Hello New Friends,
My name is Matt and I'm from the Boston metro area. Long time reader, first time poster. I'm writing with a variety of questions and am hoping you all can: #1 convince me this is a good idea and #2 calm my anxiety.
I've been interested in a salt water setup for a long time now. Ever since keeping freshwater fish with my dad as a kid, I've always wanted to pursue saltwater. I was never allowed back then, but finally after years of being ready to "pull the trigger" I'm back to reading posts, watching videos, and trying to learn as much as I can. (In my old apartment I even hired a structural engineer to make sure the floor could support a big tank - it could! - and I still wussed out.
First things first - regarding tank location, do you all have an opinion on the following 3 spots (see pics attached). These are all on a concrete slab floor.
#1 - interior wall with no baseboard heat - 9.5' long
#2 - interior wall with baseboard heat - 6" long
#3 - inside a defunct fireplace - 28" long x 18" deep (probably not recommended for a newbie)
Next, regarding money, I know this is an expensive hobby. I do have some extra, but am I crazy to not sock it away for kids college?
Finally (for now), regarding time and lifestyle. Is it possible to go away for a weekend? Are there services where someone would come and feed/perform maintenance if away for an extended period of time.
Thank you in advance for your advice
My name is Matt and I'm from the Boston metro area. Long time reader, first time poster. I'm writing with a variety of questions and am hoping you all can: #1 convince me this is a good idea and #2 calm my anxiety.
I've been interested in a salt water setup for a long time now. Ever since keeping freshwater fish with my dad as a kid, I've always wanted to pursue saltwater. I was never allowed back then, but finally after years of being ready to "pull the trigger" I'm back to reading posts, watching videos, and trying to learn as much as I can. (In my old apartment I even hired a structural engineer to make sure the floor could support a big tank - it could! - and I still wussed out.
First things first - regarding tank location, do you all have an opinion on the following 3 spots (see pics attached). These are all on a concrete slab floor.
#1 - interior wall with no baseboard heat - 9.5' long
#2 - interior wall with baseboard heat - 6" long
#3 - inside a defunct fireplace - 28" long x 18" deep (probably not recommended for a newbie)
Next, regarding money, I know this is an expensive hobby. I do have some extra, but am I crazy to not sock it away for kids college?
Finally (for now), regarding time and lifestyle. Is it possible to go away for a weekend? Are there services where someone would come and feed/perform maintenance if away for an extended period of time.
Thank you in advance for your advice