120G-HELP!! How can I keep it?!

[JoeTurner14]

Ok so I've had my 120G running for about 18 months now (look in my sig for pics and info).

It has lived in my room since I got it, but since I'll be moving out in September (University) my parents are asking that I get rid of it since they don't want to fork out the electricity bill for a hobby that they aren't overly interested in. I'm not entirely sure on the total electricity bill, but if there's any interest in this thread i'll try find out.

My question is: Does anybody know of a low maintenance method of keeping the tank that'll hopefully lower the electricity bill. I'm thinking along the lines of low energy bulbs etc. OR, do you think I should maybe convert the tank to a 'monster' tank, and keep things like large cichlids? Big Cats? (Pim Blochii etc) so that the tank appeals more to the family?

To say i'd be gutted to get rid of this tank is an understatement. Please offer any info on ways that you think I can convert the family to the hobby...


Cheers in advance, any help gratefully recieved.

 

[CLDarnell]

I don't think I would try to keep anything in it while you're away. Like you said, they aren't interested in the hobby, so regular feeding, maintenance and water changes are probably out of the question. Is there anyway you can take it with you?

If not, maybe start checking with some buddies that could keep it for you until you can set it back up again.

Sorry and good luck to you!

 

[NCStateFisher]

eh, you just need to break it down for them as to how much electricity it is using. The filters really aren't very high wattage, and between your heaters and everything else you're using a lot less than any desktop computer, refrigerator, or anything else. If you can calculate it you could always just pay them monthly for the cost, as it's probably only in the 25-30 dollar range.

if you're considering changing the stock anyways, you could always take it down for a year or two, keep all of your equiptment for a couple years until you are in a better situation to bring it with you to a new place.

 

[JoeTurner14]

I don't think I would try to keep anything in it while you're away. Like you said, they aren't interested in the hobby, so regular feeding, maintenance and water changes are probably out of the question. Is there anyway you can take it with you?

If not, maybe start checking with some buddies that could keep it for you until you can set it back up again.

Sorry and good luck to you!

Unfortunately the room i'm staying in will be far too small for a tank this size, so taking it is not an option.

I will set up a small tank however, maybe a planted nano or something similiar.

I reckon i could return home at least every fortnight to do water changes and general maintenance, and I dont think feeding would be much of problem, as my dad's quite into wacky pets.

I think the cost and space is the only issue. Any ideas on low cost equipment, or some way of maintaining it cheaply?

Thanks guys.

 

[Clay]

I would be shocked if the tank cost for a 120g is anywhere close to $25/month, but I don't know the cost of electricity in Scotland.

 

[JoeTurner14]

I would be shocked if the tank cost for a 120g is anywhere close to $25/month, but I don't know the cost of electricity in Scotland.

I think it's around that price region, however i think my parents are unwilling to pay that price for a hobby that they don't have much interest in. I'll try working out the exact price per month this evening.

Does anybody know of a cheap way to convert aquarium lighting units to low energy bulbs from a home department store?

• Could I simply build some sort of light unit out of low energy light bulbs/strips, and build that into the hood? I presume this would have to be sealed for protection from water etc...
• Do you think it would be a better idea to house larger cichlids like an oscar, or jags to make it more appealing to the kids in the family?
• Also, I quite like this guys idea about some sort of hydroponics system to remove nitrates...In the long run I could persuade my mum grow her kitchen herbs (chives etc) in the hydroponics system. Or not...

Again, I cannot stress how much I dont want to sell this tank, as I will almost definetly use it after leaving University in 2015. All help on low-budget maintenance and equipment is greatly, greatly recieved.

Cheers guys,

Joe

 

[superleggera123]

if i were you id cancel out the lights all together..
keep like 1 fish..
minimal feeding.. so something hardy

 

[JoeTurner14]

if i were you id cancel out the lights all together..
keep like 1 fish..
minimal feeding.. so something hardy

hmmm...

I think I'd still want an attractive aquarium at least. I do realise however that I'm going to have to make some serious sacrifices.

 

[NCStateFisher]

at this point the main thing is to still have the tank after you graduate rather than the fish then?

 

[postshawn]

...
if you're considering changing the stock anyways, you could always take it down for a year or two, keep all of your equiptment for a couple years until you are in a better situation to bring it with you to a new place.

I agree. It will be better for everyone, fish included. Then worry about your studies and when you get out of university then you can decided if you are in a position to take on the large tank again. But don't put the burden on someone else and it's never good to try to get someone into a hobby that they just aren't interested in that includes the lives of other critters. When I have a hobby that I can't participate in I still keep active on forums and such. Then I just get back into it when I am able to.