Pre-Planning and an introduction

[nsconductor]

I thought I would take a moment and introduce myself and ramble for a second about my preliminary thoughts / pre-plan. My name is Roger and I live in the metropolis of White, Ga - just north of Cartersville. I am a controls engineer and travel quite a bit for work. About 17 years ago, I kept a 30 gallon FOWLR tank and really enjoyed it. However, being tight on money, time, small child, new wife, life just sort of got in the way. Over the past 6 months or so, I have been thinking about getting back in the hobby and have been doing tons of reading / research and honestly am still trying to figure out what I want to do. I have realized that things have changed drastically and with the resources available, hopefully I will be able to make some good long term decisions. I can say that the vast amount on knowledge shared on this forum as well as others is truly impressive. Having been involved in several clubs of various interests, I also realize that some of the same things probably exist here as we'll, I simply choose not to participate in negative things. I will however support the club by becoming a paying member.

So, with that being said, here is what I'm thinking, in no particular order. I know I want to support corals, and will probably design to support SPS but will start with LPS. As far as DT, I'm thinking something in the 72" long range, probably a 180. I'm fortunate that I can plumb to the basement for the sump, will have access to water so I can install permanent RO/DI. ATO is going to be imperative and would like to design semi-automated water change. Got to figure out lighting, controllers, skimmer, etc. but I have time.

So, that's it for now. Hope to pick everyone's brains a little, plan on asking a ton of questions, and looking forward to the experience!

Roger

 

[fidofence]

Welcome to the club! I would do T5 or metal halide for lighting, Apex controller and the best skimmer you can afford. A 180 done right will cost quite a bit of money but if you buy from members you can usually get pretty good deals. Good luck and I look forward to seeing the pics of your set up when you get it all together

 

[ripped tide]

Welcome Roger! Please feel free to ask any questions. It looks like you have a nice project coming up. We like pictures!

 

[j_b_]

Welcome to the ARC, Roger! Sounds like you are off to a good start by doing the proper planning...look forward to seeing what you come up with.

 

[rdnelson]

Welcome Roger. My small word of advice, considering you are a controls engineer, don't start with an apex. When you first get going you wont need to do lots of dosing and things will be a bit forgiving. Take that time to round up a PLC and start programming. Then you can share it with me and we will both be happy campers. Seriously, as an engineer I would bet you like DIY and hands on. I bet you could put together a serious control system.

 

[ichthyoid]

Welcome Roger. Let us know how we can help.

Just curious, what type controls? Anything specific? I've done a good bit of motion in my day.

Thx, Bill

 

[stacy22]

Welcome to ARC!

 

[nsconductor]

Thanks everyone for the welcomes! As far as controls, I do Process Automation mainly using DCS systems in chemical plants, distilleries, breweries, and primary pharma. I have seen a couple of threads where someone has used Rockwell Control Logix , and thought about it. I have the control system and I/O cards laying around. Just have to work out the sensors and final control elements. But wait - I'm trying to get away from work!

 

[rdnelson]

Nsconductor;805396 wrote: But wait - I'm trying to get away from work!

LOL I hear you.

I would love to know who you work for. I have an interview on Thursday morning with a company that sounds about like that. May be the same firm.

 

[nsconductor]

Just PMd you.

 

[nsconductor]

By the way Ichthyoid - I avoid motion like the plague. Things move too fast LOL. As a true Process guy, I think in terms of 500ms scan rates

 

[nsconductor]

Well another week has passed and have not managed to get anything done, other than a bunch more reading, and generating more questions in my mind. I did join ARC this morning, as promised. At least one step in the right direction!

 

[rdnelson]

Welcome. You going to make it to the auction next Sat? Should be fun even if your tank isn't set up yet.

 

[miami dolfan]

Hello Roger and welcome to our club. If you have access to your sewer line in the basement, I recommend that you tap into it for super easy water changes. I did and am loving it. It sure beats having hoses coming in through the windows like I used to have back in Fl.