New.. again.

phx_reef · 05/17/2009, 11:10 PM

Hello all,

Over 8 years ago, I tore down my last reef tank. At the time it was pretty much state-of-the-art (hsa 1000 skimmer, calc reactor, live sand refugium, 4-96wt PC's and 2x400wt MH's, auto top off, electronic water chemistry monitoring, etc).

Back then, things seemed to change rather quickly regarding best-practice theories, technologies available, etc. The crux of my situation is that I'm very interested in returning to the hobby, and I'd like to find out what's changed since then. I had sold everything off (which I hate myself for).. so I'm starting from scratch. I'm also something of an avid DIY'r. Speaking of which I'm *extremely* curious about doing a (DIY) LED hood - the 150 bucks on my electric bill every month lost me major points with the wife. Plus I've moved from CT to AZ and heat is a major issue. Is LED considered viable yet in the first place? And Vodka? wth?

It's a bit frustrating because I'm not a newb, otoh I have no idea what's been going on lately. Thanks in advance for any advice.

This would be a pic of my last tank, circa 1998.
[IMG]http://i40.*******.com/epgcbd.jpg[/IMG]

Jeremy0322 · 05/18/2009, 03:40 AM

Welcome back to the hobby. Its possible to do a DIY LED system, i have seen it done, but I would not know the first thing to tell you about doing it. Vodka is tricky, because if you mess up the dosing by even a little you can really mess up the tank. I would just suggest spending time on the forums catching up on everything you missed over the past few years, I havent been around that long so I cant really tell you everything that has changed, but it shouldnt be too hard to get your bearings back.

btw, the old tank was beautiful.

05/17/2009, 11:10 PM	#1
phx_reef Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: phx Posts: 1	New.. again. Hello all, Over 8 years ago, I tore down my last reef tank. At the time it was pretty much state-of-the-art (hsa 1000 skimmer, calc reactor, live sand refugium, 4-96wt PC's and 2x400wt MH's, auto top off, electronic water chemistry monitoring, etc). Back then, things seemed to change rather quickly regarding best-practice theories, technologies available, etc. The crux of my situation is that I'm very interested in returning to the hobby, and I'd like to find out what's changed since then. I had sold everything off (which I hate myself for).. so I'm starting from scratch. I'm also something of an avid DIY'r. Speaking of which I'm extremely curious about doing a (DIY) LED hood - the 150 bucks on my electric bill every month lost me major points with the wife. Plus I've moved from CT to AZ and heat is a major issue. Is LED considered viable yet in the first place? And Vodka? wth? It's a bit frustrating because I'm not a newb, otoh I have no idea what's been going on lately. Thanks in advance for any advice. This would be a pic of my last tank, circa 1998. [IMG]http://i40.*******.com/epgcbd.jpg[/IMG]

05/18/2009, 03:40 AM	#2
Jeremy0322 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 104	Welcome back to the hobby. Its possible to do a DIY LED system, i have seen it done, but I would not know the first thing to tell you about doing it. Vodka is tricky, because if you mess up the dosing by even a little you can really mess up the tank. I would just suggest spending time on the forums catching up on everything you missed over the past few years, I havent been around that long so I cant really tell you everything that has changed, but it shouldnt be too hard to get your bearings back. btw, the old tank was beautiful.