Hi all, after 15 years being out of the aquarium hobby ive decided to start again. Ive always had fresh water planted aquariums and was about to go that road again, until I visited the LFS and saw some of their reef tanks. Im an avid underwater photographer (see here) and recognised almost everything ive photographed myself. It was such a joy to watch these tanks. So now im doubting if I should try a reef tank instead.
Im planning to get a 200-250G tank (78"x28"x28"), with a 50G sump. I am able to go a bit overboard, so im planning to automate as much as I can using an Apex. Auto-topoff with an RO system, good skimmer (if reef tank), doser, led lights, whatever reactors I need (CO2 for planted), feeder, etc.
For the fresh water tank I was even going to automate water changes using the RO system and the apex using an overflow in the sump. The apex would just once in a while open a valve from my tap water and/or RO system to fill the sump. Excess water would just overflow into the sewer. Trace elements would be added automatically as well.
My main goal , besides owning such a lovely piece of nature, is automation. Not only do I want to do that 'because I can' (as a techie i love to do these kinds of things), but there is a practical reason. Im out of the country once a year, sometimes for even as long as 2 months. My house sitter can not take care of this system. She can barely handle my cats. I may be able to ask my brother to come once every couple of weeks, but he's cant do much more than follow my directions. Obviously, this is a great concern for me. Can a tank survive this long without daily care.
For a planted tank I have a gut feeling I can, and dare, try. For a reef tank im just not sure if this is even remotely possible.
Theoretically I think I can hire a reef keeper service. At least, one LFS advertises with that. Is that an option?
Id love to hear your opinions.
Cor
Im planning to get a 200-250G tank (78"x28"x28"), with a 50G sump. I am able to go a bit overboard, so im planning to automate as much as I can using an Apex. Auto-topoff with an RO system, good skimmer (if reef tank), doser, led lights, whatever reactors I need (CO2 for planted), feeder, etc.
For the fresh water tank I was even going to automate water changes using the RO system and the apex using an overflow in the sump. The apex would just once in a while open a valve from my tap water and/or RO system to fill the sump. Excess water would just overflow into the sewer. Trace elements would be added automatically as well.
My main goal , besides owning such a lovely piece of nature, is automation. Not only do I want to do that 'because I can' (as a techie i love to do these kinds of things), but there is a practical reason. Im out of the country once a year, sometimes for even as long as 2 months. My house sitter can not take care of this system. She can barely handle my cats. I may be able to ask my brother to come once every couple of weeks, but he's cant do much more than follow my directions. Obviously, this is a great concern for me. Can a tank survive this long without daily care.
For a planted tank I have a gut feeling I can, and dare, try. For a reef tank im just not sure if this is even remotely possible.
Theoretically I think I can hire a reef keeper service. At least, one LFS advertises with that. Is that an option?
Id love to hear your opinions.
Cor
