Starting Large Reef Tank need help!

[TomsReef]

Hi everyone. I just started posting here again after a few years. What I am looking for is some help with a large tank. I had a 300gal reef that I have since sold so I somewhat familiar with large tanks. I thought I was done with fish tanks but I finally figured out that I am addicted to them and need to have another LARGE Reef Tank.

Questions I have for the big tank guys are what where the biggest mistakes you made when starting your tank. What would you do differently now that you know better?

If you were in my position starting over again would you go as large as possible?

Would you add another tank to it for added water volume?

How about a tank connected to the system for water changes? Is it worth the extra cost?

Protein Skimmers? Is Deltec really worth the extra cost or is there a better alternative?

Sorry for all the questions from a newbie but I have just started again and I want to get it all the right info before I start purchasing equipment and tanks.


Thanks in advance

Tom

 

[extinguishfire]

Will be watching since I am working on starting a 280.

 

[woodwrangler]

Welcome back Tom,
I'll bite on a couple of the questions,
I upgraded from a 125 to a 225 exactly a year ago, and now I'm ready to upgrade again, so I would certainly say to go as big as you can off the bat.
As far as the extra cost for a water change tank, I wouldn't look at it as an extra expense, rather added convenience. I wish I had a better water change system. As it is now, as with many tankers, I get out the large trash cans and go to work. Do a search for water change systems, and you'll find a ton of information.
Ultimately, I think it depends on what the possibilities are for your home and tank. Are you able to have a dedicated fish room, or are you stuck with trying to cram everything in the stand? Right now, I'm struggling with the ATO thing. I've been dumping topoff water in the sump on a daily basis for a year now, and it's getting old. So, think of how you'll do your topoffs, location for a reservoir, or the old risky rodi directly to the sump??

Give us an idea how large you are looking to go, and you'll get a ton of recommendations for a skimmer and other equipment. Good luck.

 

[TomsReef]

I will be looking to do a tank around 96x30x30. I am not married to this size tank but I am thinking it will work best for me. My last tank was a peninzula tank and I just wasn't happy with it so this will be a standard set-up when it comes to tank design and placement.

I do have a fish room to use for all the equipment. It will be below the tank in one of my rooms in the basement. I have water and drains in this room so it will make it easy for a set-up. I also have plenty of space in this room to do whatever set-up I need.

Money is always a concern but not my biggest worry. I want to set this tank up with the correct equipment so I can load it with fish and I give the corals the best chance to have a long and healthy life.