If You Are New to Reef Central, Introduce Yourself Here!

[trampa4]

Hello
My name is Manual and i am new to reefing. i have a 55 gallon with a 20 gallon sump. It is a mixed reef. Metal halide with cpf lights. I have just been reading quite a bit.

Manual

[azslice]

Hey whats up RC? My name is Tim (azslice) im pretty new to the hobby but have learned alot in the last year since starting with a 10 gallon reef and effing up in every way imaginable but my tank is all good now ...and i am currently building a 72 gallon bow front reef ready with mp40, trigger systems csy 30 sump refugium, reef octopus nwb 110 and aqueon mega overflow with durso style stand pipe....thinking ati 6x54 w sun power but would like two radions so until then im at a stand still because if theeis one thing i have learned in this hobby its patience And get what you want or you wont be satisfied....see ya later alligators!

[niner76]

Hello Reefers!

Im Jake and I just got back into the hobbie after spending a week diving in Belize! All the coral and fish gave me the sickness again and I had to get another tank. My Previous tank was a 72g corner with limited sump space and no place for a refugium. Years later I sized down and have a 29g nano cube with a custom built sump/refugium built by me! It is about 2 months old and my fish are thriving but the frog spawn and zoos I have wil not open up. I have been slowly ruling things out but i havent had any luck yet. amonia, nitrate, ph, ca, are spot on. My salinity was a little low but is back in check at .025. Magnesium was low but on the way up, placement in flow hasnt made a difference. The only thing I have left to do is change my bulb, its a used light and Ii think over a yr old metal Hylide. Skimmer is on target and working well, my GFO reactor has been set up since day 1, I have cheto and reef mud in the refug. Since my tank is new and I havent had anything to take out the elements such as Iodine and other trace element I am at a loss. If you have any feed back I would be very appreciative!

Thanks Jake

[Squidmotron]

New (attempted) reefer here.

Got a 125 gallon tank off someone (for basically free), and have worked on setting up a mixed reef (my long-term goal).

At about 6 weeks, I popped in some snails and hermit crabs. A couple of weeks later, I added a couple beginner corals. Today, I added a pair of percula clownfish (I think.... I honestly cannot tell the difference between false, but that's what the LFS said). They seem be frenetically cowering in the corner of the tank right now and not really appreciating the environment I set up, but oh well.

[saltines]

Hey my name is manny, Im new to the whole reefing world. After visiting a few LFS ive decided i want my own saltwater setup. Ive basically been reading forums everywhere over the past few weeks. I plan on getting a 75 gallon to be my first tank. Unless I can score a 120 setup that looks good. I want to do try and run a reef as my long term goal. I dont really have any plans on specific species of fishes right now as i do not know much about them. Wish me luck

[jkf.liston]

Wanted to introduce myself here. My name is Joey. I just got a 80 gallon tall show tank. I havent filled it up yet because im still exploring opportunities with it, as well as kind of coral, fish, etc....I do know im doing salt water. I know its more work to start up and all but im pretty patient and my schedule allows me to spend time on it. If anyone lives in my area hit me up.

[pgagne]

Hi. I am not necessarily new to the hobby or to RC but it has been over 10 years since I have kept a reef tank and probably even longer since I have posted. I am excited to start again and plan to take it slow; one because I have learned that slow is better and two because it takes money. The purpose of this post is to re-introduce myself and to seek advice.

The following is a list of equipment I plan to use. I plan on having a reef tank with fish and soft corals. One day, I plan on some stony ones as well - but baby steps. This post is more geared to equipment to ensure I have everything I will need. I will repost again when livestock is in question. Any suggestions or advice would be great.

Main tank:
90 gal (48" X 18" X 24") "reef ready" mounted inside a wall. Besides sand, rock, fish, coral and inverts, I plan on having a few power heads mounted to a wavemaker.

Filtration:
Plan is to use a 30 gal (36" X 12" X 22") as a refugium. I will break into 5 chambers using lexan. First chamber will be the drained water from the tank above, it will overflow into a chamber with filter socks, then to the fuge part, into a "foam" chamber and finally into chamber 5 which will house a protein skimmer and return pump. The protein skimmer I have from years ago is a Turboflotor purchased from DrFosterSmith.com. The fuge will also house a 500W heater and digital thermometer.

Water:
Again, my plan is to have a RO/DI system with an auto shut-off using a float switch and a solenoid valve. The RO/DI water will fill a Rubbermaid tub (approx 25 gallon). This tub will have an auto-top-off system with redundant float switches back to the fuge tank. It will have a small pump inside it to bring this new clean water to the fuge.

Lighting:
I plan on purchasing LED lighting. I am looking at UFO series as my LFS says they are a good bang for the buck.

Quarantine Tank:
20 gal with a simple mechanical filter and heater.
Questions: Should I have a light with this? Will a whisper type mechanical filter be adequate for a few weeks of quarantine or should I have something else?

Measurement devices:
I have purchased a refractometer, a PH meter and a phosphase meter.
Question: Any other suggestions?

General questions:
1) Any other equipment that you think I need?
2) How often should water circulated in a given day / hour? I need to size a good pump.
3) A Calcium reactor or Kalkwasser dripper?
4) Is it suggested to have a separate holding tank for salt water for water changes?
5) Could someone explain how to or what process to take in order to "clean" live rock. I have heard rinse, soak in warmer water, put in quarantine tank - looking for ideas.

Anything else that people think I am forgetting? Before I jump in, I want to have all the equipment and build from there.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks

Paul

[Feriation]

Hello,

My name's Michelle. After previously having a freshwater tank, now that I've moved into my new place I was contemplating making the jump to salt water. So I thought I'd make an account and lurk here for a little while

[barbh]

Hello after having been on the other side of the hobby I have decided to make the leap over to the dark side. I will be setting up a 72 gallon bowfront fowlr with the possibility of making it a mixed reef a year or two down the road. Right now I am in the process of gathering all of my equipment along with still working on my stocking list. Equipment that I already have is tank and stand skimmer a bubble magus nac5e,a refractometer,yds meter, typhoon rodi unit heater and some buckets for mixing my water. I also have 90 lbs of rock which is dry so will need to pick up some live rock to seed my other rock, 80 lbs of sand. Things that I need to still get powerheads planning on two korilias 1050s, lighting I am planning on leds marineland double bright, which for now will work on a fowlr setup, will look for different lights when and if I move onto corals. I will be posting more as questions arise and would appreciate input and advice of the more experienced.

[joeys]

Hey, just made an account to get an idea of what people are talking about. Check out my Michigan pet supplies store for more information. Looking forward to making some connections!

[phr33dom]

Hello All!

II am currently living in Lincoln, RI and just getting back into reef keeping after 4 years tank less. I moved from Florida where in addition to weekly dive trips I was owned by 600+ gallons of joy and angst.

After careful consideration (ok sleepless nights and budget calculations) I have ordered a 210 gallon RR tank with custom stand and canopy . I have 2 weeks until both arrive and have yet to settle several very important questions and since this is the "Bat Cave" of reef world I figured I would introduce myself and ask for some expert advice. My main questions for you all are:

Should i take the LED lighting plunge and if so which company have you had the best results with?

I have had mainly fish and soft corals in the past (some clams and leathers as well) but would really like to get deeper into the madness)

What sump size and protein skimmer would you use if starting over knowing what you know now?

I really appreciate any guidance on these and any other pertinent issues you can anticipate me facing in the coming year.

BTW budget is already blown so I am really looking to do this right the first time so don't hold back!

Thank you for taking the time to help a recycled noob.

[wholagan]

Hi all,

My name is Brian and I'm in Southern California. I have been on hiatus from the hobby for about 7 years now and have taken the plunge back into it. Here's the specs on the tank I'm running.

50g tall mixed reef, 20g sump no fuge, AquaC EV120, Lights: TBD currently a T5HO for the cycle but thinking of moving to LEDs (maybe the Kessil A150W).

Just thought I'd stop in and say hi.

[birdsteve]

I'm new to the forum and hobby.
I have been doing research and saving for a tank.

A week ago a friend gave me her beta tank (2.5 gallons). It contains a beta, a danio, and three shrimp.

My friend bought the danio along with several others as fry to feed to the beta, but this one got away.

As I said I am working towards a proper reef tank, and am currently working to make sure that I am ready once I have enough money.

[nolen1503]

Hi!
I'm Fran and have been learning about reef systems for the past 5 months. My fiance has a 125 gal tank with sump and refugium, actinic and metal halide lights. He is getting back into the hobby after a 4 year break. We've installed a RO/DI system and the water chem is great. We've added lots of coral and one glass shrimp. We just bought two black ice clown fish and they are in the quarantine tank for the next three weeks. Planning to add more fish once the clowns are out of the QT.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Fran

[angelfisher]

Goodday to all!,

I'm Wali and hoping to start/maintain a saltwater tank w/any/all assistance i can receive from you all. My goal is to start w/a 75/100 tank and add clowns,tangs,etc. I used to have a fresh water tank years ago. Now looking forward to the challenges/rewards of a saltwater tank. Looking for info on any/all info on startup needs for this project. Happy fishing!!!!!! BTW I suffer w/the disease called: "PERFECTIONIST" I.E. I like to do things right the first time around. So, from your experience pls suggest the best equipment/products to help me become a successfull tank owner. Thanking you all in advance.

[bighappybuddha]

It's been awhile since coming to reefcentral...but i'm really excited again about the hobby and looking forward to learning and sharing. I've had a healthy 58 gallon reef for about seven years. Mostly lps and select softies, minimal gear....pair of tunze powerheads, remora skimmer, 250w x 2 halides plus hot5 actinics. Our tank really gives us so much...love the hobby and i have a long list of dream projects...but for now my wife and i are limited by space in our small apartment. Overall, i'm a big polyp, fleshy lps guy....unique pieces and healthy interactive feeding is a real jazzy thing for me outside my busy work schedule. Looking forward to being part of this global community.

[jpwhite]

Hey whats up everyone, I'm Josh I am new to reef central and fairly new to the hobby. I have a 7 week old 90 gallon still in progress reef tank..

[suebugsbooo]

Hi! Im Hailey I'm a new reefer in SC!
I bought a 55 gallon tank and stand off craig's list, gave it a make over and started my very first tank build. Every things gone fine no huge mistakes so far. Showed up my super macho father when it came time to drill the back of the tank and I finally put salt water in last week! ReefCentral helped me out the whole process thanks guys! Every question I had was already asked and answered by all the wonderful members here.
Thanks again Best of luck in everyones' tank!

[suebugsbooo]

Hi! Im Hailey I'm a new reefer in SC!
I bought a 55 gallon tank and stand off craig's list, gave it a make over and started my very first tank build. Every things gone fine no huge mistakes so far. Showed up my super macho father when it came time to drill the back of the tank and I finally put salt water in last week! ReefCentral helped me out the whole process thanks guys! Every question I had was already asked and answered by all the wonderful members here.
Thanks again Best of luck in everyones' tank!

[aquack4]

I am not new here, but I'm back with a new name after along time away. In the past I was not very active in posting. But plan to be much more active in the community this time around.

I've been away from the hobby for more than 3 years. I previously had 110 gallon tall glass tank. This time around i'm starting off with a 100 gallon Half round that I picked up on CL. I hope to post a build thread showing the scratch removal process and setup to completion. Mainly for fun and advise.

I plan on keeping a mixed reef mainly LPS and SPS.

Thanks

Adam

[jofish]

Hi All, I've been lurking here for quite a while - never had a saltwater tank and now i have the itch to set one up! I need to first get some home renovations out of the way and expect to start making purchases sometime in the fall. Until then, it will be research and admiration of all the fine work.

Best

Joe

[chrisryherd]

hi my name is Chris. i am new. i currently have a fluval spec 2g and a nano cube 28g quad cf. i would like to some day grow coral, soft, and lps. break down of the tanks.

nano cube

50 lbs live sand
10 lbs live rock plus another 10 lbs dry rock
koralia pump @ 425 gph
frank T's media basket
im at the end of a short cycle and hope to add some fish soon, and just ordered a clean up crew from reef cleaners.


fluval spec
live sand live rock
two cleaner shrimp
three blue leg hermit crabs ( with a few extra shells)
one blue damselflies

i am trying to find a good grow light for the spec. looking at the boost LED par 30
and the Rapid LED par38

i have read a lot being here and any suggestion or comments welcome.

[HammerTX]

Hi Ya'll! My name is Laurie and all I can say is where were you 20 years ago? We gave up on a reef tank back in the day...too many woes and two little kids that kept us on the run taking up our time. Now, after 20+ years, an empty nest, too much time on my hands, and a love for the beauty of the reef, we are giving it another go. This sight has been amazing. You are my bible to every little issue we have encountered. THANK YOU! I have been reading a lot, but only registered today.

We purchased a used system, which may have been a mistake. I think we inheritated the past owners problems. I believe we have conqured most the issues (another thanks to RC) are now on the right path of a happy, healthy tank. My newest problem is I can't get anything done. I sit for hours and hours and watch in amazement.

Looking forward to reading and learning all I can.

[bigfish14]

Hello everyone, my name is bigfish93, but you can call me Joe if you would like. I am not new to the hobby, however, I am new to the saltwater side. I have kept small freshwater tanks on and off for as long as I can remember. My most recent one was a 20 gallon high planted tank with 7 Lemon Tetra. I played sports my whole life and continued through high school and I was very dedicated them. My parents were also very supportive and helped me financially because I did not have time for a job; I was a four sport athlete in high school. This meant that saltwater was not an option for me due to its expense and time committment. I was ok with this though because I never had a desire to set up a saltwater aquarium. While I thought they were neat, I didn't think they were worth the time, effort, money, or trouble that they required to be properly set up. I have since graduated from high school and started my first job, which I have had for about a year now. Money is still tight because I am a college student, but I now have some spending money. My only freshwater tank was recently taken down after I had to take care of my Unlce's reef tank for a week while he was away on vaccation. After only a couple days of taking care of his reef, I was hooked! I immediately started researching saltwater tanks again. However, this time I went more in depth and researched everything about them. I quickely learned that a saltwater tank was not as daunting of a task as I originally thought. It just takes a lot of research and patience. I now have a 40 gallon breeder set up in my room waiting to become a beautiful reef tank. The forums seem to be a fantastic way to acquire the most recent and useful information. With that in mind, I started talking with the Salties on another forum that I was actively involved in while keeping freshwater tanks. I quickly learned that the saltwater side of the forums was dead, and began looking for a new forum. This seems to be a hot spot and I look forward to meeting all of you and picking your brains for all the information I can. From what I hear, I will also be using all of my "spending money" to get this thing going, but I cannot wait to get my first fish. I will be continuing my tank build thread from a previous site so everyone can follow along here.

[blackie74]

Hi my nick is Blackie and I learned of this site from a reputable shop in FL. I have kept a 75 gal fresh tank on the past and am looking to get into marine tanks. I am working at having a pro install with walkthru setup in the future but am concerned about location of the tank. I would like to place a 90 gal or so in the living room of my house i share with 2 other friends (i.e. no kids). I am concerned about the definition of "high traffic". I have a great spot in mind on one end ofthe room that i must walk by to reach my room, my bathroom, our linen closet and a spare bedroom that is occasionally used. It is also right next to our dartboard flight path that is seldom used. Taking all this into consideration as well as the fact our community tv and stereo are in this room that measures 12 ft by 21 ft with a 12 ft ceiling...is this a feasible area for a showcase marine tank? thanks for the help.