessary stress by moving them around and I'd also have to cycle the new tanks each time. I'm not sure what to do. does anyone have any suggestions? advice?

You wouldn't need to cycle it if you're upgrading, just move the cycle over with your filter, plants, etc. The only issues with using the 30 for now is stress from moving and also having tanks sit around taking up space.

 

I would get it a free tank! but mabye buy another type of fish to put in it as it might as you said be stressful for your fish.

 

If you are keeping your 20g when you upgrade to 40g, you are infected with MTS. You will then take the 30g, set it up with something else in it, and carry on with the upgrade plan straight from 20g to 40g. Then stock 20g with new fish.

 

If it’s free take it! Even if you don’t move the fish over you’ll be glad you have an extra tank to setup when the fish addiction starts kicking in lol

 

I would get it a free tank! but mabye buy another type of fish to put in it as it might as you said be stressful for your fish.

I hate it when I think I am the first to respond to something and then find out somebody outsmarted me already by the time I post it Yeah, free tank, no brainer.

 

Sounds like a great reason to have 3 tanks instead of 1!!

 

I'd take the free one IF it has been leak tested. Even then, take it home, set it up outside or inside in a large tote (supported by a piece of plywood or other strong sheet material) and fill it ALL THE WAY up. That will give the most stress it will ever have. Leave that set up for a few days or a week and check every so often for leaks.
If it passes that, then you have a free tank!

Of you are only going to have ONE tank, then I would skip the upgrade since the tank is probably the same footprint (right?) And most fish need footprint, not height. If multiple tanks are an option, then go crazy and get all you can!

Unless you are getting the 40b in the next week, then the fish won't be too stressed. Just brush up on transferring them on YT. (Are your fish particularly easily stressed? Like puffers etc?)

 

Free tank and not a 10 gallon? Oh yea I would have been all over that one.

Get the tank, use the water, filter, substrate, ect, from the 20 and you should be able to by pass the whole cycle thing, I have done that in the past, I just made sure the water prams were good at the start. I recently had to do a on the spot set up of a small tank when I expectantly ended up with cory eggs and just using an old filter and established tank water worked, the eggs hatched and the fry are now 3 weeks old today.

And since you already have a 20 long, you might even be able to reuse the hood and stand on the new tank if it don't come with them, but don't quote me on that.

Set up the 30 and then decide from there if you want to upgrade another 10 gallons.

If nothing else, nothing wrong with another tank, if only, in my case, having one set aside in case of an emergency, like the hubby having a cow about rescuing cory eggs before the angelfish ate them, lol.

 

Also, it probably isn't much more to get a 75g over a 40 and it has a lot more volume so you have a few more options. It would mean a better light, and bigger heater than the 40 though...

 

It seems I might be on different path to most here

I always thought free tanks were great but the tank itself turns out as a very small part of costs so if you get the wrong size or shape or it doesn't match other tanks shelves etc you might not save much and be stuck looking at a mishaped wall or shelf etc.

Then I used to think open top - I think you call them rimless) were too expensive - but after my sons first freshwater system and maybe $900 in gear it seemed the rims and cross rails were getting annoying and I wished I spent the extra $100 not to have that problem.

When I looked at rimless for Alejandro's second tank the thicker glass required to support rimless caused a green tint. I had the choice of $200 for regular glass or $450 for super clear starfire. After my last regret I chose the starfire glass and his reef tank is like looking into water as though the glass isn't there.

Now all his new tanks are rimless starfire and while I ache a little each time I buy one i remember this will hurt once but looking into a tank that you are not 100% happy with will hurt every day and if you enjoy it less or its harder to access the animals may be neglected or it becomes an unwanted chore.

Now I think sometimes it's best to spend up at the start and that those cut corners or savings like free tanks may carry hiden costs that bite you or your love of the hobby and your pets later.

 

It seems I might be on different path to most here

I always thought free tanks were great but the tank itself turns out as a very small part of costs so if you get the wrong size or shape or it doesn't match other tanks shelves etc you might not save much and be stuck looking at a mishaped wall or shelf etc.

Then I used to think open top - I think you call them rimless) were too expensive - but after my sons first freshwater system and maybe $900 in gear it seemed the rims and cross rails were getting annoying and I wished I spent the extra $100 not to have that problem.

When I looked at rimless for Alejandro's second tank the thicker glass required to support rimless caused a green tint. I had the choice of $200 for regular glass or $450 for super clear starfire. After my last regret I chose the starfire glass and his reef tank is like looking into water as though the glass isn't there.

Now all his new tanks are rimless starfire and while I ache a little each time I buy one i remember this will hurt once but looking into a tank that you are not 100% happy with will hurt every day and if you enjoy it less or its harder to access the animals may be neglected or it becomes an unwanted chore.

Now I think sometimes it's best to spend up at the start and that those cut corners or savings like free tanks may carry hiden costs that bite you or your love of the hobby and your pets later.

You sound like a great parent!

 

Thank y'all for the advice! I sent the guy a message and he never responded grrr
I guess I wont be upgrading soon since no one ever responds which is IRRITATING but it is what it is i guess
I have a tiny budget right now because my parents are very against me upgrading so they won't help me out. (They keep saying that 20 gallons is "more than enough" for 3 goldfish and 3 minnows ._. ) If i wait until June im sure I'd have more money by then (birthday moneyyy) so I guess I'll have to wait it out.
The 40g is on sale at petco right now for over 80% of my budget haha love that for me.
I think I'll maybe keep this thread updated in the event that i do find something i want AND can afford but we'll see

 

It seems I might be on different path to most here

I always thought free tanks were great but the tank itself turns out as a very small part of costs so if you get the wrong size or shape or it doesn't match other tanks shelves etc you might not save much and be stuck looking at a mishaped wall or shelf etc.

Then I used to think open top - I think you call them rimless) were too expensive - but after my sons first freshwater system and maybe $900 in gear it seemed the rims and cross rails were getting annoying and I wished I spent the extra $100 not to have that problem.

When I looked at rimless for Alejandro's second tank the thicker glass required to support rimless caused a green tint. I had the choice of $200 for regular glass or $450 for super clear starfire. After my last regret I chose the starfire glass and his reef tank is like looking into water as though the glass isn't there.

Now all his new tanks are rimless starfire and while I ache a little each time I buy one i remember this will hurt once but looking into a tank that you are not 100% happy with will hurt every day and if you enjoy it less or its harder to access the animals may be neglected or it becomes an unwanted chore.

Now I think sometimes it's best to spend up at the start and that those cut corners or savings like free tanks may carry hiden costs that bite you or your love of the hobby and your pets later.

I know you already said you have a different view but not all tanks are for viewing pleasure. People use them for a variety of projects like breeding, growing etc. Some are on a limited budget, the difference between the two options is some kids' months of allowance. There is pleasure in hunting for free stuff, too (not for everyone but it is there for some). You are absolutely right though, given the chance one would want the best looking tank and furniture, you don't want an eyesore in your living room. Basement projects are a different story. If you are one of those who have the tidiest fish room in the basement kudos to you, I know there are those out there.

 

I know you already said you have a different view but not all tanks are for viewing pleasure. People use them for a variety of projects like breeding, growing etc. Some are on a limited budget, the difference between the two options is some kids' months of allowance. There is pleasure in hunting for free stuff, too (not for everyone but it is there for some). You are absolutely right though, given the chance one would want the best looking tank and furniture, you don't want an eyesore in your living room. Basement projects are a different story. If you are one of those who have the tidiest fish room in the basement kudos to you, I know there are those out there.

Of course I agree - ive been through all the above

And I'm not loaded with money as a kid I too spent all my money on pets and built my own lizard and frog enclosures. As a twelve year old it took me 6months and every birthday and Xmas $ I could beg to build a big lizard display with concrete rockwalls like the zoos (. I dragged that 400kg monstrosity through 40+ years and several houses but now my son has his bluetongue lizards in it. He loves that his dad built it as a kid and he uses it now.

Yes - please scrape and scrimp- get freebies and love what you do. I just thought a less voiced view might help some to get a better experience.