First salt water aquarium!

ferro · Nov 28, 2017

Fifteen years ago my parents had a salt water aquarium and I loved looking at the fish and corals. Now I would like to get into the hobby and start a tank of my own! I have picked out a spot in my house on the first floor that is next to my TV and away from windows. I have a bathroom on the other side of the wall as well as a normal basement below.

There is a air return right where I would like to place the tank so I may locate the tank slightly in the pathway to get the weight on the joist to the right of the return. I have been looking for a few weeks for used tanks and can't find what I want and worry about leaks. I found this tank online http://www.scaquariums.com/SCA-80-Gallon-Starfire-Tank-p/sca-80g.htm Seems like a good price and is currently my #1 choice. I like the cube tanks and don't have room for a good sized wide tank. I will build my own stand and run a dedicated outlet with GFCI.

I currently have no equipment and could use advice on what else I need to get this going!

What I want:
Clowns
Shrimp
Starfish
Soft corals
Other colorful fish that play nice.

kashman100 · Nov 28, 2017

Tank looks a bit large for that spot. You could move the tv to the wall with the vent and put the tank on the wall to the left.

Lovemyreef2015 · Nov 28, 2017

Welcome to R2R

Palyzoa · Nov 28, 2017

Welcome to the hobby and R2R!

MaiReef · Nov 28, 2017

Okay, so for lights I would go with two Aquatic Life XS-UV 14" lights which can be programmed for full sunrise sunset and moon. Two of them are $400 new and are good LEDs. They look good, great build and they will last. Discontinued light though. I have them.

Trigger Systems Ruby Cube 20 Refugium ($344.95)
Trigger Systems Ruby ATO Container, 5 Gallon ($114.99)

SYNCRA SILENT 4.0 PUMP (951 GPH) - SICCE
or Jebao DCP 6500 for a return pump.

ATO - IceCap

Bubble Magus Curve A5 Skimmer

H80 Tuna Flora Refugium LED Light - Kessil

andyg1960 · Nov 28, 2017

I would agree with moving the TV to the right and tank on the left.

ferro · Nov 28, 2017

Never thought about moving the TV! It would also help minimize the glare from the tank. That is a good looking refugium... What else do I need to plan for in the bottom of my stand to try to get an idea of how to build/use the space?

ferro · Nov 28, 2017

Another note, left of the picture I have a wood burning fireplace that I occasionally use in the winter. I am not sure how close I can get to that without having issues with the tank when I use the fireplace.