When do you know its time?

[Reefer PT]

Got it. I'll study it to death, research build threads. I am very handy so I can weld up a stand and epoxy paint it or build out of wood and I've re plumbed my 200 yo house, both waste and supply so I'm comfortable with that as well. I've already have 2 dedicated GFCI circuits where the tank it now so the transition should not require too much "outside help" other then nagging you fine people. I was talking to the LFS owner who suggestion was to wait until I see a coral in his store that I really, really want but will have to sell or trade something to make room for it before jumping up in size. I thought that was good advice as well. Will see what the next year holds.
Thanks
Dave

 

[inktomi]

And also, don't forget to have fun! Planning things out is fun. Don't make it a chore. What's your favorite fish? Coral? Work backwards from that to what you'd need to support them long term.

 

[Osteoclast]

Analyze tank set ups you would like to emulate. The larger TOTM systems are very good tanks to review. Agree with the extra consideration of floor support, humidity, electrical wiring, noise control, salt mixup systems, top off systems, chiller(s), back up systems, maintainence sinks, floor drains, etc, etc. Take you time and sketch it out as you design. Keep it simple but build automation in to the setup and you will truly enjoy it. The cost is not for the faint hearted and is typically quite high.

 

[myaerica]

300 or bust!

Dave.M

+1 I love my 300. 220 and 55 gallon tanks are tied for the worst tanks ever made.

 

[prop-frags]

Dave has given some sage advice here.

Some of the overlooked considerations with larger systems are weight (and the structural requirements of that), humidity (air handling and dehumidification), and the cost of failures (you've built this monster, stocked it with rare beauties, and your ____ fails while you're out of town - did you design in fault-tolerance?).

It is a no-brainer that bigger systems will cost you significant money. FOWLR systems can be more affordable, but still you need to be ready...