New Hobbyist

jaybk5211 · Mar 24, 2014

I am in the Mount Juliet area and am brand new to the Hobby. Just trying to do research and learn a bit before I take the plunge and buy my first tank. Good to be here and open to any ideas and suggestions, just trying to learn with folks around my area.

Dowtish · Mar 24, 2014

Welcome to MTRC's forum. Lots of knowledge here locally for sure.

what size tank are you contemplating?

thejoshdavis · Mar 24, 2014

Welcome! You've found a great source for information on getting started.

jaybk5211 · Mar 24, 2014

I am looking into pricing on a 80 inch wide custom bowfront. 180-200 gallons I guess, but may be shocked when Chris from Aquatic Critter comes back with a price. Looking to do a coral reef with semi aggressive and peaceful fish hopefully.

I just ordered a couple books from amazon to learn, and am trying to do homework before jumping in.

Dowtish · Mar 24, 2014

There are a million ways to create a reef and you will have a ton of folks tell you what works best for them here. Take it a s opinion and necessarily as Truth. Research as much as possible and start practicing patience now, because everything good that happens in this hobby takes forever. That means even the time to save up money to get things right the first time. Ask specific questions and use the search option, because more than likely someone has already asked the same thing you are wondering about.

Happy Reefing!

JustinC · Mar 24, 2014

Welcome! I am also MJ area as well. If you need any help with getting the tank going or anything just hollar, I'm close.

fishdoc11 · Mar 24, 2014

I knew you would find it

jaybk5211 · Mar 24, 2014

Holy crap, my name is Justin and last initial is C. Creepy, lol

Thanks Fishdoc, I am trying to do research an get ready. I am excited but know it will be a long process. I am planning on about 10k budget, and hopefully that will be enough to get it done. I am looking to use kessil lights and a almost 7ft Bowfront. live rock and corals. Unless I go dry rock as some seem to suggest for whatever reason.

McAllyn · Mar 24, 2014

Welcome from Lebanon.

Wow, that sounds like it's going to be quite the showpiece. Can't wait to see it start coming together.

Mac

roadrashpaul · Mar 25, 2014

jaybk5211 said:
Holy crap, my name is Justin and last initial is C. Creepy, lol

Thanks Fishdoc, I am trying to do research an get ready. I am excited but know it will be a long process. I am planning on about 10k budget, and hopefully that will be enough to get it done. I am looking to use kessil lights and a almost 7ft Bowfront. live rock and corals. Unless I go dry rock as some seem to suggest for whatever reason.

Your jumping in with both feet lol. Welcome and I can't wait to see what you put together. It sounds like it is going to be amazing.

McAllyn · Mar 25, 2014

If you're interested in a bit of advice from the get-go, go as big as you want (who doesn't love a massive tank?) but think twice about the bowfront. Most people I know who've had bows have opined that the odd footprint has caused problems with aquascaping, lighting design, and flow arrangement. Either way you go, I am very interested in seeing this thing come to fruition.

Mac

jaybk5211 · Mar 25, 2014

McAllyn said:
If you're interested in a bit of advice from the get-go, go as big as you want (who doesn't love a massive tank?) but think twice about the bowfront. Most people I know who've had bows have opined that the odd footprint has caused problems with aquascaping, lighting design, and flow arrangement. Either way you go, I am very interested in seeing this thing come to fruition.

Mac

My wife really likes the bow front, and because of the shape of our living room being a little narrower on the ends will make more room where you walk in and on the other end to have the fireplace still stand out. The center will be about 24 inches front to back and the ends will be 18 inches. I have considered the aqua scape concern too, but with those widths wouldn't that be enough room to do some decent depth construction? It won't be real deep front to back but enough for some right?

palvyre · Mar 25, 2014

I tried a bow front myself as my first tank. I ended up not liking it for the same reasons. Difficult to arrange proper lighting, difficult to arrange proper flow. For me it was also difficult to access the over flow. It was a corner tank and it was in the very back. Also, the odd shape makes putting a sump underneath it a pain.

jaybk5211 · Mar 25, 2014

How high of a stand do I need for plenty of room? Also this will be in the center of a wall in the house so it is very accessible.

Dowtish · Mar 25, 2014

I agree that bowfronts can be an issue with certain things, but at that size you will have plenty of room for aquascaping. I would look into incorporating either all T5 or at least combo T5 as they give the most spread and eliminate the bowfront shape issue with lighting it properly.

Here is a my old 85 bowfront that I had for about 2 years

palvyre · Mar 25, 2014

Look at the height of the skimmer you want under it. Also, check the ideal running depth of the skimmer when doing your sump planning.

jaybk5211 · Mar 25, 2014

That's gorgeous bro, the wife wants to go higher with the coral with hiding places more than long. It will be rock all the way across but we both like it higher kind of like what you have. What are the widths In yours in the center and ends?