smart set up advice needed

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Figured I'd start a thread. Did some research and answered a few of my questions, but searching smart setup system the hole seems to get wider and deeper. FYI 125 gallon tank. Will be putting corals in it.

Visited the local fish store and was exposed to smart tank maintenance and care. I want this! But I also don't know what I'm looking at. I asked the employee to quote me an entire system. Auto water change auto refill, dosing, smart pump, smart heaters, etc. Of course I don't have an itemized list of what he put together, but was quoted $2500 and another $1k for set up. I can set this up myself, not paying that!

The problem is, I don't know how to put a kit together myself. I'm not even sure what size pump I need. I do think I want to go with 2 200w heaters, thoughts?

one other question, my tank is not drilled. Thinking two return lines and one feed. I'm OK with a hang on the back return box, but I also remember my last 125 20 years ago and it could be noisy, so noise is a concern. Tank is located in my living room. Would drilling the back of the tank for return cut down on noise significantly?

I know this is going to get spendy, but I only want to do this once.

 

[Fish Fan]

I think what you're looking for is tank control and automation, and while there's a few choices, I think Apex is the most popular solution by far. Not cheap, somewhat limiting in what gear is "compatible", and can take a bit of programming knowledge to really unlock its full potential, but this is I believe what most people are using to monitor, control, and automate reef tank care.

Personally, I like Robo-Tank, it's a bit more DIY, but quite flexible and capable if you're good with things like Raspberry Pi and Arduino (not that I'm great with either).

I can't suggest heating option without knowing the size of the tank, but it's a very, very good idea to use at least a stand-a-lone heater controller if you don't go with a full Apex system or another aquarium controller. This can prevent you from having an unplanned seafood boil in your living room

Drilling your tank for both the overflow and returns I believe is the best solution in terms of esthetics, sound, and reliability. You can do a simple test to see if the glass is tempered or not, you CANNOT drill tempered glass:


Good luck with your build!

 

[Bartanto]

You have a lot going on. Fun! I’d suggest diving into people’s build threads or showcases to get an idea of setups, the level of control and start putting together a list of what you’d ultimately like. Apex or Hydros? You can go as full auto or minimalist as you want…but you have to know what you want to do it right the 1st time.

 

[^&right]

Sorry guys, I have a 125g, 72" long tank.

I used to work in an automotive glass factory so I am very familiar with glass, tempered glass and drilling raw glass. But I've never seen or heard of testing with polarized sun glasses. That was very interesting!

Need to openly confess a few things. I'm very mechanically inclined and can figure out mounting, plumbing, routing, etc. I had to look up what Arduino and Rasberry Pi was. I am NOT electronically inclined. FOr instance, I have no idea how to draw up a program for my 3D printer. I can download and transfer programs, but manipulating things electronically you'll get a deer in the headlight look every time. Plug and play is my friend. I could tweak things, but programming is not my thing unless I have a clear instruction sheet telling me how to do it. I need to see things working.

I will look into Apex. I believe that is what the LFS had. More than willing to spend the money to automate my tank, but I only want to do it once and know its right.

 

[BryanM]

Figured I'd start a thread. Did some research and answered a few of my questions, but searching smart setup system the hole seems to get wider and deeper. FYI 125 gallon tank. Will be putting corals in it.

Visited the local fish store and was exposed to smart tank maintenance and care. I want this! But I also don't know what I'm looking at. I asked the employee to quote me an entire system. Auto water change auto refill, dosing, smart pump, smart heaters, etc. Of course I don't have an itemized list of what he put together, but was quoted $2500 and another $1k for set up. I can set this up myself, not paying that!

The problem is, I don't know how to put a kit together myself. I'm not even sure what size pump I need. I do think I want to go with 2 200w heaters, thoughts?

one other question, my tank is not drilled. Thinking two return lines and one feed. I'm OK with a hang on the back return box, but I also remember my last 125 20 years ago and it could be noisy, so noise is a concern. Tank is located in my living room. Would drilling the back of the tank for return cut down on noise significantly?

I know this is going to get spendy, but I only want to do this once.

Automation is dandy, but you 100% have to learn about reefing and your own tank.

The only shortcut in this hobby is real ocean live rock.

I'm still a baby at 2 years in - I love automation, but it doesn't mean 100% success, set it and forget it.

 

[Fish Fan]

Sorry guys, I have a 125g, 72" long tank.

I used to work in an automotive glass factory so I am very familiar with glass, tempered glass and drilling raw glass. But I've never seen or heard of testing with polarized sun glasses. That was very interesting!

Need to openly confess a few things. I'm very mechanically inclined and can figure out mounting, plumbing, routing, etc. I had to look up what Arduino and Rasberry Pi was. I am NOT electronically inclined. FOr instance, I have no idea how to draw up a program for my 3D printer. I can download and transfer programs, but manipulating things electronically you'll get a deer in the headlight look every time. Plug and play is my friend. I could tweak things, but programming is not my thing unless I have a clear instruction sheet telling me how to do it. I need to see things working.

I will look into Apex. I believe that is what the LFS had. More than willing to spend the money to automate my tank, but I only want to do it once and know its right.

Apex is almost certainly what your LFS is using, and probably the best option if you don't care for tweaking electronics