KeishaKornbread
Banned
Folks,
I’m new to the reef forum but have been doing a lot of reading and researching. I’ve successfully kept freshwater and saltwater fish only tanks in the past but bowed out of the hobby once I left for college over 15 years ago. I’m looking to dive into a smaller reef setup with mostly inverts and maybe some tiny fish.
I’ve already purchased my sump/fuge and it’s a 15 gallon acrylic unit that measures 24” w x 9” d x 15” h with 3 compartments. I’ve yet to order my tank and stand due to the exacting specs I need the setup to fit into my living room. I’ve been researching my behind off to make sure that the tank fits my needs and doesn’t overtake the aesthetics of my pretty modern flat in the city. I want the tank to enhance and blend with my current décor and not overtake or compete with anything in my living space. The tank’s back will be really close to a corner wall and the front of the tank will be flush with the arm of my left facing chaise of my sectional.. To access the sump and cabinet, I will have to move the sectional pieces, but I am fine with this.
I’ve decided on a custom acrylic tank and stand that measures 32” w x 12” d x 16” h. The stand would be around 30” h. This would allow the sump to fit inside the stand. I’m planning to have the tank predrilled with a horizontal overflow with no teeth. I’d prefer the water to sheet into the overflow as to provide some initial skimming of the display tank. before sending the water to the sump. From what I have gathered, a 1” bulkhead fitting will yield a waterflow of 300 gph being sent to the sump.
As I don’t want to be restricted to what I can keep in this tank, I am planning on lighting the setup with an AI SOL Nano, AI SOL Blue or the new Maxspect Masarra. LED dual fixture I’m going hard with the lights, as it seems to be the most important factor when deciding what I can put in the tank and it can grow with my needs as they change in time. I’d rather spend the big bucks initially and do it right then have to rebuy later.
Return pump will be Eheim and I haven’t decided on an in-sump skimmer or a heater yet, as there are plenty of good options. I’ve been planning my setup going back and forth with Old Town Aquarium with quotes on the tank and stand, as I don’t want to jump into this overly excited and making a big mistake without thoroughly researching and understanding as much as I can. They quoted my tank at $200 with $100 additional for the overflow and another $400 for the acrylic stand.
Everything will be purchased as my finances allow going forward. This will keep me from jumping the gun and moving too quickly without thoroughly thinking about my choices.
How does this all sound to you? I’m trying to get some feedback from some seasoned reefers as your experience is invaluable for a reefing newbie, such as me. I may think I have read enough and know enough, but I know better……and I am far from that.
Any advice on my choices would be absolutely welcomed and appreciated. I’m trying my best to not enter this very expensive hobby blindly and the more I know the better.
Thanks!!!
Walt
I’m new to the reef forum but have been doing a lot of reading and researching. I’ve successfully kept freshwater and saltwater fish only tanks in the past but bowed out of the hobby once I left for college over 15 years ago. I’m looking to dive into a smaller reef setup with mostly inverts and maybe some tiny fish.
I’ve already purchased my sump/fuge and it’s a 15 gallon acrylic unit that measures 24” w x 9” d x 15” h with 3 compartments. I’ve yet to order my tank and stand due to the exacting specs I need the setup to fit into my living room. I’ve been researching my behind off to make sure that the tank fits my needs and doesn’t overtake the aesthetics of my pretty modern flat in the city. I want the tank to enhance and blend with my current décor and not overtake or compete with anything in my living space. The tank’s back will be really close to a corner wall and the front of the tank will be flush with the arm of my left facing chaise of my sectional.. To access the sump and cabinet, I will have to move the sectional pieces, but I am fine with this.
I’ve decided on a custom acrylic tank and stand that measures 32” w x 12” d x 16” h. The stand would be around 30” h. This would allow the sump to fit inside the stand. I’m planning to have the tank predrilled with a horizontal overflow with no teeth. I’d prefer the water to sheet into the overflow as to provide some initial skimming of the display tank. before sending the water to the sump. From what I have gathered, a 1” bulkhead fitting will yield a waterflow of 300 gph being sent to the sump.
As I don’t want to be restricted to what I can keep in this tank, I am planning on lighting the setup with an AI SOL Nano, AI SOL Blue or the new Maxspect Masarra. LED dual fixture I’m going hard with the lights, as it seems to be the most important factor when deciding what I can put in the tank and it can grow with my needs as they change in time. I’d rather spend the big bucks initially and do it right then have to rebuy later.
Return pump will be Eheim and I haven’t decided on an in-sump skimmer or a heater yet, as there are plenty of good options. I’ve been planning my setup going back and forth with Old Town Aquarium with quotes on the tank and stand, as I don’t want to jump into this overly excited and making a big mistake without thoroughly researching and understanding as much as I can. They quoted my tank at $200 with $100 additional for the overflow and another $400 for the acrylic stand.
Everything will be purchased as my finances allow going forward. This will keep me from jumping the gun and moving too quickly without thoroughly thinking about my choices.
How does this all sound to you? I’m trying to get some feedback from some seasoned reefers as your experience is invaluable for a reefing newbie, such as me. I may think I have read enough and know enough, but I know better……and I am far from that.
Any advice on my choices would be absolutely welcomed and appreciated. I’m trying my best to not enter this very expensive hobby blindly and the more I know the better.
Thanks!!!
Walt
