Large tank placement and lighting considerations

[oceake]

Hi everyone! I'm in the planning stages of what is going to be a large build in my home office. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone in the hobby, but it's been a long time dream to have a saltwater tank.

Attached are a couple scale floor plans of the possible tanks I'm trying to decide between—the Waterbox Peninsula 7225 or the Infinia 275.6. I'd love any input anyone can offer about this first-world problem of deciding between tanks. Note that the window only provides indirect sunlight.

1. If I'm spending a lot of time at my desk near the tank (particularly in the peninsula layout), should I be concerned about the lighting/light bleed being annoying? I regularly stare at a screen for long periods of time for work without a problem, but wasn't sure how the intensity of tank lighting might affect the space.
2. While I've done a good amount of research on costs and general expectations—other than the terrifying amounts of time and money that one can spend on this hobby, are there other reasons NOT to go this big for a first tank?

Cheers!

 

[blaxsun]

I'm actually thinking the Infinia beside the closet - opposite the desk. Then you have the ability to use the closet as a "mini" fish room for RODI, mixing station, etc.

 

[OscarHaglund]

I'm actually thinking the Infinia beside the closet - opposite the desk. Then you have the ability to use the closet as a "mini" fish room for RODI, mixing station, etc.

The point should be to have the tank such that you can see it from sitting at your desk.

 

[blaxsun]

The point should be to have the tank such that you can see it from sitting at your desk.

Not necessarily. My tank is to the left and behind my desk and situated such that I'm not staring directly into the tank lights. I can easily swivel to look at it when I feel like taking a break, etc.

In any event, the OP will choose the best location for him. I was just throwing out an alternative that he may not have considered.

 

[Dbichler]

Only real downside to going big on a first tank is not knowing how much the maintenance really is especially for the first year. Going big is fun until you have to do large water changes and go through a ton of water on top off. Automate these two things and it gets easier.

 

[oceake]

Only real downside to going big on a first tank is not knowing how much the maintenance really is especially for the first year. Going big is fun until you have to do large water changes and go through a ton of water on top off. Automate these two things and it gets easier.

Good thought, thanks. I have some automation plans around RODI and making saltwater and am working on getting this setup before I even get the tank.

 

[Dburr1014]

I'm actually thinking the Infinia beside the closet - opposite the desk. Then you have the ability to use the closet as a "mini" fish room for RODI, mixing station, etc.

That's a big office!
What if, your desk was not facing the wall but the door. Then you could see the tank, see people coming in the office door. Use the closet as your mixing station.

Gunna need a bigger boat.