Hey everyone,
New to this message board. I have done several freshwater tanks and have decided to give a nano reef aquarium with a few fish and corals a go. I would absolutely love to go bigger but the wife has provided me with a set of "constraints". I have been researching all-in-one setups and have come to the conclusion that they all seem to have some flaw or cheap part. That being said, I have decided to build a setup from scratch and would love to get everyone's input on how and what I should go with. I have already decided on a few things:
1. Wife get's to pick the stand and fish. My only rule is for it to have cabinets that are large and deep enough for a sump/refugium and equipment. I think she wants a wide one to fit a cube on one side and pictures on the other. Will probably just be a TV stand from Ashley furniture or something. Her other pre-requisite is that she gets to have "Nemo". Raise your hand if you are married and have encountered this requirement.
2. Cube tank 30 gallons or less, rimless
3. As much equipment hidden in the cabinet as possible, as little in tank as possible.
4. Between a 6-10 on the "keeping it real" scale.
5. Some type of drain valve like the Fluval that drains from the sump.
I already know the process after everything is put together (i.e. cycling, creating the environment, etc), so looking to keep it equipment build at this point. For equipment recommendations, I am looking for two options for each, one top of the line, and the other that is the best overall value.
I'll keep it one subject at a time, and after things progress I'll ask for the next stage. If this is ignored I will understand
Looking to get started in a few weeks, and will make sure I post photos and document things as I progress. I always enjoy living vicariously through my gambling customers so I hope you enjoy the same satisfaction helping me!
So lets start!:
1. What brand/type tank should I use. Glass or Acrylic? Let's go with the largest on my scale, so around 30 gallons give or take. Can I buy them with all necessary valves/holes drilled in or can I have my local aquarium store do it? If neither how do I do it? (I'll ask about piping or hoses later)
New to this message board. I have done several freshwater tanks and have decided to give a nano reef aquarium with a few fish and corals a go. I would absolutely love to go bigger but the wife has provided me with a set of "constraints". I have been researching all-in-one setups and have come to the conclusion that they all seem to have some flaw or cheap part. That being said, I have decided to build a setup from scratch and would love to get everyone's input on how and what I should go with. I have already decided on a few things:
1. Wife get's to pick the stand and fish. My only rule is for it to have cabinets that are large and deep enough for a sump/refugium and equipment. I think she wants a wide one to fit a cube on one side and pictures on the other. Will probably just be a TV stand from Ashley furniture or something. Her other pre-requisite is that she gets to have "Nemo". Raise your hand if you are married and have encountered this requirement.
2. Cube tank 30 gallons or less, rimless
3. As much equipment hidden in the cabinet as possible, as little in tank as possible.
4. Between a 6-10 on the "keeping it real" scale.
5. Some type of drain valve like the Fluval that drains from the sump.
I already know the process after everything is put together (i.e. cycling, creating the environment, etc), so looking to keep it equipment build at this point. For equipment recommendations, I am looking for two options for each, one top of the line, and the other that is the best overall value.
I'll keep it one subject at a time, and after things progress I'll ask for the next stage. If this is ignored I will understand
Looking to get started in a few weeks, and will make sure I post photos and document things as I progress. I always enjoy living vicariously through my gambling customers so I hope you enjoy the same satisfaction helping me!So lets start!:
1. What brand/type tank should I use. Glass or Acrylic? Let's go with the largest on my scale, so around 30 gallons give or take. Can I buy them with all necessary valves/holes drilled in or can I have my local aquarium store do it? If neither how do I do it? (I'll ask about piping or hoses later)
