Newbie has some ?'s

abarrera · 12/03/2006, 04:23 PM

I want to start a 29tall reef. My first ? is; I have a tank that I used to keep dart frogs in it has never been cleaned with and chemicals and their was no health issues with the darts I just got them a nicer set up. Can I use this tank to build a reef tank or should I just go buy a new one?

I'm pretty sure I under stand the basics of maintaining a reef and setting one up do my reading the step by step thread in this section,28 pages WOW that took forever byt was well worth to time. But all advise is welcome.

? #2 I also have a 24" PC that has now just a 10,000k bulb and I plan on putting a 50/50 10,000k/9nm act bulb. Will this be enough light for anythig I may choose as an inhabitant later on?

I have decided on a tank with a Island rock setup and alot of sm. fish unsure of spicies(well as many as is safe). I plan to have a 15tall as a sump/refuge not sure witch yet hopefully both if possible, will have a canister filter also.

I plan on doing this tank the way I do my vivariums. I purchase everything I need to set it up less the animals and then the fun begins(I hope...lol). Of course I would like some oppinions on power heads and canister filters ie good ones and bad ones, ajustible vs nonadjustable and so on. I will be doing alot more research on these type things myself but personal experiances are always more honest and informative than what the company says IMO.

I'm one who belives constructive critasim(sp?) is more helpfull than someone not saying anything at all.

So to all thanks ahead of time.

Z-Man07 · 12/03/2006, 04:33 PM

Welcome to ReefCentral ABarrera!!! I think that you can use the tank. The silicone will have to be replaced and you will need to give it a good cleaning with vinegar and water and then more water. You are right about getting the gear and then getting wet so to speak. It will save you headaches if you change your mind about a piece of gear or how to install it later.

My advice to you is this: be very, very patient. When you think that you know enough to get started, read some more. I have learned many things the hard way because I got "wet" too early. Take your time and read, read, read. Then ask lots of questions. Jump over to the Chemistry forum for a bit. It's mostly over my head, but then you can get an idea at the chemistry involved in the husbandry of a reef tank.

I love this hobby. It gives me plenty of DIY stuff and problem solving and creativity projects. (I was just working on a drawing for the 120g I am moving into.)

By the way, I will be looking to ask you questions when it comes time for me to learn how to weld so I can make the skeleton of my stand out of steel!!!!!!!

Welcome,
Jay

Z-Man07 · 12/03/2006, 04:34 PM

Also, I would love to see some pics of your vivarium. PM me or just post it if no one has a problem with that.

12/03/2006, 04:23 PM	#1
abarrera Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NE Tennessee Posts: 135	Newbie has some ?'s I want to start a 29tall reef. My first ? is; I have a tank that I used to keep dart frogs in it has never been cleaned with and chemicals and their was no health issues with the darts I just got them a nicer set up. Can I use this tank to build a reef tank or should I just go buy a new one? I'm pretty sure I under stand the basics of maintaining a reef and setting one up do my reading the step by step thread in this section,28 pages WOW that took forever byt was well worth to time. But all advise is welcome. ? #2 I also have a 24" PC that has now just a 10,000k bulb and I plan on putting a 50/50 10,000k/9nm act bulb. Will this be enough light for anythig I may choose as an inhabitant later on? I have decided on a tank with a Island rock setup and alot of sm. fish unsure of spicies(well as many as is safe). I plan to have a 15tall as a sump/refuge not sure witch yet hopefully both if possible, will have a canister filter also. I plan on doing this tank the way I do my vivariums. I purchase everything I need to set it up less the animals and then the fun begins(I hope...lol). Of course I would like some oppinions on power heads and canister filters ie good ones and bad ones, ajustible vs nonadjustable and so on. I will be doing alot more research on these type things myself but personal experiances are always more honest and informative than what the company says IMO. I'm one who belives constructive critasim(sp?) is more helpfull than someone not saying anything at all. So to all thanks ahead of time.

12/03/2006, 04:34 PM	#3
Z-Man07 Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Bern, NC Posts: 256	Also, I would love to see some pics of your vivarium. PM me or just post it if no one has a problem with that. __________________ --> Jay Z.<-- Current Tank Info: What can I say... I have a tank, but there is no water in it!

12/03/2006, 04:33 PM	#2
Z-Man07 Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Bern, NC Posts: 256	Welcome to ReefCentral ABarrera!!! I think that you can use the tank. The silicone will have to be replaced and you will need to give it a good cleaning with vinegar and water and then more water. You are right about getting the gear and then getting wet so to speak. It will save you headaches if you change your mind about a piece of gear or how to install it later. My advice to you is this: be very, very patient. When you think that you know enough to get started, read some more. I have learned many things the hard way because I got "wet" too early. Take your time and read, read, read. Then ask lots of questions. Jump over to the Chemistry forum for a bit. It's mostly over my head, but then you can get an idea at the chemistry involved in the husbandry of a reef tank. I love this hobby. It gives me plenty of DIY stuff and problem solving and creativity projects. (I was just working on a drawing for the 120g I am moving into.) By the way, I will be looking to ask you questions when it comes time for me to learn how to weld so I can make the skeleton of my stand out of steel!!!!!!! Welcome, Jay __________________ --> Jay Z.<-- Current Tank Info: What can I say... I have a tank, but there is no water in it!