Tank layout logistics

cephalopoda · Jun 9, 2018

Hello All,

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a Red Sea Reefer 425XL. The biggest issue I am running into is figuring out water changes: where to put the extra water that is needed for changes. Here is what the space looks like where it will live. Yes, thats an ancient 45G FOWLR setup from a while ago that is now just sad with no fish. I have already had the GFI installed on the lower left on its own 20A circuit and have verified the floor will hold it as its on a load-bearing wall.

This is the room behind the tank.

I've seen members here that have a permanent solution with two containers (one for RO/DI water and one for saltwater) plumbed to the tank. The garage below the tank is not heated and in the Boston area that could be a problem. Another option would be to put them in the play room behind the tank, but that room also gets pretty cold in the winter. So, if I don't have a permanent setup for water, what would the other options be?

I know that I will need to have the RO/DI Unit somewhere, but that apparently can go under the sink in the kitchen which is right nearby, so I could get that water via hose if I cant have a more permanent setup.

I'm looking for any suggestions. This is really my last hurdle before I can "confidently" pull the trigger.

DSC reef · Jun 9, 2018

I've never had a basement. I had an RODI unit plumbed into the garage and stored freshwater in there. When it was tome for water changes I'd mix new saltwater in a few 5 gallon buckets then change the water. We didn't have enough room for a water change station.

mike werner · Jun 9, 2018

I store my ro/di top off and saltwater for changes in Rubbermaid trash cans in the basement.it does get cold in the winter and stays around 75 in the heat of summer.the top off water is never heated sense it only tops off 1/4 gal at a time a few times a day.when I need to do a water change I drop a 300w heater in before I go to work in winter and by that evening it's 78 degrees and ready to use.no sense keeping the water warm until ya need it.that's just a waste of electricity.