I started this hobby a year ago with a 65g RSM. There's definitely been some learning experiences along the way, but I was able to create and maintain a pretty damn nice LPS/Softie tank with a bone stock RSM (beside a chiller and mixing different color temperature T5's). The RSM is a nice tank, but it's time to move on...
I originally started looking at the ~100 gallon DSA Neo and Cad Lights tanks. The shallow rimless tanks look pretty sweet, but decided due to the location of the tank in the living room, I didn't want to deal with all the light bleed. My couch and other various sitting areas are relatively low and having high output LEDs perched 6 feet in the air would start to get annoying. This led me to a more traditional tank with a full cabinet/canopy setup.
Size was also greatly debated. It came down to a 5'/140 and 4'/100 gallon DSA. My wife was actually suggesting that I go with the 140, but I went ahead and purchased the 100 gallon. Most of my friends in the hobby have called me crazy for not going with the 140, especially with my wife's 'blessing', but I've always valued quality over quantity. I rather put the money and time required with the additional water volume and footprint into keeping a well balanced tank with higher quality components. That's my rationalization at least. I have to admit I'm still trying to convince myself this was the right choice. Ha.
It's too late anyway. The 100 gallon tank is sitting in my garage and I've ordered a nice espresso colored, rounded edge custom cabinet and canopy.
I'm now in the process of researching and planning the build and migration of my livestock and corals. As far as the build goes, this is what I've come up with so far:
- 90lbs of Reef Saver dry rock from BRS.
- Jebao DC9000 return pump.
- 2x MP40's or 1x Maxspect Gyre. I've always been a fan of vortechs (I have 2x mp10's now), but the Maxspect is pretty intriguing. The DSA has a massive center overflow, so I'm a little concerned that it might create dead spots if I go with the Gyre. Still researching this.
- Eheim Jager 250w heater.
- Eshopps R-200 refugium
- ReefOctopus SRO-2000INT insump skimmer. Probably overkill, but that's okay.
- Lights? I'm thinking of going with 2x Kessil A360WE's or two AI 52s. I've researched both lights extensively and I'm pretty sure either will get the job done. The Kessils would do it cheaper though and offer a more attractive price per LED. My only concern with the Kessils is that I have a 14" canopy and I would prefer to not drill holes in it to give the lights proper clearance from the water surface. Still researching this.
Once I figure these things out, I'll move on to controller selection, to UV or not to UV sterilize, battery backup, dosing pump, reactors and various automation considerations.
That's all I have right now, but I'll continue to update as I figure everything out and pictures eventually.
I originally started looking at the ~100 gallon DSA Neo and Cad Lights tanks. The shallow rimless tanks look pretty sweet, but decided due to the location of the tank in the living room, I didn't want to deal with all the light bleed. My couch and other various sitting areas are relatively low and having high output LEDs perched 6 feet in the air would start to get annoying. This led me to a more traditional tank with a full cabinet/canopy setup.
Size was also greatly debated. It came down to a 5'/140 and 4'/100 gallon DSA. My wife was actually suggesting that I go with the 140, but I went ahead and purchased the 100 gallon. Most of my friends in the hobby have called me crazy for not going with the 140, especially with my wife's 'blessing', but I've always valued quality over quantity. I rather put the money and time required with the additional water volume and footprint into keeping a well balanced tank with higher quality components. That's my rationalization at least. I have to admit I'm still trying to convince myself this was the right choice. Ha.
It's too late anyway. The 100 gallon tank is sitting in my garage and I've ordered a nice espresso colored, rounded edge custom cabinet and canopy.
I'm now in the process of researching and planning the build and migration of my livestock and corals. As far as the build goes, this is what I've come up with so far:
- 90lbs of Reef Saver dry rock from BRS.
- Jebao DC9000 return pump.
- 2x MP40's or 1x Maxspect Gyre. I've always been a fan of vortechs (I have 2x mp10's now), but the Maxspect is pretty intriguing. The DSA has a massive center overflow, so I'm a little concerned that it might create dead spots if I go with the Gyre. Still researching this.
- Eheim Jager 250w heater.
- Eshopps R-200 refugium
- ReefOctopus SRO-2000INT insump skimmer. Probably overkill, but that's okay.
- Lights? I'm thinking of going with 2x Kessil A360WE's or two AI 52s. I've researched both lights extensively and I'm pretty sure either will get the job done. The Kessils would do it cheaper though and offer a more attractive price per LED. My only concern with the Kessils is that I have a 14" canopy and I would prefer to not drill holes in it to give the lights proper clearance from the water surface. Still researching this.
Once I figure these things out, I'll move on to controller selection, to UV or not to UV sterilize, battery backup, dosing pump, reactors and various automation considerations.
That's all I have right now, but I'll continue to update as I figure everything out and pictures eventually.
