Looking for a strategy for new system

[N Awe]

I am interested in working with someone or several people (like a forum of people ) to help me plan a new system. I have read a lot and will continue to do so but it seems to me there is a lot of strategy when planning a new system. This is what I am starting with. 120 G (not reef ready) all glass tank and that is it.

I just could not pass up the deal I got on the 120 G tank and stand but have since decided I want the main tank to be 210 G tank. This will go into the office I work in and space is really not an issue. We are on the second floor so floor strength may be a concern :?

I want to end up with a mixed reef tank (a little of everything) with invertebrate and some fish. I am thinking since I have the 120 G I might as well us it as a DSB tank. I can keep all the sand shifters in the main tank.

With the end goal in mind I would like to work with someone one step at a time through out the whole project. For instance knowing I would like calms someday I would think plumbing the system so I can easy add a CR later would be a big benefit. I am sure there are a lot of other considerations like that.

Is this the best approach? Any takers? Anyone enjoy planning a reef system and following it step by step?


Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Anonymous]

Post away. Put up specific questions and people will answer. The hobby has so many options on some any pieces of gear it is hard to answer with such a general statment.

For your actual question.

You can place a tee in you return line and put a valve on the branch. This way when you are ready to add that Ca reactor you do not have to add a feed pump. Other than the required gear that would be all I would do in advance.

 

[trido]

Hi there,
I cant answer any questions about your tank but do have a concern.You can take it or leave it. I am a General Contractor specializing in residential work. I do think you have just cause to be worried about a 210 g tank on the second floor. I know that fresh water weighs 7.8 pound per gallon, and at 210 gallons that weighs 1638 pounds. Thats over 3/4 of a ton of water alone. Then you have to take the tank,stand and all of the equipment into consideration. I might be being overly cautious,but I would recommend gettin the opinion of a local contractor oreven an egingineer for that matter. Again,its just my opinion and i definately dont know everything

l8r

 

[N Awe]

I do plan on getting it looked at professionally. The tank is going in an old warehouse. It was probably built around 1900. Directly below where I want to put the tank is a beam at least 12" that is already supporting the floor.

 

[ChrisRD]

Hi and :welcome:

If this is your first reef, take a look at this guide in our library:
Beginner's Guide

...then get yourself one or two of these and read them (I suggest the 2nd and/or 4th from the top - eg. the Tullock and/or Fenner books):
Recommended books

...and of course specific questions are welcome here in this forum as well. :wink:

HTH

 

[N Awe]

Yes, this is my first reef that I have started. I currently have a 29G that a friends sold me. I have had it for about 3 months.

I have read the Beginner's Guide extensively and ordered several of the books.

I think I will be reading for the rest of my life. There is a lot to know. 8O