three things every reef keeper should know

beaupierce · 09/05/2007, 07:50 AM

So,
If I were to bump into you at your LFS what would e the three tips you would give me that you thought were most helpful.

It can be anything. I'll start

1. DONT use tap water!! RO/DI only!
2. Nothing good happens quickly in reef aquaria, only bad.
3. Have fun and learn from all your mistakes, trust me you'll make many, I have!

Ok now your turn...

Jay_1966 · 09/05/2007, 07:54 AM

1. Research before you buy.
2. Don't break rules hoping you can get away with it.
3. Dont trust anyone that tells you different.

an411 · 09/05/2007, 08:09 AM

BE PATIENT
USE A QT TANK FOR LIVESTOCK
BUY THE BEST EQUIPMENT THAT YOU CAN AFFORD

cdentii1 · 09/05/2007, 08:20 AM

1. Go Slow (only bad things happen fast in this hobby)
2. Research Everything, read read read (knowledge is POWER)
3. Purchase Quality equipment (mainly Skimmer, RO/DI, & Lighting in that order)

beaupierce · 09/05/2007, 08:25 AM

Nice guys....keep it up.. I love it!!!

XSiVE · 09/05/2007, 08:30 AM

1. Don't take shortcuts
2. Algae happens
3. Stick with it when times get rough, your patience will be rewarded.

Dave Cox · 09/05/2007, 08:34 AM

Get the biggest tank possible - coz within months you'll be looking to upgrade !

Take a look at your budget. Double it.

Research everything - don't impulse buy livestock or equipment.

Travis L. Stevens · 09/05/2007, 08:36 AM

I have two sets:

Good Habits
1) Research before you buy
2) Be patient
3) Use common sense when making a new purchase.

Knowledge
1) Understand the relationship of Calcium, Alkalinity, pH, and Magnesium
2) Understand the Nitrogen cycle and subsequent phases a new tank will see.
3) Understand Predator:Prey ratios for a balanced aquarium.

snulma1 · 09/05/2007, 08:40 AM

1. Bigger/More expensive, doesn't always mean better
2. Start doing the basics right, and the rest will come
3. The grass is always greener, but if you wait long enough (and are patient) your lawn will flourish as well!

hmello@bermexin · 09/05/2007, 08:51 AM

1. Research the setup of a marine system extensivley from The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner before purchasing one pc. of equipment. Then follow the setup procedure to the letter.
2. Use your test kits during the cycle so that you can become comfortable with the chemistry, and verify your testing results by getting a second test of the same water from a different testing source.
3. Add a cleanup crew first, then some easy soft corals, then your fish.

pikachusalad · 09/05/2007, 08:54 AM

1. You can never have too many Tangs
2. Cycle your tank with a live puppy or kitten
3. Whatever problem you are having has NOTHING to do with your water quality (test kits are for wimps).

Travis L. Stevens · 09/05/2007, 08:54 AM

Here's another

Livestock and Maintenance
1) Unknown Hitchhiker? When in doubt, pull it out
2) Wierd Water Parameters? When in doubt, do a water change
3) Fish don't want friends, they want a place to call home.

hyperfocal · 09/05/2007, 10:53 AM

1) You need more flow
2) You need to do a water change
3) You need to be more patient

I think those three cover about 90% of the usual questions around here

GL · 09/05/2007, 11:01 AM

1) Avoid impulse buying
2) Don't put anything in the tank that will grow where you don't want it to.
3) Green Star Polyps are not your friend.

pikachusalad · 09/05/2007, 11:13 AM

General:
1. Test everything
2. Change your water and clean your filter sock weekly
3. Get a quarantine tank.

Livestock
1. Consult multiple sources for info (don't just trust the LFS girl or a single online vendor description)
2. Only get stuff you really like - and wait for it - don't settle for something because it's all that's available (and don't get a damsel)
3. Use your quarantine tank

Reefmack · 09/05/2007, 11:16 AM

1) Don't top off with saltwater.
2) Don't believe everything you read in RC, without several opinions - along with good advice you'll also get bad advice.
3) Never think that because you have read 1000+ posts that you are now an expert. 999 of those posts may have been based on misinformed hearsay evidence and not on fact.

Mavrk · 09/05/2007, 11:31 AM

1. Use a refracotmeter and PPM, forget about SG.
2. Use RO/DI
3. Skimmers are very important, don't skimp here

(if I could add a 4th it would be never trust the LFS... this would actually be number one I guess)

57chevygirl57 · 09/05/2007, 11:58 AM

Stuff happens......
Yes, they do get big!
and if it fit's in the mouth, It will be a snack!

hmello@bermexin · 09/05/2007, 12:16 PM

1. Waterkeeper is your friend, listen..........
2. Bertoni is your friend, listen...........
3. Beerguy is your friend, listen.......

rickytikki · 09/05/2007, 12:23 PM

1. This is NOTHING like your freshwater tanks
2. Everybody will tell you a different way to do something and almost all of them are wrong.
3. Probably most important, THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE FRIGGIN' HOBBY!!

cdentii1 · 09/05/2007, 12:37 PM

Ok try this.....
1. Decide on tank size and Double it, then
2. Make your Budjet and double it.... twice.
3. Decide on wish list and then double it.... three times.

hmello@bermexin · 09/05/2007, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cdentii1
Ok try this.....
1. Decide on tank size and Double it, then
2. Make your Budjet and double it.
3. Decide on wish list and then double it.

Shouldn't #3 be "Decide on wish list then cut it in half and then cut it in half again and you might be able to have that much"

cdentii1 · 09/05/2007, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hmello@bermexin
Shouldn't #3 be "Decide on wish list then cut it in half and then cut it in half again and you might be able to have that much"

True, very very true, LOL

beaupierce · 09/05/2007, 01:09 PM

Wow what a great response so far guys.. Keep it up!

Defintely love the one about the budget! Oh how true that is! Heck i think double or even triple it is more like it!

Noah_Count · 09/05/2007, 01:54 PM

1. No matter how cheap and appealing they seem to be, don't get damsels!
2. No matter how cheap and appealing they seem to be, don't
get damsels!
3. No matter how cheap and appealing they seem to be, don't get damsels!

Actually, I really do love the way three stripe damsels look and the price is unbeatable, I just wish they weren't so danged aggressive and territorial. It would be so nice if you could have a trio in your tank without risking threatening the longevity of almost every other fish in there.

09/05/2007, 07:50 AM	#1
beaupierce Moved On Join Date: May 2004 Location: Nipomo, CA Posts: 419	three things every reef keeper should know So, If I were to bump into you at your LFS what would e the three tips you would give me that you thought were most helpful. It can be anything. I'll start 1. DONT use tap water!! RO/DI only! 2. Nothing good happens quickly in reef aquaria, only bad. 3. Have fun and learn from all your mistakes, trust me you'll make many, I have! Ok now your turn...

09/05/2007, 07:54 AM	#2
Jay_1966 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 68	1. Research before you buy. 2. Don't break rules hoping you can get away with it. 3. Dont trust anyone that tells you different. __________________ Jay Tank Status - All Parameters Good, 6 line wrasse (only fish)- Started 6/07 Current Tank Info: Red Sea Max - no mods, & the skimmer works well on mine! Yay

09/05/2007, 08:36 AM	#8
Travis L. Stevens Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Perry, OK Posts: 13,946	I have two sets: Good Habits 1) Research before you buy 2) Be patient 3) Use common sense when making a new purchase. Knowledge 1) Understand the relationship of Calcium, Alkalinity, pH, and Magnesium 2) Understand the Nitrogen cycle and subsequent phases a new tank will see. 3) Understand Predator:Prey ratios for a balanced aquarium. __________________ Travis Stevens Current Tank Info: Restarting 28g Bowfront

09/05/2007, 08:51 AM	#10
hmello@bermexin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,205	1. Research the setup of a marine system extensivley from The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner before purchasing one pc. of equipment. Then follow the setup procedure to the letter. 2. Use your test kits during the cycle so that you can become comfortable with the chemistry, and verify your testing results by getting a second test of the same water from a different testing source. 3. Add a cleanup crew first, then some easy soft corals, then your fish. __________________ Henry Somewhere something incredible is waiting to be known. Current Tank Info: 29g BioCube, AI SOL 12" Super Blue

09/05/2007, 08:54 AM	#11
pikachusalad Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 402	1. You can never have too many Tangs 2. Cycle your tank with a live puppy or kitten 3. Whatever problem you are having has NOTHING to do with your water quality (test kits are for wimps). __________________ -- Mike Current Tank Info: 60G reef

09/05/2007, 08:09 AM	#3
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	BE PATIENT USE A QT TANK FOR LIVESTOCK BUY THE BEST EQUIPMENT THAT YOU CAN AFFORD

09/05/2007, 08:20 AM	#4
cdentii1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canton, OH Posts: 527	1. Go Slow (only bad things happen fast in this hobby) 2. Research Everything, read read read (knowledge is POWER) 3. Purchase Quality equipment (mainly Skimmer, RO/DI, & Lighting in that order)

09/05/2007, 08:25 AM	#5
beaupierce Moved On Join Date: May 2004 Location: Nipomo, CA Posts: 419	Nice guys....keep it up.. I love it!!!

09/05/2007, 08:30 AM	#6
XSiVE Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Waterford, MI Posts: 790	1. Don't take shortcuts 2. Algae happens 3. Stick with it when times get rough, your patience will be rewarded.

09/05/2007, 08:34 AM	#7
Dave Cox Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: UK Posts: 229	Get the biggest tank possible - coz within months you'll be looking to upgrade ! Take a look at your budget. Double it. Research everything - don't impulse buy livestock or equipment.

09/05/2007, 08:40 AM	#9
snulma1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,281	1. Bigger/More expensive, doesn't always mean better 2. Start doing the basics right, and the rest will come 3. The grass is always greener, but if you wait long enough (and are patient) your lawn will flourish as well!

09/05/2007, 10:53 AM	#13
hyperfocal Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Edge of oblivion Posts: 1,708	1) You need more flow 2) You need to do a water change 3) You need to be more patient I think those three cover about 90% of the usual questions around here __________________ "Froth at the top, dregs at bottom, but the middle excellent." -- Voltaire Current Tank Info: getting back into the hobby

09/05/2007, 11:01 AM	#14
GL Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: NE Pa Posts: 921	1) Avoid impulse buying 2) Don't put anything in the tank that will grow where you don't want it to. 3) Green Star Polyps are not your friend. __________________ Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely, but rather to skid in sideways, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!' Current Tank Info: 90 AGA, 30 gal sump, 6 x 54w T5, ER cs8-1

09/05/2007, 11:13 AM	#15
pikachusalad Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 402	General: 1. Test everything 2. Change your water and clean your filter sock weekly 3. Get a quarantine tank. Livestock 1. Consult multiple sources for info (don't just trust the LFS girl or a single online vendor description) 2. Only get stuff you really like - and wait for it - don't settle for something because it's all that's available (and don't get a damsel) 3. Use your quarantine tank __________________ -- Mike Current Tank Info: 60G reef

09/05/2007, 11:16 AM	#16
Reefmack Moved On Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC, USA Posts: 3,412	1) Don't top off with saltwater. 2) Don't believe everything you read in RC, without several opinions - along with good advice you'll also get bad advice. 3) Never think that because you have read 1000+ posts that you are now an expert. 999 of those posts may have been based on misinformed hearsay evidence and not on fact.

09/05/2007, 11:31 AM	#17
Mavrk Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California - South Bay Area Posts: 2,775	1. Use a refracotmeter and PPM, forget about SG. 2. Use RO/DI 3. Skimmers are very important, don't skimp here (if I could add a 4th it would be never trust the LFS... this would actually be number one I guess)

09/05/2007, 11:58 AM	#18
57chevygirl57 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 295	Stuff happens...... Yes, they do get big! and if it fit's in the mouth, It will be a snack!

09/05/2007, 12:16 PM	#19
hmello@bermexin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,205	1. Waterkeeper is your friend, listen.......... 2. Bertoni is your friend, listen........... 3. Beerguy is your friend, listen....... __________________ Henry Somewhere something incredible is waiting to be known. Current Tank Info: 29g BioCube, AI SOL 12" Super Blue

09/05/2007, 12:23 PM	#20
rickytikki Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 126	1. This is NOTHING like your freshwater tanks 2. Everybody will tell you a different way to do something and almost all of them are wrong. 3. Probably most important, THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE FRIGGIN' HOBBY!!

09/05/2007, 12:37 PM	#21
cdentii1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canton, OH Posts: 527	Ok try this..... 1. Decide on tank size and Double it, then 2. Make your Budjet and double it.... twice. 3. Decide on wish list and then double it.... three times.

09/05/2007, 01:09 PM	#24
beaupierce Moved On Join Date: May 2004 Location: Nipomo, CA Posts: 419	Wow what a great response so far guys.. Keep it up! Defintely love the one about the budget! Oh how true that is! Heck i think double or even triple it is more like it!

09/05/2007, 01:54 PM	#25
Noah_Count Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Eatonton Ga. Posts: 66	1. No matter how cheap and appealing they seem to be, don't get damsels! 2. No matter how cheap and appealing they seem to be, don't get damsels! 3. No matter how cheap and appealing they seem to be, don't get damsels! Actually, I really do love the way three stripe damsels look and the price is unbeatable, I just wish they weren't so danged aggressive and territorial. It would be so nice if you could have a trio in your tank without risking threatening the longevity of almost every other fish in there.