Where to start…. (Apologies, this is a lengthy read and my grammar is that of an accountant)
I have a dream… simple, to have a huge display tank that is fully self-monitoring.
I know not completely possible but that is my end goal. So I have to start somewhere. I have recently been acquiring pieces to the puzzle and making some great contacts.
Backstory:
I have managed marine tanks off and on over the last 20 years. 6 years ago I forcibly shut down my 75 mixed reef and recently started a nano tank (not any easier than maintaining my 75g). My wife runs a private primary/pre-school and we(me) wants to setup a display tank that the children can participate and learn/study marine life, marine biologists in the making. The children, through research, will decide what to fish and corals to add to the tank. The budget is limited and the system will grow as the budget and knowledge base grows. It is my dream, therefore I am heavily invested in making this happen. I want to ensure that the bones I start with are able to handle any future upgrades.
I have been researching and found that there are several schools state side that are already doing this, and though supplier sponsorship and discounts have been able to create thriving systems that have even been able to create small levels of revenues to support upkeep costs by having annual sales of excess donated equipment and livestock sales.
We are starting out with a tank in the Library, with future plans on building a wall unit in the main hallway connecting to a storage room that will serve as the “fish room” (she doesn’t know this yet, but it is going to happen). The boiler room will host the water making station, This serves 2 purposes, all the plumbing a drainage necessary is already installed and it is always warm in there during the winter, therefore no heating of the water required, plus there is room for 2 huge storage tanks (possibly with the capability to sell water to local reefers in the future).
What I have today:
I am starting off by setting up my old 75g system. I have the basics to keep it up and running.
- 75g tank x/ corner overflow
- 30g makeshift sump
- 2 - 4ft reef brite LED’s
- Vertex skimmer
- 100ish lbs of dry rock,
- 4 stage RODI filter
- Many misc items collected of the years (I just pulled all the equipment out, happy weekend to me, I guess I was in a rush to put it away. It is filthy and salt encrusted, hopefully most of it still works) Pics coming if I don’t smash it all.
- The help of fellow TFT members
- Used Bashsea sump, skimmer and reactor (from @Matt1997, long drive but worth the deal) I have no idea the size without going and measuring, but this is future use and the sump and equipment are far too large for my 75g.
I will have questions and I know the TFT community will be supportive. I will be continually searching the “For Sale” post for great deals. I look forward for the future conversations with the community on plans and solutions. Anyone one out there that has extra equipment and supplies that they are looking to get rid of, I know we will be able to put it to future use as many science projects will come as a result of this.
We have begun to draft up a letter to send to suppliers looking for donations and discounts as suggested by my contact stateside that has setup over 15 different schools with this type of program.
Any local stores and/or community members willing to help, we will proudly accept the help and mention your businesses. As this is a private run school many of the students will likely be looking to setup marine tank in their homes, they have to buy equipment from somewhere. I have already had conversations with Ian at Sustainable Marine Canada to gather some larger more expensive items. Hopefully going to make a trip up to see the shop soon.
I plan on setting up and starting the cycle in the next few weeks. I am going to do my best to post updates. The children and homeroom teacher are on board, so I can’t wait.
Future purchases:
Water mixing satiation – I need to ensure that I have ample supply as this was always one of the more difficult areas of upkeep when I had previously had my setup. Being in Niagara, the closest retailers are 45 mins away.
Proflux Control system – I want to have a solid controller to manage as much as possible. There just happen to be an active TFT member and retailer relatively close by.
Larger tank, 500g is the dream but why stop there.
I have a dream… simple, to have a huge display tank that is fully self-monitoring.
I know not completely possible but that is my end goal. So I have to start somewhere. I have recently been acquiring pieces to the puzzle and making some great contacts.
Backstory:
I have managed marine tanks off and on over the last 20 years. 6 years ago I forcibly shut down my 75 mixed reef and recently started a nano tank (not any easier than maintaining my 75g). My wife runs a private primary/pre-school and we(me) wants to setup a display tank that the children can participate and learn/study marine life, marine biologists in the making. The children, through research, will decide what to fish and corals to add to the tank. The budget is limited and the system will grow as the budget and knowledge base grows. It is my dream, therefore I am heavily invested in making this happen. I want to ensure that the bones I start with are able to handle any future upgrades.
I have been researching and found that there are several schools state side that are already doing this, and though supplier sponsorship and discounts have been able to create thriving systems that have even been able to create small levels of revenues to support upkeep costs by having annual sales of excess donated equipment and livestock sales.
We are starting out with a tank in the Library, with future plans on building a wall unit in the main hallway connecting to a storage room that will serve as the “fish room” (she doesn’t know this yet, but it is going to happen). The boiler room will host the water making station, This serves 2 purposes, all the plumbing a drainage necessary is already installed and it is always warm in there during the winter, therefore no heating of the water required, plus there is room for 2 huge storage tanks (possibly with the capability to sell water to local reefers in the future).
What I have today:
I am starting off by setting up my old 75g system. I have the basics to keep it up and running.
- 75g tank x/ corner overflow
- 30g makeshift sump
- 2 - 4ft reef brite LED’s
- Vertex skimmer
- 100ish lbs of dry rock,
- 4 stage RODI filter
- Many misc items collected of the years (I just pulled all the equipment out, happy weekend to me, I guess I was in a rush to put it away. It is filthy and salt encrusted, hopefully most of it still works) Pics coming if I don’t smash it all.
- The help of fellow TFT members
- Used Bashsea sump, skimmer and reactor (from @Matt1997, long drive but worth the deal) I have no idea the size without going and measuring, but this is future use and the sump and equipment are far too large for my 75g.
I will have questions and I know the TFT community will be supportive. I will be continually searching the “For Sale” post for great deals. I look forward for the future conversations with the community on plans and solutions. Anyone one out there that has extra equipment and supplies that they are looking to get rid of, I know we will be able to put it to future use as many science projects will come as a result of this.
We have begun to draft up a letter to send to suppliers looking for donations and discounts as suggested by my contact stateside that has setup over 15 different schools with this type of program.
Any local stores and/or community members willing to help, we will proudly accept the help and mention your businesses. As this is a private run school many of the students will likely be looking to setup marine tank in their homes, they have to buy equipment from somewhere. I have already had conversations with Ian at Sustainable Marine Canada to gather some larger more expensive items. Hopefully going to make a trip up to see the shop soon.
I plan on setting up and starting the cycle in the next few weeks. I am going to do my best to post updates. The children and homeroom teacher are on board, so I can’t wait.
Future purchases:
Water mixing satiation – I need to ensure that I have ample supply as this was always one of the more difficult areas of upkeep when I had previously had my setup. Being in Niagara, the closest retailers are 45 mins away.
Proflux Control system – I want to have a solid controller to manage as much as possible. There just happen to be an active TFT member and retailer relatively close by.
Larger tank, 500g is the dream but why stop there.
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