Will getting a bigger tank scratch the itch?

[aharries]

an aquarium had to fit and suit the space. It can’t be the largest thing in the room (for me) neither can it obstruct a space.

Agreed. I think I was focussing too much on the frontal aspect when I was imagining a 6 ft tank in the space, but the depth is typically 2 ft for a tank that size which is more than the width of the door to the room!

 

[aharries]

the solution for me to have a smaller tank that I can experiment with, set-up and breakdown on a whim, and even if its left empty for 6 months whilst I plan the next rescape, it doesn't really matter as I still have the main tank to enjoy, so the pressure is off.

I've also decided to adopt this approach for now. Only a couple of months ago, I had only one tank set up and two in storage in the garage, and I thought one tank would be enough for me. Then I got triggered, and I am back at three tanks again and still feeling twitchy. I don't think a bigger tank will do anything for me long term - for me, it's more about always having something to work on and an ongoing 'project tank' might just be the way to go.

 

[shangman]

My aim in the next few years is to have 2 good-sized long-term tanks, one tropical freshwater and one tropical macroalgae marine which will be designed to be low maintenance and evolve-able over time - no hardscape which is all glued down and hard to change so if I need to change something I can easily. In my freshwater tanks by collecting and using different botanicals things naturally change a lot over time as new are added and old decay, and in my marine tank a different seaweed takes over and then dies off every month or two so it's always evolving. That evolution is what I find really satisfying and keeps things interesting, and by avoiding anything glued down if I get a bit bored I can swap out hardscape and plants too. Personally large-scale rescaping stresses me out and is so much work, so messy, I'd rather design things so I can change it all up without all of that mess.

A nano or two always helps to do something quick and fun... I let the nano on my desk dry up but now it's Autumn and there's going to be so much less green outside, I want to set it up again to get through the winter with a nice lil project.

 

[aharries]

by avoiding anything glued down if I get a bit bored I can swap out hardscape and plants too

Me too. I've never once used glue in any of my set-ups - way too much of a commitment! I'm so easily triggered by watching YT videos or looking at blogs/forums etc. to try and incorporate/imitate what I've seen into my own tanks.

 

[tacy k]

I have a 6 foot tank (Having had 4 x 110 - 300 litres plus multiple fry tanks).
I can only keep fish that can tolerate London tap water. (I used to have Altum angels and bred farlowellas)
It takes 4 hours to do a water change - even using a python and draining straight into the front garden.
When it goes wrong -algae, plants not growing, being destroyed by the clown loaches - it's so big and depressing I have to avoid the livingroom!
But when it goes right it's great!

 

[_Maq_]

for me, it's more about always having something to work on

For inspiration, perhaps? I've been running permanently some experiments. They've taught me a lot on this hobby, and from time to time, the findings are of interest for the community. These keep me busy (even when laziness grips me tightly 🙂).

 

[FrozenShivers]

Interesting thread, I have a similar issue. I only started in the hobby around 1 year or so ago, within that time I bought...

40x25x25 (25l)
60x30x30 (55l)
60x35x35 (73.5l)
90x40x40 (144l)

Until recently I was running all but the smallest, I'm now running only the two largest. But as soon as I was finishing settling up the 90cm, I was already making a "dream list" of kit for a 120cm - 180cm tank (which I know I won't have anytime soon as my GF doesn't want any in the living room. I enjoy the planning process etc so much, I'm similar with other things I have an interest in though, like building PC's etc.

Eventually I'll probably only run 1-2 tanks, I'd love to have 1 large tank between 120cm-180cm as my end goal though....or so I think haha!

Edit - My 90cm tank defo gives me the most enjoyment, the extra length etc really does help.