Good afternoon fellow hobbyists,
It has been about 7 years since I last visited RC. Since then, I have been paying my dues by building my career and raising a family. That said, I am ready to finally pull the trigger on my dream reef tank. However, since it has been well over 10 years since I actively researched equipment, I am looking for suggestions from other hobbyists.
I will be moving into my dream house in a few weeks. I have two options: 1. A smaller tank approximately 750g (60L x 60W x 48H) inside the house; or 2. An approximately 2,500g (120L x 96W x 48H) tank outside in the backyard.
I prefer the tank indoors, but given concerns over the humidity, caustic nature of salt water and having to create holes in my new house, is making me lean towards going all out on an outdoor tank (with a canopy that will be retractable).
I will be striving to create what has often been referred to as the Japanese style Reef, which will be characterized by distinct open spaces and feeling of a zen garden.
What I do have is a brand new Bubble King 650 protein skimmer. I purchased this over 14 years ago thinking I would start collecting choice pieces of equipment along the way.
I also have various live rock, about 1,000 pounds, from Walts from 15 years ago, which I will be re-seeding in a few large vats with new live rocks.
I would like assistance with the following items:
1. Best glass tank manufacturers for large tanks - Looking for eurobracing with open top with clear glass (i.e. starphire);
2. Massive water flow internally - Industrial grade waveboxes strategically placed in multiple places. I really like creating crazy water movement within the tank. This captures my vision of a reef environment I would like to create. If you have any ideas, please share them.
3. Lighting recommendations would be great. I know that LEDs have become the standard now, which was the direction this hobby started to go about 10 years ago. Specific brands and models would be helpful.
4. Any other useful equipment recommendations would be appreciated.
This will be a project in progress, so do not expect a lot of activity. My purpose is to get help with ideas so I can make the right decisions for this long awaited project. I am just glad I will finally be able to get the process started.
I really do not have a budget for this project. I like nice things, and I do not mind spending money for quality high-end equipment. I have saved up quite a lot in my slush fund for this project over the years, and it is a childhood dream come true for me.
Thank you in advance. Given my long work hours, I will attempt to respond when I can. All ideas and suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.
James
It has been about 7 years since I last visited RC. Since then, I have been paying my dues by building my career and raising a family. That said, I am ready to finally pull the trigger on my dream reef tank. However, since it has been well over 10 years since I actively researched equipment, I am looking for suggestions from other hobbyists.
I will be moving into my dream house in a few weeks. I have two options: 1. A smaller tank approximately 750g (60L x 60W x 48H) inside the house; or 2. An approximately 2,500g (120L x 96W x 48H) tank outside in the backyard.
I prefer the tank indoors, but given concerns over the humidity, caustic nature of salt water and having to create holes in my new house, is making me lean towards going all out on an outdoor tank (with a canopy that will be retractable).
I will be striving to create what has often been referred to as the Japanese style Reef, which will be characterized by distinct open spaces and feeling of a zen garden.
What I do have is a brand new Bubble King 650 protein skimmer. I purchased this over 14 years ago thinking I would start collecting choice pieces of equipment along the way.
I also have various live rock, about 1,000 pounds, from Walts from 15 years ago, which I will be re-seeding in a few large vats with new live rocks.
I would like assistance with the following items:
1. Best glass tank manufacturers for large tanks - Looking for eurobracing with open top with clear glass (i.e. starphire);
2. Massive water flow internally - Industrial grade waveboxes strategically placed in multiple places. I really like creating crazy water movement within the tank. This captures my vision of a reef environment I would like to create. If you have any ideas, please share them.
3. Lighting recommendations would be great. I know that LEDs have become the standard now, which was the direction this hobby started to go about 10 years ago. Specific brands and models would be helpful.
4. Any other useful equipment recommendations would be appreciated.
This will be a project in progress, so do not expect a lot of activity. My purpose is to get help with ideas so I can make the right decisions for this long awaited project. I am just glad I will finally be able to get the process started.
I really do not have a budget for this project. I like nice things, and I do not mind spending money for quality high-end equipment. I have saved up quite a lot in my slush fund for this project over the years, and it is a childhood dream come true for me.
Thank you in advance. Given my long work hours, I will attempt to respond when I can. All ideas and suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.
James
