Hello all.
For a while I have been considering starting a reef aquarium. I’ve always wanted to take the plunge and set up a large mixed reef tank.
I have a question about practicalities, however.
First, a little background about me and my experience that might help you answer my question.
I’m a biologist and engineer by training. I love researching topics and planning execution.
In terms of fish, I kept a successful (very) large-ish soft water amazon-type tank. It had CO2 injection, so a little bit of complexity. It held very stable parameters for years and I learnt the massive importance of strong plant growth for nutrient export and fish quarantine.
So, my question.
I wanted to set up a significant mixed-reef tank (1000L), as automated as possible (water changes, dosing, lighting schedules, chiller, ATO etc). I would run a large fuge with filter mat roller, Chaeto and skimmer. I have a garage where I can set up RODI and salt mixing and pipe that to the tank and a quarantine station.
I want to ask your advice and experience on the amount of work required and if the idea is at all practical. I have just changed jobs and my new role will involve me being away from home 30-50% of my time and working from home for the rest of the week. My family will be able to do basic tasks while I am away.
Question
Thanks
Carri10
For a while I have been considering starting a reef aquarium. I’ve always wanted to take the plunge and set up a large mixed reef tank.
I have a question about practicalities, however.
First, a little background about me and my experience that might help you answer my question.
I’m a biologist and engineer by training. I love researching topics and planning execution.
In terms of fish, I kept a successful (very) large-ish soft water amazon-type tank. It had CO2 injection, so a little bit of complexity. It held very stable parameters for years and I learnt the massive importance of strong plant growth for nutrient export and fish quarantine.
So, my question.
I wanted to set up a significant mixed-reef tank (1000L), as automated as possible (water changes, dosing, lighting schedules, chiller, ATO etc). I would run a large fuge with filter mat roller, Chaeto and skimmer. I have a garage where I can set up RODI and salt mixing and pipe that to the tank and a quarantine station.
I want to ask your advice and experience on the amount of work required and if the idea is at all practical. I have just changed jobs and my new role will involve me being away from home 30-50% of my time and working from home for the rest of the week. My family will be able to do basic tasks while I am away.
Question
- Is it madness to even think about setting up such a tank with that work schedule, or could it be manageable with the right planning? Should I go ahead?
- Should I instead set up a large freshwater, with automation on water changes, a sump etc to learn about the mechanics of a large tank for a few years before converting to a mixed reef when my job becomes more reasonable? Here I would imagine setting up (at least plumbing) for an eventual reef, but running a freshwater for a while and then converting the tank to a reef (I know this is overkill for the freshwater side)
- Forget about the whole idea altogether until I am more capable of being at home?
Thanks
Carri10