Advice about reef tank installers in TN

[ProteinMan]

We are building a house in the Vanderbilt area and are planning to install a reef tank aquarium. We don't know a lot about their maintenence and upkeep, so we need someone to work with the architect, set up the system, and maintain it for a year until I learn myself. Three experts were recommended to me: Aquarium Design, Aquarium Concepts, and Aquatic Perfections. Since we are novices and on a budget, I am mostly interested reliability and price. Which of these guys do you think is best? Any other recommendations? Thank you!

 

[Angela Short]

Tim at Finns in Franklin does tank maintainence for alot of buisnesses. He may be able to help also. With maint. if nothing else.

 

[Angela Short]

OH and WELCOME!!

 

[c_stowers]

Welcome to the MTRC forum! I hope that you will find us helpful. Unfortunately, I do not know of any of those business to maintain or help setup a reef aquarium. But I would recommend talking to as many other reefers as possible. Alot of the setup in a reef aquarium is opinionated and you really need to figure out what you personally like the best.

 

[ProteinMan]

Wow! What nice responses so quickly! Trust me -- I need all the advice I can get.

 

[waynesworld]

I would agree with that. There are some people that spend a lot of money on systems that do not do what they want I would look at other systems and see what things you want and then talk to the people to get bids on things that they will do for you. Then I would compare it with what some people here say.

One new piece of advice is patience and do a lot of research.

And if you are building the house just build a big tank right away say 2k plus.

And welcome

 

[Mdwannabe]

First: "WELCOME"

2K? Wow, I hope you're a well to do person, say a Doctor (Vanderbilt Area) (Please see my occupation before you're offended).

Please post your expectations on this forum, and let us help in your design.

Size, (though some will disagree), has nothing to do with satisfaction.

Please, let us know what your looking for in viewing satisfaction, and we can help. Maybe you don't need a professional, you may just need input.

If you are the professional, this home building area suggests, you, may be all you need. Research provides many options.

Should you want an "Eye Candy" tank, with no personal support, then by all means go "Professional", otherwise, live and learn.

This hobby is by no means easy, and every one of us is proud of what we have done. We would love to see another member just as happy with their learning experience. It is up to you what you want, let us know, and I assure you we are here to help.

Just my two cent's worth.

I really hope this did not come across as negative, I just want you to know what you are trying to enter into.

Rick

 

[gflat65]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7247121#post7247121 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mdwannabe
Size, (though some will disagree), has nothing to do with satisfaction.

Spoken like a true man. Sorry Rick, couldn't resist.

I can't wait to see your 2K gallon, Wayne...

Welcome to the forum. If you have seen other tanks that you liked, tell us what you liked about them. There are so many different ways to go. You could go all fish (typically larger fish in a predator type set up), softies and LPS, SPS, or mixed. Knowing what kind of things you want to look at is the best start. SOS would likely not be a great starting point, but if you like the flowy corals, starting with softies and LPS can be a great way to put the needle to the vein, so to speak. None of us call it a hobby anymore...

Reef Central has a lot of info out there, just cruise around the different forums and get an idea of what you like. There was a thread in this forum on Mimi's (SexiShrimp) 90 gallon bowfront. It is a prime example of an excellent softie/LPS tank with a few SPS. The possibilities are endless. We can help you figure out what you need without all the extras. There will be debate, but at least you'd get to see all sides.

 

[Mdwannabe]

Gflat:
Just used to hearing it in surgery, after all I work with a lot of estrogen and very limited testosterone!

Oh and by the way I should be back in town next Wednesday, I'll keep you up-dated, (thanks for you're patience).

Rick

 

[reewik]

I know of a guy.. pm me me if interested... Very good and has a tank in Vanderbilt hospital ... I will give more info upon contact.

 

[fishdoc11]

[welcome]

I guess that's my job now that Aquaman is away for a while.

Chris

 

[gflat65]

Yeah, I noticed you took up the reins.

 

[ProteinMan]

Thanks for all the advice, guys. Our meeting with the architect went well and we should have some blueprints soon. At that point I can determine dimensions.

Rob.