Welp! Here goes nothing...
New to the R2R forums. 2004 account on SWF, but looks like that forum is dead. I really enjoy the activity as I am a sponge for details. I will typically read 100 posts for every one that I make in a forum setting lol. Really impressed with the community here on R2R and have already learned a lot just from reading others build threads and combing the categories.
I have watched the 52 weeks of reefing series a couple times over now in the last couple weeks as I have been making decisions on my build. I have also practically watched the top 100 youtube results from each tank that potentially could fit my wants/needs. The BRS folks seem exceptionally knowledgable and I like their youtube channel and store a lot. Ive been reading threads, watching youtube videos and practically loosing sleep over my rekindled passion for the hobby.
I'll set the stage for what I have going here and what I am looking to accomplish.
As a kid we had saltwater aquariums in our family home. In my early 20's I also maintained a 55gal... First year was rough, but I got the hang of it and had it established for a total of 4 years. I moved around a lot mid to late 20's and the passion was filled with other hobbies and interests more suited for my budgets. Equipment was all sold off and I moved on from it.
Now, fast forward 15 years and I am ready to get after this.
I want the tank in an area that the family can enjoy it (The wife and I, plus 4 year old daughter and 3 year old son). I have an area in mind that would work really well in my opinion with only one potential issue and would love some input on that in this thread. I'll post some pictures and details below. I am somewhat concerned about the kids trying to climb on a tank or stand, so Ill need to address that at some-point before I get going. We spend the majority of our home time together in our kitchen/family dining room/living room area (open concept). So I want to keep the tank in this area as to be enjoyed as often as possible.
I know people say go as big as you can afford long run, but the 170 I am sold on is as big as I will want to go. Again, I know that people will say, "you will get hooked and want more." That will not be the case here as the size will be my forever tank for a large variety of reasons.
As far as inhabitants, the system will be designed around a mixed reef concept as it matures.
Hardware. I would prefer to purchase, setup/organize and initiate the hardware once. That being said I know some of the equipment won't come into play right away, but I don't want to be making major hardware changes down the line. I have a touch of OCD with how I cable manage things and organize them, so Ill be doing this once with everything I need from the go.
This is what I have in the cart at the moment.....
Red Sea Reefer Deluxe 170
Red Sea RSK 300 Protein Skimmer
2X Vortech MP10QD Powerhead
Cobalt Aquatics 150W NEO-Therm Heater
Neptune Systems COR15 Pump
Neptune Systems APEX Controller
Neptune Systems Trident Analyzer
2X Neptune Systems DOS
2X Neptune Systems DOS Reservoir
Neptune Systems ATK V2
Neptune Systems AFS
3X Neptune Systems MPR Probe Rack
AquaFX Barracude RO/DI 100GPD System
AquaFX Hydraulic Auto Shut Off
HM Digital In-Line TDS Monitor
Bubble Magus Gravity Float Valve Kit
Baseline hardware startup $5617 retail.
I'll take some photos of where I am thing of placing the tank and why here in a minute.
New to the R2R forums. 2004 account on SWF, but looks like that forum is dead. I really enjoy the activity as I am a sponge for details. I will typically read 100 posts for every one that I make in a forum setting lol. Really impressed with the community here on R2R and have already learned a lot just from reading others build threads and combing the categories.
I have watched the 52 weeks of reefing series a couple times over now in the last couple weeks as I have been making decisions on my build. I have also practically watched the top 100 youtube results from each tank that potentially could fit my wants/needs. The BRS folks seem exceptionally knowledgable and I like their youtube channel and store a lot. Ive been reading threads, watching youtube videos and practically loosing sleep over my rekindled passion for the hobby.
I'll set the stage for what I have going here and what I am looking to accomplish.
As a kid we had saltwater aquariums in our family home. In my early 20's I also maintained a 55gal... First year was rough, but I got the hang of it and had it established for a total of 4 years. I moved around a lot mid to late 20's and the passion was filled with other hobbies and interests more suited for my budgets. Equipment was all sold off and I moved on from it.
Now, fast forward 15 years and I am ready to get after this.
I want the tank in an area that the family can enjoy it (The wife and I, plus 4 year old daughter and 3 year old son). I have an area in mind that would work really well in my opinion with only one potential issue and would love some input on that in this thread. I'll post some pictures and details below. I am somewhat concerned about the kids trying to climb on a tank or stand, so Ill need to address that at some-point before I get going. We spend the majority of our home time together in our kitchen/family dining room/living room area (open concept). So I want to keep the tank in this area as to be enjoyed as often as possible.
I know people say go as big as you can afford long run, but the 170 I am sold on is as big as I will want to go. Again, I know that people will say, "you will get hooked and want more." That will not be the case here as the size will be my forever tank for a large variety of reasons.
As far as inhabitants, the system will be designed around a mixed reef concept as it matures.
Hardware. I would prefer to purchase, setup/organize and initiate the hardware once. That being said I know some of the equipment won't come into play right away, but I don't want to be making major hardware changes down the line. I have a touch of OCD with how I cable manage things and organize them, so Ill be doing this once with everything I need from the go.
This is what I have in the cart at the moment.....
Red Sea Reefer Deluxe 170
Red Sea RSK 300 Protein Skimmer
2X Vortech MP10QD Powerhead
Cobalt Aquatics 150W NEO-Therm Heater
Neptune Systems COR15 Pump
Neptune Systems APEX Controller
Neptune Systems Trident Analyzer
2X Neptune Systems DOS
2X Neptune Systems DOS Reservoir
Neptune Systems ATK V2
Neptune Systems AFS
3X Neptune Systems MPR Probe Rack
AquaFX Barracude RO/DI 100GPD System
AquaFX Hydraulic Auto Shut Off
HM Digital In-Line TDS Monitor
Bubble Magus Gravity Float Valve Kit
Baseline hardware startup $5617 retail.
I'll take some photos of where I am thing of placing the tank and why here in a minute.
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