i just read the majority of that 12 page thread and now i think that i will try a project very similar to this one....... after all this experience, what do you think the hardest part of this build was? just so i can prepare myself
That is a great yet difficult question to answer and there are a few big thoughts that I hope help answer it:
I enjoyed each step of the build from thinking about it to drawing things out to doing it. If something was not working I stopped, came back and looked at things again.
I think many people forget that this hobby is based upon processes that take years. One of the biggest differences today is the rate at which people do things and that may have to do with our instant gradification and instant answers so many expect.
I think that is why so many people upsize, downsize, rinse and repeat; they are looking for that "perfect" tank yet cannot answer what that means to them.
For example when planning your rock layout and corals try and picture how things will look next year and the year after and so on. Many people have a really good to great lay out only to ruin it by having to add that last whatever.
Many people stumble because they plan for the right now and not later on. Flexibility is good and helps. If something isn't working change.
Everyone has issues, no tank is immune, but what you do once you encounter them is important. It is funny that I just typed that considering the recent events.
Do what you like and is enjoyable to you with consideration of the livestock.
Design a system with the following thoughts:
1. What is your budget? This is both in terms of money, time, and ability.
Obviously money can make things easier and may give you an advantage but the really good reefers are observant and stay within their means.
For me I knew I would fail and fail hard if I had to spend 30 minutes a day devoted to a system. Why? It would not be any fun and a hobby is suppose to be that right?
Long story short (if possible) have fun and be patient. Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing. The hard part is figuring out when to ignore that.
I hope I answered your question and would like to see what you come up with so please post.
