Looked over the edge for too long, fell in the rabbit hole

Nootch · May 20, 2020

Hello all,

I have always had a desire to do a saltwater tank and this being the 4th year i have owned my one home, and the one i want to be in for a very long time, i made the choice to start looking into the Saltwater and boy o' boy did i fall in the rabbit hole. Been a while since I have been regular on forums, but I am sure I will get back into the swing of things quickly. As for me, I am just a guy who lives alone and works up in the Oil Sands of Northern Alberta. 2020 has been a strange year on many fronts for me and everyone, and I am endeavoring to make the best of the last half and this next project is the start of it. A simple reminder that long term goals are met every day with a bit of diligence.

As for my initial thought and design, i took the tape to the floor last night and came up with this for an idea. I feel that this will allow for a diverse range of coral growth and animal habitat as there will be 3 distinct zones to control light and coral arrangements. Opinions before i get to far along this path would be appreciated.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Crabs McJones · May 20, 2020

Welcome to R2R!

dbl · May 20, 2020

Welcome to R2R and your new reefing family.

Fred2482 · May 20, 2020

Welcome! Neat Idea, who are you getting to build your tank?

ScottB · May 20, 2020

Welcome to R2R. You will love it here, where we share the joys and heartbreaks of reefing together. At a safe distance.

Pretty unique shape you plan there. Are you going to build that yourself or go to a custom builder?

I would suggest you leave space between the wall and the tank. 4-6" We all hate the look of that gap, but it saves a lot of future trouble.

jk_s124 · May 20, 2020

Welcome!

Nootch · May 20, 2020

Fred2482 said:
Welcome! Neat Idea, who are you getting to build your tank?

Carpenter friend for the base cabinet, glass shop for the panels, and if the design passes stress testing from my engineer friend.... I will be assembling it myself. Still in planning stage and debating building a steel base ring for the bottom to hold it at its greatest stress points.

Arricefe · May 20, 2020

Nootch said:
Hello all,

I have always had a desire to do a saltwater tank and this being the 4th year i have owned my one home, and the one i want to be in for a very long time, i made the choice to start looking into the Saltwater and boy o' boy did i fall in the rabbit hole. Been a while since I have been regular on forums, but I am sure I will get back into the swing of things quickly. As for me, I am just a guy who lives alone and works up in the Oil Sands of Northern Alberta. 2020 has been a strange year on many fronts for me and everyone, and I am endeavoring to make the best of the last half and this next project is the start of it. A simple reminder that long term goals are met every day with a bit of diligence.

As for my initial thought and design, i took the tape to the floor last night and came up with this for an idea. I feel that this will allow for a diverse range of coral growth and animal habitat as there will be 3 distinct zones to control light and coral arrangements. Opinions before i get to far along this path would be appreciated.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Welcome and WOW! you're going all in! I wish I could give you some good info but I will say good luck! It should be a lot of fun!

Billldg · May 20, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

Pau Hana Reefer · May 20, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!! That will be a really cool shaped tank! +1 to ScottB's recommendation of leaving some space between the wall and your tank.

Nootch · May 20, 2020

ScottB said:
Welcome to R2R. You will love it here, where we share the joys and heartbreaks of reefing together. At a safe distance.

Pretty unique shape you plan there. Are you going to build that yourself or go to a custom builder?

I would suggest you leave space between the wall and the tank. 4-6" We all hate the look of that gap, but it saves a lot of future trouble.

thankfully the back wall on the long side the mechanical room and that is where the sump will live. I intent on removing a portion of that wall to have access to the back of the tank if necessary.

Peace River · May 20, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

New&no clue · May 20, 2020

Welcome to the Reef. Sound like you come with a whole crew, I'd add a plumber and and electrician to your friend list and there wont any challenge you can't do.

Nootch · May 20, 2020

New&no clue said:
Welcome to the Reef. Sound like you come with a whole crew, I'd add a plumber and and electrician to your friend list and there wont any challenge you can't do.

Thank you! I will make sure i keep those friends on close dial as well

ScottB · May 20, 2020

Nootch said:
thankfully the back wall on the long side the mechanical room and that is where the sump will live. I intent on removing a portion of that wall to have access to the back of the tank if necessary.

Mechanical room!

You're just trying to make me jealous.