Your Newest Member on Board Needs Your Help

noah09 · 01/05/2009, 05:03 AM

Hello!

Am your newest member to Reef Central; to be honest, am quite intimidated here as a newbie

The professionally set up tanks, and the mass information concerning Salt Water fish keeping is truely amazing. I regret to say, and no offense to no one...that im clueless about the first thing to setting up a Salt Water tank. I was keeping a 55 gallon freshwater until my landlord forced me to get rid of it. It's sad; i've always been fascinated by the ocean, the sea and all that live in them since i was a kid. Even parents wouldn't let me keep tank in the house. Ok! to make long story short, i've moved into a house with my GF.

I have 2 (180) gallon tanks and a 210 acrylic i want to turn into a salt water tank. I would need introductions or step-by-step help on setting these up if possible. Am not the most handy person

but am willing to learn and i can follow directions very good.

The most important thing, right now from what i've read, is building stands for my tanks. At least the 2 (180) gallons. Any help on the wood size i need? School opens next monday for me, i can get my friends to help me build the stand this week. Another thing is trying to put all my tanks on 'automatic water change.' I've seen some pictures here where the 180 gallon is drilled, at the top width of the tank. Any help on this can really help me 'kill two birds with one stone.' Your help would be well appreciated, thank you.

otrlynn · 01/05/2009, 05:41 AM

I started from zero knowledge and minimal freshwater experience and am now successfully maintaining a 58 gallon mixed reef--mostly with all the help I have received on here. Do make sure you read through the threads at the top of this forum, then read them again and come back and ask specific questions. You will probably find more help on building a stand on the DIY forum. You should also be able to do a search for a term like "build stand" and come up with some help. Try the search engine during mid-day if you can't get through during peak hours.

You mention that you are a student. Are you aware of the expenses involved in this hobby? Everything about it is more expensive than freshwater. Just make sure you will be okay with the ongoing costs as well as the start off costs. Good luck and welcome to Reef Central. Lynn

Michael · 01/05/2009, 06:25 AM

as lynn really, check out the stickys and welcome to reef central, some others will help out with the stand as lynn mentioned the diy forum is a good starting point, just keep reading as much as you can and always post if you need help here on this forum, theres a lot to take in and im sure you will slowly get your way through it, this is a good starting link http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1031074

epstein · 01/05/2009, 09:14 AM

This is the perfect place to get information.....I started with Zero knowledge....and between here and the plethora of books .....There is tons to learn........Just a word of advice...There are many many variables.....So what works in my tank .....may not in yours with identical conditions.....Take others advice with a grain of salt do your research carefully......This hobby is about being meticulous.......Everyone says patience ....But they are full of it....cause almost no one is.......Meticulous!!

phenom5 · 01/05/2009, 09:17 AM

Welcome to RC noah.

Your going to have a tough time finding step by step instructions on setting up a tank, because there are so many ways to do so. Definitely read as much as you can, so you can start to get a handle on the basics. The link Michael gave you is loaded with info.

The biggest thing that jumps out at me from your initial post is that you have two 180's and a 210. Big tanks are a good way to go, because they're more forgiving, but IMO you may want to pick one of your 3 tanks to start. A 180 or a 210 is a big tank, and you'll have your hands full with just one, setting up 3 could be a bit overwhelming.

Also, I'm not sure what your planning. Fish only? FOWLR (Fish only with Live Rock)? Or Reef? I would say FOWLR would probably be a good place to start.

I would drop by the DIY forum for some help with the stand.

Read lots, and ask lots of questions though. RC is a wealth of information, with lots of helpful posters.

WaterKeeper · 01/05/2009, 10:59 AM

Hi Noah

To Reef Central

This may get you started
Water
Tank Selection
Lighting
Sumps
Completing The Set-up
Natural Filtration I
Natural Filtration II
Natural Filtration III
Various Nutrient Control Methods
Adding Some Science to Your Tank, Part 1
Adding Some Science to Your Tank, Part 2

andrew jacoby · 01/05/2009, 12:42 PM

Check out melevsreef.com

jthao · 01/05/2009, 01:02 PM

I'm a student myself, and I gotta say... this hobby is very expensive so make sure you know what you're getting into.
First off, I'd say get rid of two of the tanks to buy equipment for one of the tank. having one big tank is already plenty of work to keep you busy.
Second, when buying equipment, buy the best you can afford. if you buy cheap stuff you'll be buying again soon.
third, read, read read, ask, ask, ask ...... I can't emphasize this enough. the more you research and ask question, the faster/more you'll know what you're doing.
you've come to the right site my boy...... this is by far the best site for reef/marine knowledge. I've been on other sites too, and the amount of knowledgeable people/quick responses/info here are at leat 10x more than anywhere else.

jthao · 01/05/2009, 01:03 PM

oh yeah, and subscribe to your own thread, cuss if you don't come back and read this stuff, there's no point of us writing.

WaterKeeper · 01/05/2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jthao
oh yeah, and subscribe to your own thread, cuss if you don't come back and read this stuff, there's no point of us writing.

Now I should put that up as a Sticky.

Playa-1 · 01/05/2009, 02:39 PM

[Size=2.5]To Reef Central[/Size]

I would hold off on building anything or spending any money on equipment at this point. You should first research thoroughly. I suggest spending some time reading thru the sticky threads here and I would highly recommend that you read a few good books on the subject. Once you have the basic information down then I would start making a plan including an equipment list. It's important not to rush thru this process. It's pointless to set the tank up before doing the research and your likely to make some huge mistakes if you rush thru this process.

Once you have a plan of action and a tentative equipment list you might want to post this information for feedback on Reef Central. This is were you're likely to get schooled and confused unless you have done your homework ahead of time.

Check out this link
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/tips/index.php

vyerous · 01/05/2009, 03:09 PM

Agreed. This place is where I learned 95% of what I know now, this thread essentially built my tank up to where it is today. LFS are great if they are reliable and they really do know their stuff, which is where reading up first comes into play; if they offer good information that you know is right, chances are they might have a thing or two to share you didn't know.

On top of that, I started off from scratch, no experience at all. I obtained a tank from my brother and on an impulse buy bought a used 55 from my LFS and in that same night got convinced why saltwater was better than fresh, oh and I'm glad I made the last minute change, I literally had to put back freshwater items that I just bought =D

With that said, I would definitely hold off on starting the tank, go ahead and build what you need to that isn't that big of a deal. As far as the actual tank setup, really hold off and form a sure fire game plan. One thing you will learn about this hobby is its more like a fun job once you get ahead of the game, in order to do so you are better off doing things right the first time because its often hard to correct afterward.

Don't let the whole being a student deter you, I'm a student, working full time (don't even make that much money), I volunteer, and manage my social life. Definitely hold off, read till your eyes hurt, sleep, read some more, and save your money to start your tank right because you only get one shot without having to tear things down and creating a huge mess for yourself.

Good luck!

01/05/2009, 05:03 AM	#1
noah09 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 1	Your Newest Member on Board Needs Your Help Hello! Am your newest member to Reef Central; to be honest, am quite intimidated here as a newbie The professionally set up tanks, and the mass information concerning Salt Water fish keeping is truely amazing. I regret to say, and no offense to no one...that im clueless about the first thing to setting up a Salt Water tank. I was keeping a 55 gallon freshwater until my landlord forced me to get rid of it. It's sad; i've always been fascinated by the ocean, the sea and all that live in them since i was a kid. Even parents wouldn't let me keep tank in the house. Ok! to make long story short, i've moved into a house with my GF. I have 2 (180) gallon tanks and a 210 acrylic i want to turn into a salt water tank. I would need introductions or step-by-step help on setting these up if possible. Am not the most handy person but am willing to learn and i can follow directions very good. The most important thing, right now from what i've read, is building stands for my tanks. At least the 2 (180) gallons. Any help on the wood size i need? School opens next monday for me, i can get my friends to help me build the stand this week. Another thing is trying to put all my tanks on 'automatic water change.' I've seen some pictures here where the 180 gallon is drilled, at the top width of the tank. Any help on this can really help me 'kill two birds with one stone.' Your help would be well appreciated, thank you. __________________ "Every man has the right to decide his own destiny, and in this judgement there is no partiality" Current Tank Info: freshwater

01/05/2009, 05:41 AM	#2
otrlynn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chester County PA Posts: 1,508	I started from zero knowledge and minimal freshwater experience and am now successfully maintaining a 58 gallon mixed reef--mostly with all the help I have received on here. Do make sure you read through the threads at the top of this forum, then read them again and come back and ask specific questions. You will probably find more help on building a stand on the DIY forum. You should also be able to do a search for a term like "build stand" and come up with some help. Try the search engine during mid-day if you can't get through during peak hours. You mention that you are a student. Are you aware of the expenses involved in this hobby? Everything about it is more expensive than freshwater. Just make sure you will be okay with the ongoing costs as well as the start off costs. Good luck and welcome to Reef Central. Lynn __________________ Lynn 1 horse, 1 dog, 2 cats, small pond with a few koi. The fish tank is gone.

01/05/2009, 06:25 AM	#3
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	as lynn really, check out the stickys and welcome to reef central, some others will help out with the stand as lynn mentioned the diy forum is a good starting point, just keep reading as much as you can and always post if you need help here on this forum, theres a lot to take in and im sure you will slowly get your way through it, this is a good starting link http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1031074 __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

01/05/2009, 09:14 AM	#4
epstein Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NYC transplant now in CT Posts: 1,501	This is the perfect place to get information.....I started with Zero knowledge....and between here and the plethora of books .....There is tons to learn........Just a word of advice...There are many many variables.....So what works in my tank .....may not in yours with identical conditions.....Take others advice with a grain of salt do your research carefully......This hobby is about being meticulous.......Everyone says patience ....But they are full of it....cause almost no one is.......Meticulous!! __________________ I'd Rather be a failure at something I love , Than a sucess at something I hate . George Burns Current Tank Info: 150 DD Cube / 100 Gal Sump(basement) 30gal cube frag tank plumb Panworld 250ps return/ Reef Octopus SRO3000 Skimmer/ Bubble Magus Doser/Lumenmax reflector with 400 watt Radium bulb Ice Cap Ballast Apex Controller 2 MP40wes 2 gyre 150

01/05/2009, 09:17 AM	#5
phenom5 Unregistered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,096	Welcome to RC noah. Your going to have a tough time finding step by step instructions on setting up a tank, because there are so many ways to do so. Definitely read as much as you can, so you can start to get a handle on the basics. The link Michael gave you is loaded with info. The biggest thing that jumps out at me from your initial post is that you have two 180's and a 210. Big tanks are a good way to go, because they're more forgiving, but IMO you may want to pick one of your 3 tanks to start. A 180 or a 210 is a big tank, and you'll have your hands full with just one, setting up 3 could be a bit overwhelming. Also, I'm not sure what your planning. Fish only? FOWLR (Fish only with Live Rock)? Or Reef? I would say FOWLR would probably be a good place to start. I would drop by the DIY forum for some help with the stand. Read lots, and ask lots of questions though. RC is a wealth of information, with lots of helpful posters. __________________ Rob Current Tank Info: DSA 155 Pro \| ATI Sunpower \| ATB 840 v2 \| Apex \| Wav

01/05/2009, 10:59 AM	#6
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	Hi Noah *To Reef Central* This may get you started Water Tank Selection Lighting Sumps Completing The Set-up Natural Filtration I Natural Filtration II Natural Filtration III Various Nutrient Control Methods Adding Some Science to Your Tank, Part 1 Adding Some Science to Your Tank, Part 2 __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

01/05/2009, 12:42 PM	#7
andrew jacoby Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 100	Check out melevsreef.com

01/05/2009, 01:02 PM	#8
jthao Super Saiyan Join Date: May 2007 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,522	I'm a student myself, and I gotta say... this hobby is very expensive so make sure you know what you're getting into. First off, I'd say get rid of two of the tanks to buy equipment for one of the tank. having one big tank is already plenty of work to keep you busy. Second, when buying equipment, buy the best you can afford. if you buy cheap stuff you'll be buying again soon. third, read, read read, ask, ask, ask ...... I can't emphasize this enough. the more you research and ask question, the faster/more you'll know what you're doing. you've come to the right site my boy...... this is by far the best site for reef/marine knowledge. I've been on other sites too, and the amount of knowledgeable people/quick responses/info here are at leat 10x more than anywhere else. __________________ Elos 160xl \| Profilux 3.1Nex ultimate \| BK DC200 \| (5)Mitras 6200s \|(4) Vortech MP40QD \| 3155 ATO \| Schuran CaRx \| Carbon-Doser \| Red Dragon return \| 500G Starphire FOWLR \| BK SM200 \| (6) Tunze 6105

01/05/2009, 01:03 PM	#9
jthao Super Saiyan Join Date: May 2007 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,522	oh yeah, and subscribe to your own thread, cuss if you don't come back and read this stuff, there's no point of us writing. __________________ Elos 160xl \| Profilux 3.1Nex ultimate \| BK DC200 \| (5)Mitras 6200s \|(4) Vortech MP40QD \| 3155 ATO \| Schuran CaRx \| Carbon-Doser \| Red Dragon return \| 500G Starphire FOWLR \| BK SM200 \| (6) Tunze 6105

01/05/2009, 02:39 PM	#11
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	[Size=2.5]To Reef Central[/Size] I would hold off on building anything or spending any money on equipment at this point. You should first research thoroughly. I suggest spending some time reading thru the sticky threads here and I would highly recommend that you read a few good books on the subject. Once you have the basic information down then I would start making a plan including an equipment list. It's important not to rush thru this process. It's pointless to set the tank up before doing the research and your likely to make some huge mistakes if you rush thru this process. Once you have a plan of action and a tentative equipment list you might want to post this information for feedback on Reef Central. This is were you're likely to get schooled and confused unless you have done your homework ahead of time. Check out this link http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/tips/index.php

01/05/2009, 03:09 PM	#12
vyerous Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NoVA Posts: 344	Agreed. This place is where I learned 95% of what I know now, this thread essentially built my tank up to where it is today. LFS are great if they are reliable and they really do know their stuff, which is where reading up first comes into play; if they offer good information that you know is right, chances are they might have a thing or two to share you didn't know. On top of that, I started off from scratch, no experience at all. I obtained a tank from my brother and on an impulse buy bought a used 55 from my LFS and in that same night got convinced why saltwater was better than fresh, oh and I'm glad I made the last minute change, I literally had to put back freshwater items that I just bought =D With that said, I would definitely hold off on starting the tank, go ahead and build what you need to that isn't that big of a deal. As far as the actual tank setup, really hold off and form a sure fire game plan. One thing you will learn about this hobby is its more like a fun job once you get ahead of the game, in order to do so you are better off doing things right the first time because its often hard to correct afterward. Don't let the whole being a student deter you, I'm a student, working full time (don't even make that much money), I volunteer, and manage my social life. Definitely hold off, read till your eyes hurt, sleep, read some more, and save your money to start your tank right because you only get one shot without having to tear things down and creating a huge mess for yourself. Good luck!