Temperate Reef Tank

[Knobsmith]

Hi all!! This is my first post so if I ask any stupid questions, please be gentle. I have had several aquariums, all fresh water and I am making plans to take the plunge (Well at least up to me elbow into a cold water reef tank. I do a bit of diving and like the idea of collecting local specimens to create a true Pacific Northwest reef tank.

I guess I'm just seeking advice from anybody out there that has already tested the waters and has a successful temperate tank up and swimming.

Here come the questions:

1) Anybody have a good local source for acrylic? I'm considering making my own tank and sump/refugium.

2) If making my own tank doesn't work out, is there a local source for acrylic tanks?

3) Chiller recommendations anyone? I'm looking to cool about 75gal. to about 60f.

I'll limit my questions to these for now.

P.S. Hi Christy. Yes, it is me. Ian

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I reckon you'll need quite the chiller!

Welcome!

I'm neither from Vancouver, nor have I maintained a cold water reef tank. But good luck finding what you need

[Dale]

Here's a recent thread on the subject

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=31038

In my post I have added a link to my experience so far and a link to a RC thread that will prove quite useful.

If this keeps up we might have to have a Canreef dive trip this summer

[Diana]

One summer I did a "tidepool" tank without a chiller. It worked well for the summer that I had it set up. I had barnicles, crabs, little tidepool anenomes, hermit crabs, and a small purple starfish. I'd love to try it again with a chiller to be able to keep more than just tidepool stuff.


-Diana

[Knobsmith]

Thanks to everybody who responded. I'm working on some drawings illustrating my planned set-up and would love to get some feedback when they are done.

[untamed]

Did you read that the Vancouver airport (int'l wing) is putting in a large cold water aquarium?