thinking about building a 300g

[crazye36]

I’ve only been keeping fish for a few years. But, over those years my love for fish grew into an obsession. I just recently started getting into saltwater aquariums. I still have a lot to learn. I recently just set up a 55 gallon tank in my room. It has only been running for 3 weeks. I have 2 yellow damsels right now just to cycle my water. I'm using this tank to help me gain experience and knowledge of taking care of a saltwater tank. I want to build a 300 gallon fish tank later on maybe sometime during the summer time or next year. I was planning to build a plywood tank or and all acrylics tank. I’m not sure how I want the dimensions yet. Maybe 84lx30wx28h. It’s going to be built into the wall. I want a tank with most of the equipments hidden. And I plan to have live coral and live sand. Where can I get these items? I know there a bit pricey. Is there any place I can get it cheaper? How much do I need? I know there a formula to figure it out but I’m not sure what it is. What kind of filtration set up would you recommend? I would really appreciate your help thank you

 

[acrylic51]

Nice tank size!!!!! The first thing I would actually do is sit down and decide on the tank!!!??? Acrylic, plywood or glass???? Then get your dimensions together as far as the tank.... You will spend a great deal of time just on that, and I think your jumping ahead of the game by pondering about sand and corals at this point. You have to get the tank done first... Then it's a whole lot easier to break each are down and 1 at a time instead of trying to take it all in as a whole....
With a tank that size you stated you wanted to build it in a wall??? Nice idea are you planning on only having access as far as maintenace from the back???? Or from the front as well??? You will need to address the tank placement and any structural needs you might run into.. Extra support in the flooring, electrical needs; etc.....
What is your goal as far as keeping in the tank??? Reef, FO??? Lighting will come into play as the stages progress....
Again I stress simple plaining before trying to tackle everything at once.
As far as tank building... It is very doable, but would seek professional advice depending which style of tank you decide to go with... There are alot of factors that come into play when building a tank of that size and you wan't the best advice possible, and would get what I can from reputable tank builders... Don't want to come home and find your hard earn cash flopping on the floor would u?
Hope this helps some, but again would try to work out some details before worrying about sand and corals!!!!!!

 

[1journeyman]

Welcome!
The live sand and rock are pricey. Do a search here for live sand and you'll see a lot of info about Southdown or Yardright playsand.
also, read up on cycling your tank. Using damsels is an uneccessary hazard. Use a cocktail shrimp instead. In addition to potentially saving the damsel's life, you won't have the future pain of catching a potentially mean and territorial fish.