Large Aquarium Upgrade and Relocation

[datahoe]

Hello,

I’m planning a home renovation, which will take approximately 3-4 months. Part of the renovation is upgrading my RSM S-550 (2012 model) to a larger aquarium. I’m looking for a local provider (DC/VA/MD area) who can sell me the aquarium and all associated equipment and install it. The aquarium I’m most interested in is the Waterbox Reef LX 380.8.

In addition, I will tear down my old aquarium during the renovation and house the fish in a temporary location in the basement. I'm both excited and NERVOUS, but looking forward to this new journey. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[W31Olds]

Datahoe, I also am planning an upgrade that's in process. I need to move my existing 170 Gallon system about 10ft. to make room for my new System. Crazy thing is, I also have a RSM S-650 that is being replaced by a Waterbox Reef LX 380.8. Mine was ordered on Nov.7 and no surprise still no shipping update. One thing to consider is that I don't know of a WB Dealer in Maryland and the Tank is too large to be delivered directly to a residence so needs to be picked up at the Curtis Bay Terminal. When I get my Tank, hopefully in the next month or two you are welcome to stop by and check it out before you order yours. I live in Timonium. As far as a temporary home for your fish, I'd go with 40 Gallon breeders or a 60-gallon breeder if you have large fish or a combination of both. I'd probably set up at least 2 or 3 in your basement and run cannister filters. I have these in my basement, and they can be moved downstairs with some effort and setup in advance.

 

[datahoe]

That is crazy! Looks like we both will be on the same journey. I am renovating the entire first level and kitchen and will include the aquarium upgrade. Need to reinforce the floor beneath the aquarium. I did find a WB dealer located in DE, and I am working out the logistics of the purchase and delivery. I look forward to seeing your setup. I’m located in Bowie. Good point on the breeder aquariums. I’ll start looking now. I have a Naso Tang, a Sailfin Tang, a Foxface, a Blue Tang, two Picasso Clowns, a Royal Gramma, and a Lyretail Anthias. So would have to do multiple aquariums, at least I feel I do. But back to your timeline, I did notice it says a lead time of 10 to 12 weeks for shipping. I need to take that into consideration. I’m excited to see someone relatively local is going through the same upgrade! Question, did you have to reinforce the floor under your aquarium?

 

[W31Olds]

10 to 12 weeks is optimistic. I'm at 10 weeks as we speak. You may be able to score a discount. I got 10 percent by using a code for a new customer. Saved me a grand. My floor is already reinforced for my current tank. I added 2 additional 2x10 floor joists between my existing because the tank runs parallel. The tank is against the block wall foundation and I have an existing steel beam that runs perpendicular to my tank. I picked up the breeders off FB marketplace for $40-$50 bucks a piece and used cannister filters too.

 

[areefer01]

Out of curiosity have you considered using a custom builder that focuses on aquarium installations? There are businesses such as Reef Aquaria Design that may be in your area that you could work with. Integrate it into your RENO.

I am, of course, ignoring the budget question but was just suggesting it. Also there are custom tank builders that could probably do the tank, stand, and cabinets in parallel while you do the plumbing and associated lines.

 

[datahoe]

10 to 12 weeks is optimistic. I'm at 10 weeks as we speak. You may be able to score a discount. I got 10 percent by using a code for a new customer. Saved me a grand. My floor is already reinforced for my current tank. I added 2 additional 2x10 floor joists between my existing because the tank runs parallel. The tank is against the block wall foundation and I have an existing steel beam that runs perpendicular to my tank. I picked up the breeders off FB marketplace for $40-$50 bucks a piece and used cannister filters too.

Thanks for the info. I will check Facebook market for some deals. I have a couple 20 gallon longs but those will not work for the fish I have. My flooring is very similar so may need to have a similar reinforcement. Currently I have two columns carrying the weight to the basement slab.

 

[datahoe]

Out of curiosity have you considered using a custom builder that focuses on aquarium installations? There are businesses such as Reef Aquaria Design that may be in your area that you could work with. Integrate it into your RENO.

I am, of course, ignoring the budget question but was just suggesting it. Also there are custom tank builders that could probably do the tank, stand, and cabinets in parallel while you do the plumbing and associated lines.

I honestly haven’t considered a custom builder. I assumed they would be well outside of my budget. I may look into it more closely to see what options are available. Thanks for the tip.

 

[datahoe]

10 to 12 weeks is optimistic. I'm at 10 weeks as we speak. You may be able to score a discount. I got 10 percent by using a code for a new customer. Saved me a grand. My floor is already reinforced for my current tank. I added 2 additional 2x10 floor joists between my existing because the tank runs parallel. The tank is against the block wall foundation and I have an existing steel beam that runs perpendicular to my tank. I picked up the breeders off FB marketplace for $40-$50 bucks a piece and used cannister filters too.

If you don't mind me asking, have you already planned out the equipment? If so, can you share your equipment list (LEDs, skimmer, pumps etc). I'm trying to plan my purchases and budget.

 

[W31Olds]

Data, no updates from Waterbox yet after 12 weeks. I'll use an Inkbird controller with a Finnex Titanium Heater. Octo Regal 200 skimmer (already have), 2 80 watt uv's (looking for a second one), 1/3 HP chiller (already have). I have some hydra 52's so I will use them until get the new tank matured and add coral. I still need to decide on a return pump and some wavemakers. Gravity fed ATO. Transfer all my Mature Rock and a combo of TBS Live Rock and dry Rock. Controller planned as a future state.