Researching for my first tank... need some advice and opinions...

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Testing.... Sorry I am trying to figure this picture thing out. If this picture works, it will show where my tank will reside. This is the darkest area of my living room and the only free space near a power outlet. The wine cabinet will not be there when I get my tank in... from wall to the edge of the wood floor measures 38" so the 50 gallon long tank (cad light) would just barely fit, even the 70 gallon could fit but 70 gallons seems really intimidating. The cad system will be ordered with their custom cabinet that includes a 16 gallon refugium sump and a bunch of other stuff. Since bigger is better I have abandoned the nano idea, it may look odd to have a large tank in that corner but I'll take an imbalanced look to my living room to save some headaches that occur with nano tank ownership.

 

the 70 should actually be less intimidating

 

Bah.. I give up on pictures. Cad Lights 50 gallon Long tank is the winner. Thanks for all your comments and suggestions! Wish me luck!

 

Think I fixed your links.

I like the Refugium/Sump setup. Much easier to upgrade and maintain over built ins. Helped my friend convert from HOB to Sump and it's a lot easier to work on under than trying to get to the stuff on the back. Looks a lot cleaner too.

 

it looks like you have ~48 inches in those pictures which means you can fit a number of standard tanks there....like a 120, 90, 75, 55, and some other larger cubes

also if you like the all in one tanks...look at red sea max tanks too but i would highly recommend going for a tank where you could put a sump underneath to fit your equipment as you would like to upgrade to bigger and better things

 

Lol, I was going to do the same thing for her.

To post a pic from photobucket, you just have to click on the "img" box and the link will copy for you. They you paste the link in your post. It took me a little while to figure it out as well.

 

OHHH... it will. It will. Welcome to the club!

 

Thanks Bustopher for fixing my pics, and thanks sticksmith for the tip I was trying to post the pics from my iPhone at first using the Tapatalk App but it did not work so I went to Photobucket instead. Bruno - I looked at the Red Sea tanks, that was actually the first tank I considered, but I really love the rimless/hood free minimalistic look. I think I am ready to order all my stuff for Phase I of Operation First Reef Tank.. is as follows.. if anyone has better ideas on components to go with the Cad Light set up please save me!

Phase One Initial Tank Build & Start Up Months

Tank Components

Cad Light Aquarium 50G Long Artisan Series with Walnut Stand
Includes:
* 50G Long Artisan Series aquarium. 3/8" thick 3-sided Starfire glass, Center Trapezoid Reef-Ready overflow box, flat polished edges. Tank Dimensions: 36" x 18" x 18".
*16G 4-chamber refugium sump with built-in media chamber
* 500GPH return pump
* 36" Long 60W Full length LED system with remote control Dual independent dimmers, Automatic Moonlights. PAR readings equals to 150W of HQI, with light spread of 36" x 24". Great for LPS (top to bottom and SPS (towards the upper half).
* TIA-1150 CAD Lights Aquariums 2nd Generation Cone Protein skimmers (150G capacity).
* Complete Reef components package, refugium light, cooling fan, Poly padding, Complete pre-cut and measured SCH-40 PVC Durso drain system and Loc-line returns.

EcoTech Vortech Powerhead MP40W w/WiFi Connect
Neptune Systems Apex AquaController
Won Brothers 3 Prong 50W Titanium Heater

Aquascaping

60lbs Reef Cleaners Florida Reef Rock
Carribsea Special Grade Reef Sand

Maintenence & Chems

Reef Crystals Salt
Captive Purity 4 Stage Deluxe 75GPD RO/DI System

Of course I will be getting test kits as well........... I think I have it all covered for a start up tank. When I start corals I will be adding the Radion Lights and a media reactor.

Do you all think one power outlet is sufficient? I would have to run an extension cord to reach a second one. I was hoping by using the Apex controller I could get away with a standard outlet.

 

One power outlet should be good.
Watch that door! You wouldn't want someone swinging that open and having the door knob smash your tank!

 

I didn't even think about that.... That would be a disaster. Ill have to rig up a door stopper of some sort. That's my front door.