Hello all!
I’m been bit by the fish bug and so excited to be building my first reef tank.
While eventually I hope to do a 120 or 180 gallon, for now I am constrained to a few very specific parameters (by my wife).
I can only use the location pictured and since I am a bit concerned about the size and weight, I’m committed to a 55 gallon. I am well aware this is less than ideal, but I’m going to make the most of it and try my best to enjoy all the challenges that this situation brings.
I currently have:
55 gallon tank
Tidal 75
45 lbs Instant Ocean Salt
(2) 150w heaters
A friend who is an reef expert and is hooking me up with RODI water, some lights and maybe some live rock
My “to buy” list:
Powerheads
Sand
Nano skimmer (maybe)
my “to do” list:
move the outlet up ~20”
Build an overhang/hood
*Waterproof the area behind the tank (this is my biggest project)
My current thoughts on waterproofing is to create a full liner for the area out of one long sheet or thin plastic/acrylic material, bending/creasing it to wrap around inside the bookshelf walls, and perfectly cut out notches to fit the base and rim of the tank. The tank is such a tight fit that this would be necessary for both the tank and plastic to fit. I’d then run silicon around all the seams, essentially sealing the entire tank into this location.
If anyone has ideas or suggestions on how I might go about this I would love to hear your thoughts!
I’m been bit by the fish bug and so excited to be building my first reef tank.
While eventually I hope to do a 120 or 180 gallon, for now I am constrained to a few very specific parameters (by my wife).
I can only use the location pictured and since I am a bit concerned about the size and weight, I’m committed to a 55 gallon. I am well aware this is less than ideal, but I’m going to make the most of it and try my best to enjoy all the challenges that this situation brings.
I currently have:
55 gallon tank
Tidal 75
45 lbs Instant Ocean Salt
(2) 150w heaters
A friend who is an reef expert and is hooking me up with RODI water, some lights and maybe some live rock
My “to buy” list:
Powerheads
Sand
Nano skimmer (maybe)
my “to do” list:
move the outlet up ~20”
Build an overhang/hood
*Waterproof the area behind the tank (this is my biggest project)
My current thoughts on waterproofing is to create a full liner for the area out of one long sheet or thin plastic/acrylic material, bending/creasing it to wrap around inside the bookshelf walls, and perfectly cut out notches to fit the base and rim of the tank. The tank is such a tight fit that this would be necessary for both the tank and plastic to fit. I’d then run silicon around all the seams, essentially sealing the entire tank into this location.
If anyone has ideas or suggestions on how I might go about this I would love to hear your thoughts!
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