Unexpected costs of an XL reef tank

[Formulator]

I’m in the initial brainstorming stages for an extra large (500g+) tank in our future new house. We are just starting to look at land for the home build, so probably at least 6 months from breaking ground. I’m looking to incorporate the tank, plumbing, and sump room into the home building plans and want to make sure I’m not missing anything WRT operating costs in my budget. Most things I think I can scale linearly from my 120g operating costs after 8 years of running that.

For those of you keeping large tanks, or that have considered them, is there anything to watch out for that surprised you, or might surprise me?

 

[Jmp998]

Humidity due to evaporation would be one of my biggest concerns.

Adequate wiring also, depending on what you mean by ‘big’, including backup power during outages depending on your area. .

 

[Formulator]

Humidity due to evaporation would be one of my biggest concerns.

Adequate wiring also, depending on what you mean by ‘big’, including backup power during outages depending on your area. .

Good ones. Fortunately I live on the banks of the Mississippi River so water is very cheap

I will definitely have a designated circuit or 2 built into the house plans. Thinking a whole home natural gas generator for power outages.

 

[Jmp998]

Realistically I am unlikely to ever have a tank that large, but if I did I would look into installing ducting for a heat recovery ventilator or similar during construction. Ductwork is comparatively hard to install after the drywall etc is up.

 

[FUNGI]

10% water change....yikes! LOL.

Are you going to light with MH?

 

[Formulator]

10% water change....yikes! LOL.

Are you going to light with MH?

LOL, yes water changes will be an undertaking. I probably won’t do water changes much. I have been using reef moonshiners for a while and really like it so will probably continue with that in the large tank. Not sure if I will continue with MH or not. I need to calculate what that power will cost me… I will be sad, but think probably more practical to give in to the dark side and switch to LED. Something for me to consider though.

 

[bobnicaragua]

You’re probably good with the cost or you wouldn’t be considering it.

The maintenance on a tank that large is going to be intense. If you’re doing all the work yourself, make sure you are prepared to constantly put in the time it needs.

 

[DanyL]

Consider adding a heat exchanger connected to an outside AC unit.
It’ll be a lot quieter than using a Chiller, a lot cheaper than using a room AC, and will also replace your heaters.

Not sure how common they are in the states though.

 

[Rjukan]

I would want consider the value impact to the resale of the home. Most people don't want a huge "built in" saltwater tank system, so you might have to absorb the cost of removing it when/if you move.

 

[FUNGI]

LOL, yes water changes will be an undertaking. I probably won’t do water changes much. I have been using reef moonshiners for a while and really like it so will probably continue with that in the large tank. Not sure if I will continue with MH or not. I need to calculate what that power will cost me… I will be sad, but think probably more practical to give in to the dark side and switch to LED. Something for me to consider though.

Since its a new build, think about getting some sun tubes also......

 

[Formulator]

Since its a new build, think about getting some sun tubes also......

100% . I seriously considered it, but I think I’m probably too far north to get the intensity and duration needed, especially in the winter.

 

[FUNGI]

gonna need several of these also LOL...

MOAI | Advanced Aquarium Cleaning Robot

Discover MOAI, the cutting-edge robot for effective aquarium cleaning and monitoring. Enhance your tank with its precision cleaning and innovative features.

www.moaidevices.com

 

[Formulator]

You’re probably good with the cost or you wouldn’t be considering it.

My wife and I have both been blessed with very successful careers, but we still have a budget! Not quite to the “money is no object” level yet

 

[FUNGI]

gonna need several of these also LOL...

MOAI | Advanced Aquarium Cleaning Robot

Discover MOAI, the cutting-edge robot for effective aquarium cleaning and monitoring. Enhance your tank with its precision cleaning and innovative features.

www.moaidevices.com

Thought you'd like those.....not quite 100% yet...glass thickness is stile an issue....give them couple months, I'msure they find a fix for upto 1" glass......

 

[Formulator]

Thought you'd like those.....not quite 100% yet...glass thickness is stile an issue....give them couple months, I'msure they find a fix for upto 1" glass......

I’m already considering pre-ordering for my existing tank! I’ve always wondered why this didn’t exist. I guess it is coming soon!

 

[FUNGI]

I’m already considering pre-ordering for my existing tank! I’ve always wondered why this didn’t exist. I guess it is coming soon!

LOL......

 

[BrokenReefer]

I don’t have a tank that large but here is what I would think about:

Fresh air intake/ERV system;
Vent registers to hide fans if you use them;
Walkway access for tank maintenance (if depth will be greater than 30”;
Depending on where the tank will be, perhaps dedicated floor drains for spills;
Storage for additives/etc…;

 

[DanyL]

I’ve always wondered why this didn’t exist

I think that’s because once they start scratching the glass… well, they don’t stop.
Like the dog poop spreading Rumba.

 

[Formulator]

Like the dog poop spreading Rumba.

Thank you for this. Just got a new puppy. Will definitely be keeping an eye out

 

[DanyL]

Reefers always take care of other reefers lol