I am stunned at the work that went into a 50 gallon tank. I don't know what to think about a build like this. On the one hand it's really impressive, but on the other it's really not this hard. I have a nice looking 90 gallon tank and don't even have a sump. I hope people don't think setting up a tank is this much of a project.
I'm still impressed, don't get me wrong, but one of the few areas you admitted to cutting corners was not getting the corner return on the tank. Really. All the time and effort and money, and you opted to save money on the tank itself. 50 gallons? You have the infrastructure for a 180.
I'm subscribing to this just to see how it turns out. Good luck with it. I'm sure with the same attention to stocking it and caring for it you'll have an amazing tank. I'm still just a bit dazed by what's gone into it.
Hi Frogman-
Different opinions are great, and I think that's what sparks such great debate around here. There's no one way to skin a cat in this, or any, hobby. I certainly don't claim that this is
the way, especially since it's my first tank, only
a way and in this case the way I chose to go. I hope that you're no suggesting that your way is the only way either. Given the varied builds on this site, I would bet that no one thinks this is the way you have to setup a system.
I wanted a tank that was very integrated into the surroundings with little equipment visible and ease of maintenance. I know it runs counter to the prevailing views here, but I really didn't want a bigger tank. I could have easily put a 150gal tank in that room, I know. First, I really didn't think it was appropriate for the design of the space. I also felt that for my first tank and the time I have, 50 gallons worth of maintenance, electricity usage, water changes, stocking etc. was more than enough for me to deal with. That 150gal tank would have needed a lot more lighting, bigger and more vortechs, bigger skimmer, bigger system pump, way more salt and dosing needs, much larger water changes etc. Maybe I'll regret it in the long run, but I just think it's a different approach.
That being said, I did want the tank to be very well supported by the infrastructure I put in place, regardless of the size. Part of that is because I am a huge nerd, and this is a really fun geeky project. Part of that was because I wanted a system that was very automated and could be left to run on it's own for chunks of time while I'm out of town. I basically looked at what was driving some of the most successful (in my opinion) tanks on RC and other sites, and took what I thought would work for me to create a completed and balanced system.
I'm glad you're following the thread and welcome your input. I too hope that the stocking and grow out of the tank go well and that my husbandry practices will line up with the work I put into the build.
Best,
Josh
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