I have been inactive in the hobby for a few years. I used to be very active with MARS, but disappeared about 5 years ago. Getting out of the hobby was probably one of the BEST thing I ever did. But I do miss not having a tank. During those 5 years, my life has really change. My ex-wife divorced me (ok - probably the BEST thing that ever happened to me! Even better than quitting reefing). I met an amazing woman who I ended up marrying. She's now pregnant with our first child. I decided that if I want an aquarium, I better get it now before money has to be spent on diapers, formula, and daycare.
For equipment, I am thinking of the following:
Tank: SCAquariums 50G or 66G tank. Custom made with three holes instead of two holes so I can have two holes for a Herbie overflow and one hole for the return. I am also open to purchase a used tank if someone has something decent that that want to sell.
Sump & Skimmer: whatever come as part of the SCAquariums kit
Stand: custom made stand. My wife is really picky about home decor, so I need to make it furniture grade. I already have a cabinet maker who agreed to help me make the cabinet. I plan on having a granite top.
Lights: Mitras LX 6200-HV (won in a MARS raffle a few years ago). My only disappointment with this light is that it cannot be controlled by the Apex Controller.
Controller: Apex AquaController (from my old tank)
Rocks: I still have some rocks dried. And some rocks from my nano-tank (used for seeding)
Sand: Shallow sand bed. I need to buy some sand.
Pumps: I'd love a CoralVue Maxspect, but it's out of my price range for now. I might just have to stick with some old powerheads.
Stock: probably mostly softies and LPS. There may be some SPS. I probably be on the lookout for deals in the near future. I haven't decided on fish yet.
Since I am keeping SPS to a minimum, I don't plan on a calcium reactor or dosing. I do want to set up a semi-continuous water change system.
I am wondering what people's opinion are about the 50G (24x24x20) vs the 66 (32x24x20)? Anything else I should consider?
For equipment, I am thinking of the following:
Tank: SCAquariums 50G or 66G tank. Custom made with three holes instead of two holes so I can have two holes for a Herbie overflow and one hole for the return. I am also open to purchase a used tank if someone has something decent that that want to sell.
Sump & Skimmer: whatever come as part of the SCAquariums kit
Stand: custom made stand. My wife is really picky about home decor, so I need to make it furniture grade. I already have a cabinet maker who agreed to help me make the cabinet. I plan on having a granite top.
Lights: Mitras LX 6200-HV (won in a MARS raffle a few years ago). My only disappointment with this light is that it cannot be controlled by the Apex Controller.
Controller: Apex AquaController (from my old tank)
Rocks: I still have some rocks dried. And some rocks from my nano-tank (used for seeding)
Sand: Shallow sand bed. I need to buy some sand.
Pumps: I'd love a CoralVue Maxspect, but it's out of my price range for now. I might just have to stick with some old powerheads.
Stock: probably mostly softies and LPS. There may be some SPS. I probably be on the lookout for deals in the near future. I haven't decided on fish yet.
Since I am keeping SPS to a minimum, I don't plan on a calcium reactor or dosing. I do want to set up a semi-continuous water change system.
I am wondering what people's opinion are about the 50G (24x24x20) vs the 66 (32x24x20)? Anything else I should consider?
