paraplegic wondering about getting a reef tank

[aquaO]

Welcome to the team! (and back to the hobby) There are all kinds of custom stand options but what immediately came to mind was the aluminum 8020 stuff. Pretty easy to get that to a height that is comfortable for you. Like the other folks said there are also lots of tank options too. From the all in ones to a sump next to the tank that you could easily make into a display itself. A cool looking refugium with some LR and a neat sump design/wire management options and you would basically have two display tanks!

Oh and...

Welcome to R2R!!!! I can very highly recommend the IM 20 peninsula, cheap tank but can fit a lot. No sump so if you get a low stand for it I think it’d be a beautiful fit for you! All I do every 10 days or so is wash out the filter floss in the sink and do a small, maybe 2-3 gallon water change. IKEA desks make great stands because you can store an ATO under there so it helps you with evaporation and all the drawers can hold your reefing knick knacks. Welcome back to the hobby! Here’s my IM 20 and all my sweet little fish!

Wow thanks for all that it sounds very doable!! Love your critters beautiful!!
I can’t wait to get back in!
Arlene

 

[DSEKULA]

Welcome to r2r, glad to have you back reefing!! This is absolutely possible. If you post where you are you located theres likely local people who can help. Im in pennsylvania btw, id absolutely be willing to help a local reefer build a custom stand etc even if it wasnt for the mobility issues you face. An aio would be cool but i dont see why you couldn't do a sump system either some times the sections in an aio arnt any easier to reach anyway. You may need to think a little outside the box but keep in mind a sump dosent have to sit on the floor, it could be right next to the dt just a little lower.
I think a low shallow tank would be really cool for accessibility maybe a peninsula type, having access from three sides helps anyone but would be even better for access if you cant get on a ladder to reach further. Id even consider building a stand that extends a good foot out around the tank in the front or sides it could be done to look very nice and be used as a shelf, frag area, and bench for tank maintenance. I auctually have two ladders that a make into a makeshift kind of scaffolding to sit up high and maintain my tank and have considered something more permanent bc its just easier as a 5' chic
Theres also tons of automation available that can make things much easier if you have any smart home devices its very easy to add things like aquarium lights, pumps, heaters to smart outlets even if you cant budget a fancy controler system.

 

[catalystNfacade]

Hi sorry I took so long to introduce myself. My name is Arlene and I am a paraplegic as of 2004. I had a salt tank in the 90s before my accident and totally loved it. Life got to crazy and I had to give it up. It was 48 gallons with live rock, and a few fish.
I just wonder if I can find a tank at least 50 gallon with a stand that isn’t too Tall. I am very short in my wheelchair and really hope to maintain it myself! Thanks for any advice!!

Hey Arlene, my first saltwater tank was in 1998 and I just started one for the first time since. I'm still catching up (you could say getting acclimated) to everything available now. I installed a Neptune Apex a week ago and think it could be useful for you. It automates a lot of the task and puts all the information about the tank on a smart phone or tablet. It also has an automatic feeder for the fish which might come in handy with your limited mobility.

I went through some responses and noticed people's concernes about the sump. An all in one system might be helpful. Since I've just started I am realizing some of the limitations of an all in one.

I do industrial design and have a lot of idle equipment at my studio. I would be happy to help you make a system that would work better for your needs. Keep in mind I'm getting used to designing thing for aquatic life, definitely messed up my first attempt, so it won't be a quick process. But I'm always up for trying.

 

[PTXReef]

Welcome to R2R and happy reefing!

 

[Clownfish_Boy]

Welcome to our reefer forum (not the kind of reefer you smoke) ! I wish you all the success with your endeavor !

 

[DonTavo27]

Welcome! I agree with a lot of the post above, I think and all in one would be a great option, maybe even a AIO Frag tank. I went shallow, with my current build, and I enjoy very much looking at my coral from above.

 

[FlexingFishSticks]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[Kris 2020]

Welcome! May want to go with a shallow tank, and a custom stand so you can easily reach stuff.

 

[aquaO]

Thanks good idea!

 

[KingTideCorals]

Custom stand and lagoon style tank! Shallow would be beneficial!

LOVE THIS IDEA FOR YOU! Welcome to R2R look forward to a fun build! Hope to see it!

 

[scdigby]

LOVE THIS IDEA FOR YOU!

i do too! i have a neighbor who is a paraplegic, and comes over with her kid from time to time asking if she can look at the fish. i need to show her family this thread.
Welcome to R2R, Arlene!

 

[ScubaFish802]

 

[Nanorock1970]

Welcome to R2R and the wonderful folks, information and help.
I think you have already gotten some great ideas, depending on your mobility, all in one on a low custom stand would work or go with a reef tank that is not too tall and put it on a custom low stand, I like the idea someone had of having sliding doors instead of swing out styles. Keep us updated on your choice or throw out your ideas here and we can help you choose.
I recommend to everyone joining to create a tank build thread.
1. You get to see where you have started and how much you have grown in this hobby.
2. We love pictures and to see what your doing with your tank.
3. It’s a great learning tool for all of us to see what works and doesn’t . We learn great stuff from each other.
Lastly the only bad question here is the one not asked...

 

[LiveWire]

Welcome to the REEF!!

 

[G Santana]

A reef tank, this is the way!!!
Welcome to R2R