dtum
New member
Having run out of space with my Winterfell Reef aquarium, I've decided to take the next step.
My first plan was to go with a 225 gallon (72 x 30 x 24) that quickly ballooned up to 265 (78 x 30 x 26), it all made perfect sense. I've made a number of mock ups.
But once I got close to getting the tank I was quite surprised with the exponential complexity of going with a larger tank: electricity requirements, floor weight requirements, humidity control, noise. I did my due diligence on figuring most of it out, but decided that this is not something I'm ready for.
So I chose a more practical option, basically the next logical step. I decided to change every little thing about my current setup that I wanted with ought going overboard.
My current tank is 48 x 24 x 20. So I'll add 2 inches to the height and depth and will add 2 feet to the length. I have an internal Herbie overflow, so this one will be external Bean Animal. My stand is 36'' high which is great for viewing it while standing, but I don't enjoy it as much when sitting down, so the new stand will be 32'' high.
So the new setup is 72 x 26 x 22, 180 gallons. I can re-use my Bubble King skimmer and some of the equipment from my current setup, including my lighting.
As usual, I started off by making a mock up.
The biggest concern was what to do with a stand. I wanted to get a steel stand, but even powder coated it may start to rust eventually. So over the weekend I put together a stand out of 2x4s and some 2x6s that I will later furnish professionally (or perhaps challenge myself to do it).
So that's where I'm at right now. Wish me good luck.
My first plan was to go with a 225 gallon (72 x 30 x 24) that quickly ballooned up to 265 (78 x 30 x 26), it all made perfect sense. I've made a number of mock ups.
But once I got close to getting the tank I was quite surprised with the exponential complexity of going with a larger tank: electricity requirements, floor weight requirements, humidity control, noise. I did my due diligence on figuring most of it out, but decided that this is not something I'm ready for.
So I chose a more practical option, basically the next logical step. I decided to change every little thing about my current setup that I wanted with ought going overboard.
My current tank is 48 x 24 x 20. So I'll add 2 inches to the height and depth and will add 2 feet to the length. I have an internal Herbie overflow, so this one will be external Bean Animal. My stand is 36'' high which is great for viewing it while standing, but I don't enjoy it as much when sitting down, so the new stand will be 32'' high.
So the new setup is 72 x 26 x 22, 180 gallons. I can re-use my Bubble King skimmer and some of the equipment from my current setup, including my lighting.
As usual, I started off by making a mock up.
The biggest concern was what to do with a stand. I wanted to get a steel stand, but even powder coated it may start to rust eventually. So over the weekend I put together a stand out of 2x4s and some 2x6s that I will later furnish professionally (or perhaps challenge myself to do it).
So that's where I'm at right now. Wish me good luck.
