Possibly starting over...

If you have read my earlier post you will know my 20 gallon tank just crashed, although I'm not sure why yet.
So ive had this 55 gallon tank running through my mind all day thats for sale at my lfs. Its used and need to be cleaned up but is in very good shape. The stand and hood are beautiful and look pretty much brand new and the tank has a built in corner overflow, just what ive always wanted. As of a few weeks ago the owner was asking $200, but a few days ago the "$200" was scatched out and was marked "make an offer". So now i have a few ideas running through my mind.
If I can convince the wife to set up the 55 instead of eventually restocking my 20 she might go for it.
It doesnt come with a refugium or wet/dry but I'm sure i can slide my 20 gallon fuge to my 20 dt right under it.
And..I was wondering if there is enough room to set up both my 20's under the stand? 95 total gallons. Looks like it, but Im not positive. Maybe one for a fuge, and the other for a sump/skimmer. If so how would I connect the two? Also my dt is drilled at the top left corner, so I would have to seal that off somehow.
Could probably sell my lighting on cl and set up something decent under the canopy. Maybe a couple of metal halides and cooling fans.
Would definitly have to upgrade the skimmer.
The biggest problem would be convincing the wife the money siyuation. Im wondering if it would make more since to set this 55 up or just start fresh on my 20(once i find the problem). Ive been dying for an upgrade. Is this the perfect opportunity or am i just getting ahead of myself?
Any ideas/input?
Thanks guys..

 

It's perfect opportunity. Go for it, you will spend a few hundred, but in the long run, it will be easier to keep then a 20 gal tank. Just get equipment as you can, it won't seem like so much money if you don't do it all at once.

 

I think it sounds like a great idea. You could always run the equipment from your 20 till you save up enought to upgade eguipment ( you might want to clean it really well). I have a 55 and i could barely fit 1 20 gallon sump underneath, but you might have a diff. stand.

 

I was really hoping somebody would say that!

Im thinking if i can pick up the 55 for $100 or so its totally worth it. Ill throw it in the garage and slowing start buying equipment here and there for it. Within a month or two ill be dragging it in the house. Ill just keep my 20 as a fowlr until theyre ready to be transferred over to their new, roomier home. Now I just have to convince the wife...
Wish me luck :-/

 

if ur wife is any thing like mine take her out have a good time and then ask ,she should say yes good luck

 

I had a 55 gallon that crashed and I'm in the process of moving to a 90 gallon. And like someone said earlier, buy things over time. For example, I took the lights off my 55 till I can afford better ones. I am slowly adding more rock, and I just set up the sump. I still dont have the skimmer, but I really dont need one till I get livestock.

If you buy things over time while your tank cycles, you are not going to do anything crazy because your going to be thinking about what to buy and where to get it instead of wanting fish. (lol) I would say do it. Take the opportunity while its there!

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

It sounds like a great deal. I would jump all over it if I were you ( and you can convince the wife! ). Once you get a larger tank more opportunities open up to you as for stocking and so forth.

 

Thanks everybody! Just the motivation I needed. After this morning I was about ready to throw the whole tank out in the front yard!!!
Man, you guys are a heck of a crowd. I figured there would be at least one person to say "dont jump into things, stop and think about it" lol.
I might just go home, throw some lobster tails on the grill, light some candles, and see if I cant suck up to the wife a little.
Thanks again!

 

You need a new tank. Close your eyes and listen to my voice. You need a new tank. Now when I snap my fingers you will awake and go buy that tank.

 

Good stuff AV8. My coworkers are all looking at me funny because I cant stop laughing.
I think my arm has been twisted enough....Ill be talking to the wife tonight, and im not taking no for an answer...Even if it means sleeping on the couch for a few nights. I love my couch, and a new 55 is worth it.