Reef tank newbie - ready to start!

[4tedfox]

First off.... awesome site with great answers to questions posted. I can't wait to attend my first meeting this Saturday!

While I've read a ton I am as confused (and overwhelmed) as ever regarding how to start my tank. I have had freshwater aquariums (up to 75 gal) for years but have always wanted to take the plunge into saltwater aquariums.

I am really lucky to have incorporated a built-in tank (135 gal acrylic; 60"x18"x24") into a big home renovation. At the same time I have a closet in the back for all the equipment (built now so I'm kind of stuck with the design and less room than ideal for a sump/refugium setup). In addition, I have access above the tank to anchor light fixtures.

I want to use LED lighting and would like this to be a reef tank. It is important that whatever I have fish, inverts, coral, live rock etc are cultured/farm raised and not ripped out of the ocean. I have no clue yet how that restricts my choices.

The biggest dilemma for me is sump and/or refugium and substrate in the tank using sand or oolite (which looks $). Then I can start thinking about plumbing, power heads,etc.

I want to do this right and have gobs of patience! I'd appreciate any advice on how to make this an awesome set up.
Ted

 

[CAPSLOCK]

That's going to be a cool tank, and nice dimensions.

 

[Flame Angel]

Welcome Aboard! Make sure you say hello on Saturday.

Looks awesome!

Ask away.

 

[Pat02026]

Beautiful display. You're in the right place for suggestions and opinions. I'm looking forward to the progression of your system here @BRS. Welcome to the addiction, see you at the meeting!

 

[Turbosnail]

Welcome to the BRS!:w Did you use the tank for fresh water already and if you have did you use any copper based medicines in the tank? Glad to see you want to be patient with getting going. You can not rush this hobby do your research and know what and how you want it before you get started. Also glad to see you want everything farm raised because that is a good part of our mission statement. You picked a great meeting to be your first see you there.

 

[jason401]

Welcome aboard. Tank looks great.

As for room under tank for sump and eqpt, is there a basement below the tank?

 

[4tedfox]

Thx for the warm welcome

Welcome to the BRS!:w Did you use the tank for fresh water already and if you have did you use any copper based medicines in the tank? Glad to see you want to be patient with getting going. You can not rush this hobby do your research and know what and how you want it before you get started. Also glad to see you want everything farm raised because that is a good part of our mission statement. You picked a great meeting to be your first see you there.

A brand new tank so no toxic meds to worry about!

 

[4tedfox]

I have a closet behind and under the tank, to floor level. Below floor level is stairs to the basement so tricky without some complex piping!

I think the closet should be okay as I have 25" behind the tank and the equivalent of a 2' high x 3' wide x 32" deep space under the tank......I know "quit whining about space!"

 

[panayiote73]

Nice to meet you today Ted. Your setup looks amazing such a great canvas to begin with. I have a similar in-wall setup with a 120g and that poses some unique challenges but well worth it. Looking forward to watching the progress. Good luck!
Peter