When approaching a new tank build, most people focus purely on tank size. What reef junkie, reef enthusiast or tank dabbler doesn’t want a bigger tank? Bigger is better right?
There’s a balance to be struck between tank size and room aesthetics and here’s a way to see what size is best.
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks, now I’ll spend everyday designing a new tank with Sketch up
Mark and Claes, thanks for the good tip and software advise.
I am currently building a 75 gallon in wall tank in my basement and using AutoCad for the design. I might have to change programs…
When designing spaces for clients, I use large cardboard ( boxes ) cut to size and placed in location. There is nothing better than to occupy the space in reality, and judge it’s proportions and logistics.
I once kept flower gardens. I desired 3 plants deep. Plant size being what it is, I had to settle for 2 deep when against a house or wall. This limited depth to 3″, what i could reach. This same rule applies to aquariums, no matter how large I may desire, it can’t exceed my reach. Sadly, a 300 gallon tank tank tests this hypotheses, there are places I cannot reach. So, I make it accessible front and back, and remain with places I cannot reach. Larger is unworkable for me, however visually appealing it may be.
salt 135…a scaled model is always a great way to visualize space. When I was growing up my parents got me a house designing kit that had a grid for scale and difference pieces of furniture made to scale so I could lay out rooms. I played with that thing for hours on end.
Mark H…if you know AutoCad, I think you are ahead of those of us who just use Sketchup !
Hector..designing a new tank is good clean fun!
Great tip!!! Now if I can only get a certain saltwater webshow host to start creating his own SketchUp models I’ll have more free time to spend staring at my tank!
@salt123. That’s also a great idea. Thanks for the tip. Simple but effective.
Here’s my 3D drawing! If I could just get my contractor to finish the cabinet I could share real photos!
Try again to share sketchup link
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=df43309c4fcadbc6f73fb51d8dc62d7e&prevstart=0
here is a link to my sketch, for my little space in oure home
ruffly 52g + a Reefugium
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151344202458548&set=a.81185808547.77051.651793547&type=1&theater
Thanks Mark for your dedication to the hobby and this lifestyle
Regards from Sweden
Claes
Mark,
Sorry this is not on topic. Have you ever had issues with running GFO in an SPS reef? I keep hearing about burnt tips, slow growth, etc. due to GFO. There are so many variables (ie., amount of GFO, flow rate through reactor, etc.) that I don’t know how to decide wether this is a real problem or not.
If GFO does not work, I need some way to control algae and I’m not sold on carbon dosing, do it completely destroying the K.I.S.S. principle. And I do not have the space for a refugium.
If you have any insight please share.
Hey Mary, just an idea that occurred to me when stacking my rock-scape using black PVC pipe from the lumberyard. I put a “grey” T on the bottom of the pipe to hold the rock as well as using it as a “blow out” outlet for junk that collects in the dead space under the bottom rocks. Just remove the top rock or have the pipe slightly higher than the top rock and attach a flexible hose and blow the junk away! Then, you could get really fancy and put holes in two short PVC pipes (maybe 4″ each) and put a plug in one end of the short pipes and attach them to the bottom T to spread out the impact zone.
Hey Mark, where did you purchase your real reef rock at for your build and VIP builds? Thanks!
Mike..I ordered it directly from them as I have an account with them. You can order it online from Dr. Foster’s Smith or Premium Aquatics.
Lucas..I’ve run GFO on all my tanks including my 90g SPS heavy tank and I’ve had no issues with it. The GFO isn’t the problem. It’s likely how it was used
Nice one of the reef guys in my club used this to design my LED array that now is over my tank, very helpful to be able to get a visual of what you are going to do.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the videos, they always get me ready for a reefie weekend. Any advice for folks with tanks in the bedroom? I’m ready to upgrade my 28 bow to a rimless 40L from Glass Cages but I’m realizing I might not want a reef tank any longer as the bedroom is the only possible location for the time being, and its just too much water and noise. The tank has taken over half of my closet and there’s always a bucket or two on the carpeted floor. I moved recently and while it went well, with no losses, trying to settle me and my tank into a new place has been a challenge. I really don’t want to sell off all the coral I’ve collected, only to buy them again down the road. And while I still love having a reef, it’s becoming more of a stressor than an enjoyable hobby.
Thank you in advance for any thoughts you might have,
Justin
hows the eco pico on your desk doing was there any videos done on the set up of that nano?
No videos yet David. I am working on them.
Hey Mark are you gonna be at Reefstock 2013 in Colorado?
Hi Mark,
I definitely agree with the idea to draw it up, but a trick that I learned from my friends in the theatre is to rearrange my furniture to the position it would be with the suggested tank size, then put blue painters tape on the floor the size of the aquarium where it would go in the room. This gives you the opportunity to visualize in real life how a tank would fit in your room with your furnishings, and also gives you a chance to live with it for a while before making the commitment. We are doing this now as we consider an upgrade from our 50 to a 150 g. and it has really helped.
This is a great idea. I’ve gotten use to drawing my plans on graph paper. measure twice cut once.. Here is another good idea for a quick tip. Lighting under your tank. Check out my short video in your honor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9G1n97RGWQ
Liked the video Dee…and I’m glad you got out of the dark! No more caveman grunting for you!
Jack…I’ll be at Reefstock.
Hey Mark, I working on setting up the same lil Eco Pico in my office and would love to see how you set yours up! It’s a shame to always be away from my 120g at home so I wanted to bring a little of it with me into the office…