paraplegic wondering about getting a reef tank

[BackToTheReef]

Hi sorry I took so long to introduce myself. My name is Arlene and I am a paraplegic as of 2004. I had a salt tank in the 90s before my accident and totally loved it. Life got to crazy and I had to give it up. It was 48 gallons with live rock, and a few fish.
I just wonder if I can find a tank at least 50 gallon with a stand that isn’t too Tall. I am very short in my wheelchair and really hope to maintain it myself! Thanks for any advice!!

Welcome to the team! (and back to the hobby) There are all kinds of custom stand options but what immediately came to mind was the aluminum 8020 stuff. Pretty easy to get that to a height that is comfortable for you. Like the other folks said there are also lots of tank options too. From the all in ones to a sump next to the tank that you could easily make into a display itself. A cool looking refugium with some LR and a neat sump design/wire management options and you would basically have two display tanks! :)

Oh and...

 

[andrewkw]

Many years ago I did sell some frags to a reefer in a wheelchair so there are others out there in the same situation as you. As everyone has said it can be done. Another suggestion would be if you want to use a sump instead of having it under the tank in the stand would be to create a second stand / cabinet so it's just slightly lower than your display tank, then you could just remove the top of the sump stand / cabinet and access it that way.

 

[Cell]

Welcome to R2R!

In regards to AIO vs Sump, my recommendation would be sump. Not sure how you could reach into the aio back chambers from a wheelchair unless maybe you go with a peninsula so its accessible from either side or if it's a nano aio.

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[Bryn]

Welcome to R2R...

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!! Between all-in-one tanks, nano-tanks, and a lot of helpful automation there are definitely some possibilities to make this very doable.

 

[RM24]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[fishguy242]

hi welcome to the reef going to love it here!!
lots of fun/info/fun/help/fun....

 

[Twoddler]

Hi welcome to r2r

 

[BeltedCoyote]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[PicassoClown04]

Welcome to R2R!!!! I can very highly recommend the IM 20 peninsula, cheap tank but can fit a lot. No sump so if you get a low stand for it I think it’d be a beautiful fit for you! All I do every 10 days or so is wash out the filter floss in the sink and do a small, maybe 2-3 gallon water change. IKEA desks make great stands because you can store an ATO under there so it helps you with evaporation and all the drawers can hold your reefing knick knacks. Welcome back to the hobby! Here’s my IM 20 and all my sweet little fish!

 

[Sebastiancrab]

Welcome Arlene! Lots of help, friends and fun here.

 

[Fishurama]

Welcome, you could 100 percent do it. Shorter custom stand, Trident or similar management and automatic top off so you can do less work on it throughout the week since im sure its hard now then it was. Don't be shy, the community is great and we are hear to help. Ask away. Hope it all works out.

 

[Dw79]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[Fourstars]

Go for it! I’m sure a reef tank would be very therapeutic. If you do decide to give it a try make sure you start a build thread.

 

[Katrina71]

@Joe Glass Cages this might be fun for you!

 

[virtual reality]

Welcome to R2R. Glad you could join us.

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

@Joe Glass Cages this might be fun for you!

Thanks @Katrina71. For sure.

@aquaO, would love the opportunity to support your journey. Welcome to R2R! Great community here of support and knowledge. I am sure we could custom make a tank for your needs. We love building and supporting.

 

[Anirban]

Welcome to R2R Arlene.. :)
I think an AIO with custom stand will be best for you.

 

[vetteguy53081]

As the ocean is relaxing, so would a tank be for you !!
Welcome to the R2R community and family !!