Returning to Hobby Need a Crash Course

[Reef4Rose]

Goo day to all. I am new to this forum and am in need of some solid advise. I used to have aquariums more years ago than I care to indicate! Currently am about to build a house. First off things are a lot different than when I had a salt water tank. Back then a reef tank was not even thought of now seems to be common. Question one is how much difference in a marine tank opposed to a reef tank. Should I start out again with a marine tank and slowly convert to a reef? The next is about building the house and pluming and electrical items I would like to consider. My pre construction meeting is in a week so some solid guidance and recommendations on plumbing that may help and other wiring. I see people using USB and Ethernet for set ups. I would presume that is for providing control over the system. Any advice or experts in the areas of installation would really be appreciated. The goal would be to install a tank as large as possible. Probably in the 10'w 3'h and 3'd area. Thanks to all.

 

[james983]

The first thing you need to decide is what type of tank do you want to have. There are many variations, from fish only with live rock to a tank with fish and soft corals, a mixed reef which has soft corals, LPS and SPS corals and some guys like me, SPS only.

When you decide on that, you can buy equipment based on your specific needs. I can say a tank that large will be very expensive to set up and run. Another consideration is to be sure you have dedicated lines for electric and a lot of them for a tank that large.

I suggest you do as much reading and research as possible before you do anything. Keep this thread going and ask as many questions as you can but remember everyone has their own opinions and way of doing things.

Good luck!

 

[Fin]

I think the very first thing you need to decide, is what your budget will be. You are talking about a 675 gallon tank and setting that up (especially as a reef tank) with proper filtration and lighting (not to mention the cost of a custom built tank of that size) will not be inexpensive. The cost of stocking it, maintenance and electricity to run a beast like that 24-7 also has to be factored in. If you have been out of the hobby for a long time, you may be in for a shock to see what stuff costs nowadays. But, if money is no object, I really look forward to watching this one come together.

There is a forum here for R2R member's large tanks over 180 gallons. Lots of big systems in there. That would be a good place to start looking to see what other reefers with large systems have done.

 

[rayn]

Building a house and building a room for a house just needs thought. Definitely would want a drain. Plenty of electrical. If it's in the basement, maybe a humidity vent.

Equipment to run the tank can all come later, but setting it up correctly as the house is built will save a headache later when you wish something was there.

 

[Reef4Rose]

Well we are going to push forward. A little different plan but still around 7'x3'x30". Anyone know how to figure electrical impact of pumps? Direct experience of impact on electrical?

 

[Jamesfl]

Not sure how accurate it is but a friend told me about this. https://www.marinedepot.com/md_educationcenter_calculators_tank_electrical.html You have to know what your electrical cost in $/Kwh.

 

[Reef4Rose]

Great! Thanks...

 

[Reef4Rose]

Well we crash landed! Was able to purchase an Elos 200XL! I think dimension is 78.5Lx31.5Dx23.5H. The excitement unfortunately will need to wait as my mother in law passed suddenly. Build thread to come...