Thoughts in Progress: My Big Tank

JDowns · May 1, 2019

Since the space is 11x16. I would go with a 5x10 peninsula right down the center. 3' of walk around space is plenty!

Bleigh · May 1, 2019

JoshH said:
Liveaquaria.com has most of the fish you could ever want and if you search through there saltwater fish and click on a particular fish it will tell you a general guide as to what size tank the minimum is for them. Now keep in mind this is just a guide and once you have a list it's always helpful to ask on the forum here for more sound advice. They also have a compatibility chart you can look at which is helpful as well.

If you're looking for a fish only tank I would venture into the 240+ Gallon range. Most eels and other predators need large tanks and a solid filtration system because they are messy eaters.

Yeah it looks like some of the angelfish and triggerfish that I envy need upwards of a 200 or 300 gallon tank.

I had someone tell me that an eel would be perfect in my biocube because they prefer small spaces.... I was like, don't you think it be disgusting though?

I found these for a dimension of a 300 gallon tank: 30"H x 96"L x 24"D. I imagine that is the limit of how large I would want to go. The desk that's there is 133 inches long and 24 inches wide, so I know it would fit (and it actually gives me some idea of how big the tank would be since it's already here.). It might would even be the perfect size for the space. I think I could get away with wider if I didn't want it to be so long, but I'd imagine cleaning it would become impossible.

This is the wall opposite of where I'd like the super big one that I think could accommodate another tank, should I choose to do that. It's a 9 foot span.

Bleigh · May 1, 2019

drstardust said:
Excited to see what you come up with! Regarding FOWLR vs reef, obviously this is personal preference based on what you wish to keep. However, know that it's never too late to go from one to the other (though would probably require getting rid of livestock-or adding another tank! hehe)

That's my thought! Give me all the tanks!!! :D It's easy to get obsessed with this stuff, right?

drstardust · May 1, 2019

Bleigh said:
That's my thought! Give me all the tanks!!! :D It's easy to get obsessed with this stuff, right?

Yuppp!!

Bleigh · May 1, 2019

JDowns said:
Since the space is 11x16. I would go with a 5x10 peninsula right down the center. 3' of walk around space is plenty!

I did briefly consider doing this in my dining room - directly across from my office. The ceiling is 15 feet high and the room is 11 by 14. I could put a much taller tank in here and a really cool looking light set up. I've lived in this house for nearly 3 years and have NEVER sat in here. The only reason I go in there is to clean. But I suspect the second I do that, I'll need a dining room table. lol.

Hemmdog · May 1, 2019

That gun safe is no joke Lolol.

Ps my wife says she loves your home decor. I like it too :p

Bleigh · May 1, 2019

Hemmdog said:
That gun safe is no joke Lolol.

Ps my wife says she loves your home decor. I like it too :p

Lol... I needed a safe, and it was on super sale on the Costco website. I was more than a little surprised at just how big it was when it was delivered. :/ I need to hire someone to move it upstairs, but I just haven't.

Tell her she can contact my designer. I for sure do not have a mind for that. Totally science and math brained.

https://www.anchorhome-rr.com/

virtual reality · May 1, 2019

I will be keeping an eye on this Bleigh, looks really interesting.:)

Bleigh · May 1, 2019

Does anyone know about the chances of tiles cracking under a tank? Since I'm thinking the tank may end up being bigger than I initially anticipated, I'm starting to wonder if the flooring should be done more like a kitchen, where the cabinets go directly on the subfloor and then tile around it. I suspect that would be my best avenue. Not sure why I wasn't thinking that way to begin with. Then I have less space that needs flooring too. If that's the case, would it be best to order the tank and first to start the build? I haven't the slightest clue where I could keep it safe during construction though.

I haven't found any tiles that I'm totally in love with. But here's some ideas.

This but in a herring bone pattern and perhaps a black or dark gray grout. You cannot tell the pattern well, but it's made to look like carpet.

Phil D. · May 1, 2019

My recommendation for a tank would be the Red Sea Max S650. This is an all included type aquarium and the stand is available in white to match your décor. It's 175g and has the AI hydra 26HD LEDs. I currently have the Red Sea E-260 and really love it. Red Sea has a quality product and good customer support. https://www.marinedepot.com/Red_Sea...eef_System_175_Gallons-RS40071-FIAQML-vi.html

Bleigh · May 1, 2019

virtual reality said:
I will be keeping an eye on this Bleigh, looks really interesting.:)

Thanks! I sure have a lot to figure out, but I'm excited!

Bleigh · May 1, 2019

Phil D. said:
My recommendation for a tank would be the Red Sea Max S650. This is an all included type aquarium and the stand is available in white to match your décor. It's 175g and has the AI hydra 26HD LEDs. I currently have the Red Sea E-260 and really love it. Red Sea has a quality product and good customer support. https://www.marinedepot.com/Red_Sea...eef_System_175_Gallons-RS40071-FIAQML-vi.html

I def want to do a red sea peninsula. The only issue is, I hate the way their cabinets look in white. I prefer more of a shaker or country style than the modern look of the red sea cabinets. I don't mind them in black, but as you pointed out, I'm not sure it would match.

JoshH · May 1, 2019

Bleigh said:
I def want to do a red sea peninsula. The only issue is, I hate the way their cabinets look in white. I prefer more of a shaker or country style than the modern look of the red sea cabinets. I don't mind them in black, but as you pointed out, I'm not sure it would match.

Cabinet doors are just that, doors. They can be replaced with whatever style you want :)

Phil D. said:
My recommendation for a tank would be the Red Sea Max S650. This is an all included type aquarium and the stand is available in white to match your décor. It's 175g and has the AI hydra 26HD LEDs. I currently have the Red Sea E-260 and really love it. Red Sea has a quality product and good customer support. https://www.marinedepot.com/Red_Sea...eef_System_175_Gallons-RS40071-FIAQML-vi.html

I wouldn't say the newer max S series will come with the AI lights. I'm not sure how much longer red sea will ship them out with the Hydras, if they will at all. Red sea has cut the hydras from there other deluxe product lines in favour of there own new line of lights and I'm willing to bet the Max S' will follow that path if they haven't already. Just something to think about :)

Phil D. · May 1, 2019

JoshH said:
Cabinet doors are just that, doors. They can be replaced with whatever style you want :)

I wouldn't say the newer max S series will come with the AI lights. I'm not sure how much longer red sea will ship them out with the Hydras, if they will at all. Red sea has cut the hydras from there other deluxe product lines in favour of there own new line of lights and I'm willing to bet the Max S' will follow that path if they haven't already. Just something to think about :)

Ooops, you are right. The newer Max will come with Red Sea's new Reef LED 90.

slapshot · May 1, 2019

The best thing I ever did was put my tank in the wall that backs up to the garage. I built a closet in the garage put the tank out there. Cut a hole in the wall and framed it. Not only does it look like a living picture but I can spill all the water I want and it is in the garage. I ran the filter lines into the basement so everything is out of the house but the important view.

Deborah Jensen · May 1, 2019

I just bought a Red Sea xxl 750. Its 160 gallon plus a 40 gallon sump. You can buy it with or without lights. I think its 6 foot long or close to it. I really like it.