Conceptualizing a fish room

[Puggz]

My 1800 sq foot basement is currently unfinished and I have an area that's about 800sq ft for a tank room and a smaller utility room next to it that could easily house the sump. Water plant would go in another room where I have a large ion exchange softener.
My concept plan consists of a 8'x3'x2 deep FOWLR, a 6'x3'x2'deep reefer, and a 4'x3'x2' deep Refugium for Macro Algae and livestock that needs some alone time. I would also have room to put in 2 small QT tanks, one with copper/meds, and one without, both isolated from the display system. So about 800 gallons less any rock, sand, etc. The sump would be a DIY acrylic (scalable) in the range of approx. 300 gallon total volume. Volume used is tbd.

I'm thinking that starting with the smallest tank and sump would be best. Sump would have a large biological (areobic) filter and no pre filter/skimmer use until its balanced using live ocean rock etc. The sump will also be designed to add things like an anarobic tower, UV, calcium, etc etc if/when required. Understandibly I need an adequate pump and a backup plan if it craps out. As this is my retirement project i won't be rushing in like a teenage boy. Taking my time in a methodical way.

Thoughts? Recomendations?

TIA~

P.

 

[KrisReef]

I love the looks of deep tanks (2' is longer than my arm) but I hate trying to work inside of my 18" X 30" wide tank because I have to snorkel to do maintenance. Reaching across and down to the bottom is like going to church to get baptised, again.

If you do a wide tank, having access from both front and back sides is desirable, but anything deeper than 15" on a wide tank can be a challenge especially if you only have access from the front (tank against the wall).

Just food for thought. Build and have fun!

 

[Puggz]

Interesting and helpful! Yes, currently the tanks will be up against a wall with about a 6" space (or more if recommended). What depth/height maximum would you recommend?
As this is in the conceptual phase, I could pivot and go for a peninsula but that poses other problems i understand.