Sink or Swim

Tobman · 01/30/2006, 05:18 PM

Well I have been reading like crazy - books, discussion forums, articles. I've been talking the LFS dude, etc. I am rapidly reaching the saturation point.

It seems like at some point I just need to go for it, even though I still have A LOT to learn, and learn from my mistakes.

At what point did you all go for it as newbies? How long did you spend researching and planning before you dove into the deep end?

kamil5000 · 01/30/2006, 05:29 PM

I learned the hard way.

LFS was a bad man. Went in to get a goldfish for my 3 year old's b-day (Nemo theme). Saw a couple of clowns in an anemone, ended up buying a 10Gallon with regular light, hardly any water movment, an lava rock. The LFS CLOWN told me that it would be very simple and easy to take care of these.

Two days later Anemone and clown sucked into filter - RIP.

To save the other clown I began reading and researching, and a couple of years later I am still reading and researching.

Since you already know more than i did, i'd say go for it. Anything you need along the way, you can get answers right here.

good luck
Kamil

Avi · 01/30/2006, 05:31 PM

Well, it was a while ago, but I spent a full year...outside of sleeping, eating, bathroom, etc. (J/K) but it did feel like that. There must be some things that you're just not sure about so just post what main things you aren't comfortable with yet, and get that stuff answered and then go for it. You won't be sorry.

SmokeFish · 01/30/2006, 05:38 PM

I guess I'm kind of in the same boat with you. I've been researching for well over a year now. The more I read the less I feel I know and the more I have to read. I still have yet to even attempt to set up a tank. I think I could probably read for the next 10 years and still not feel like I know enuf. I think I've just about reached my saturation point tho and its about time to learn from hands on experience...

AllenFord_SC · 01/30/2006, 05:48 PM

My LFS is at fault for me as well. Went to trade in My Jack Dempsey that was about 8 inches long and saw the reef setup they had. The guy told me, and I quote, "Actually saltwater tanks are easier to maintain than freshwater because of the better equipement that they have. And the best part of it is they only cost a little bit more than freshwater to operate."

I dove in head first and started drowning quickly. So I stopped, tore the tank down researched, found RC, bought about 30 books, read, read some more, then read a little more. Hindsight is 20/20.

Fast Fred · 01/30/2006, 05:52 PM

When I started in 1991, Al Gore hadn't invented the internet yet. So there was no research in that respect. The 45g tank was a trade for a small job I had done. With the help of the LFS, I had a SW tank up and running within a week, bio-balls and everything. Then, while the tank cycled, I read a book.

14 years and thousands of dollars later, I'm still learning and still upgrading.

I say just go for it and ask plenty of questions here. Don't trust any one member, but instead, get a consensous from a few members. Everyone here has a little different way of doing things, and you will too. Everyone's tank is different, and what works for one, may or may not work for you.

In the meantime, enjoy our addiction.

Avi · 01/30/2006, 05:55 PM

If you wait until you think you know everything you need to know...you'll never get the reef up and running. I made a few choices that I was eventually sorry I made because I didn't know better at the time, like the choice of sump which I had to modify later on so that I could dedicate part of it as a refugium, but when I set up the reef, I hadn't even yet come across the word "refugium." Still, nothing that couldn't be corrected.

kamil5000 · 01/30/2006, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fast Fred
When I started in 1991, Al Gore hadn't invented the internet yet.

MBuck · 01/31/2006, 12:05 AM

I think I registered on RC in March of 2005, after I had gone out and bought a 55g tank and satnd...I actually set up a tank in november of '05.....

Lost 2 green chromis, a couple sanils, and a pair of clowns to a glass thermometer breaking in the tank.

Just about 3 weeks ago, I moved my remaining fish, a Lawnmower blenny, and a green chromis, along with some snails and hermits, into a 58g cube. I absolutely love it! I am amazed, and excited, and nervous all at the same time!

I have sold the 55g, and bought a 75g with stand for a predator tank, but am waiting for a while before setting it up....just to be sure I feel comfortable....

Good Luck, and keep reading. You may even want to go to the library for some good reads. I got the books, then scanned the info I thought I could use later on my scanner, and am currently making a "reef" binder for quick reference....

happy reefing

Leandrae · 01/31/2006, 03:20 AM

Hi there! I also read and studied up on saltwater for a coupe of years before finally taking the plunge and getting my first tank back in late September. I bought my entire setup used including the live rock from someone that was getting out of the hobby and put an ad in the local newspaper...for me this was a great step since the tank was all up and running before I got it, all I had to do was put it back together (I am extremely DIY impaired)

RC has been a great help to me for advice along with the LFS and personal experience. So far, I've only lost 2 tiny clownfish (who were sick from day one apparently) and 1 featherduster. My tank currently has 4 fish who have thrived since then and many softies and LPS which are all doing very well.

The hardest parts for me so far is having patience and trying to figure out how to read the water test kits! (pH monitor FTW!) My next demon to conquer will be how to fit the huge refugium/sump I bought in my stand without tearing it all down!

-Janel

Teremei · 01/31/2006, 05:44 AM

You've shown the #1 important aspect to successfuly reef keeping. And that is the willingness to know more before you go ahead. This alone will help you to keep your fish healthy.

Don't rush into anything, read about the basic aspects of filtration, and before you buy a fish. Simply search about that species and read alot of opinions about it's hardiness and demeanor before purchasing.

Tobman · 01/31/2006, 10:36 AM

So how about one creates a reef system in steps:

Phase I

1. Sump/refugium (DIY w/used aquarium/tubs). Sump and refugium separate to allow for max flexibility. Sized for a 75-100g tank. Probable skimmer.

2. Plumb to a 15-25g tank as a display tank - FO maybe w/minimal LR/LS. This will serve as a QT tank in Phase III.

Phase II
1. Continued research on reef tanks. Use FO tank (QT tank) to practice aspects of a reef tank (marine biology, water flow, refugium/sumps, lighting, etc, etc.)

2. Design 75-100g reef.

Phase III
1. Install reef tank. Start with hardy fish, and hardy corals/inverts (e.g., zoanthids, leathers, mushrooms, cleaner crew & whatever comes with the LR.

3. Slowly move into LPS, SPS ...

Could take a motivated newbie all the way into LPS, SPS 1-3+ years.

If you start with the ultimate full reef system in mind, I imagine you could reduce additional costs compared to just going for the full reef right off the bat.

The above tank could even be the 75+ gallon tank, but started as FOWLR, PC lights, lower flow.

Ah heck, just go for it.

01/30/2006, 05:29 PM	#2
kamil5000 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 398	I learned the hard way. LFS was a bad man. Went in to get a goldfish for my 3 year old's b-day (Nemo theme). Saw a couple of clowns in an anemone, ended up buying a 10Gallon with regular light, hardly any water movment, an lava rock. The LFS CLOWN told me that it would be very simple and easy to take care of these. Two days later Anemone and clown sucked into filter - RIP. To save the other clown I began reading and researching, and a couple of years later I am still reading and researching. Since you already know more than i did, i'd say go for it. Anything you need along the way, you can get answers right here. good luck Kamil __________________ "It's supposed to look like that! - It's a hair and slime algea biotope!" Current Tank Info: 200g display tank - Envision Acrylic, 50g LR sump, 40g water treatment tank, 75g RDSB + refugium, Deltec TC 2560 external skimmer, Deltec phos & carb reactor, Tunze Wavebox plus Tunze ph, 2 x Iwaki returns, Koralline reactor, LED lights

01/30/2006, 05:31 PM	#3
Avi Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Westchester County, NY Posts: 7,327	Well, it was a while ago, but I spent a full year...outside of sleeping, eating, bathroom, etc. (J/K) but it did feel like that. There must be some things that you're just not sure about so just post what main things you aren't comfortable with yet, and get that stuff answered and then go for it. You won't be sorry. __________________ I'd keep the whole ocean if my den were big enough Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef with 210 lbs. of live rock, Aqua-C EV180 Skimmer, Aquactinic double 250W MH with blue plus t5 support; 58 gallon freshwater planted tank using CO2 and T5s; 30-gallon cube with a few fancy goldfish; and a 110 gallon FOWLR

01/30/2006, 05:38 PM	#4
SmokeFish Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 75	I guess I'm kind of in the same boat with you. I've been researching for well over a year now. The more I read the less I feel I know and the more I have to read. I still have yet to even attempt to set up a tank. I think I could probably read for the next 10 years and still not feel like I know enuf. I think I've just about reached my saturation point tho and its about time to learn from hands on experience... __________________ Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense. – The Buddha

01/30/2006, 05:48 PM	#5
AllenFord_SC Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ridgeland, SC Posts: 703	My LFS is at fault for me as well. Went to trade in My Jack Dempsey that was about 8 inches long and saw the reef setup they had. The guy told me, and I quote, "Actually saltwater tanks are easier to maintain than freshwater because of the better equipement that they have. And the best part of it is they only cost a little bit more than freshwater to operate." I dove in head first and started drowning quickly. So I stopped, tore the tank down researched, found RC, bought about 30 books, read, read some more, then read a little more. Hindsight is 20/20. __________________ We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl..... Roger Waters, Pink Floyd Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon Mixed, 55 Gallon sump, 35 gallon fuge

01/30/2006, 05:52 PM	#6
Fast Fred Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northfield, NJ 08225 Posts: 1,170	When I started in 1991, Al Gore hadn't invented the internet yet. So there was no research in that respect. The 45g tank was a trade for a small job I had done. With the help of the LFS, I had a SW tank up and running within a week, bio-balls and everything. Then, while the tank cycled, I read a book. 14 years and thousands of dollars later, I'm still learning and still upgrading. I say just go for it and ask plenty of questions here. Don't trust any one member, but instead, get a consensous from a few members. Everyone here has a little different way of doing things, and you will too. Everyone's tank is different, and what works for one, may or may not work for you. In the meantime, enjoy our addiction. __________________ Ya know, for a clown fish, you're not very funny! Member of the New Jersey Reefers Club Current Tank Info: 125g Reef Ready AGA /55g Top Fin Tank for a sump/refugium/ LifeReef Skimmer/ Changing over to SPS only

01/30/2006, 05:18 PM	#1
Tobman Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado Posts: 418	Sink or Swim Well I have been reading like crazy - books, discussion forums, articles. I've been talking the LFS dude, etc. I am rapidly reaching the saturation point. It seems like at some point I just need to go for it, even though I still have A LOT to learn, and learn from my mistakes. At what point did you all go for it as newbies? How long did you spend researching and planning before you dove into the deep end? __________________ Go Broncos! Current Tank Info: 65g reef

01/30/2006, 05:55 PM	#7
Avi Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Westchester County, NY Posts: 7,327	If you wait until you think you know everything you need to know...you'll never get the reef up and running. I made a few choices that I was eventually sorry I made because I didn't know better at the time, like the choice of sump which I had to modify later on so that I could dedicate part of it as a refugium, but when I set up the reef, I hadn't even yet come across the word "refugium." Still, nothing that couldn't be corrected. __________________ I'd keep the whole ocean if my den were big enough Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef with 210 lbs. of live rock, Aqua-C EV180 Skimmer, Aquactinic double 250W MH with blue plus t5 support; 58 gallon freshwater planted tank using CO2 and T5s; 30-gallon cube with a few fancy goldfish; and a 110 gallon FOWLR

01/31/2006, 12:05 AM	#9
MBuck Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Shelby, Ohio Posts: 452	I think I registered on RC in March of 2005, after I had gone out and bought a 55g tank and satnd...I actually set up a tank in november of '05..... Lost 2 green chromis, a couple sanils, and a pair of clowns to a glass thermometer breaking in the tank. Just about 3 weeks ago, I moved my remaining fish, a Lawnmower blenny, and a green chromis, along with some snails and hermits, into a 58g cube. I absolutely love it! I am amazed, and excited, and nervous all at the same time! I have sold the 55g, and bought a 75g with stand for a predator tank, but am waiting for a while before setting it up....just to be sure I feel comfortable.... Good Luck, and keep reading. You may even want to go to the library for some good reads. I got the books, then scanned the info I thought I could use later on my scanner, and am currently making a "reef" binder for quick reference.... happy reefing __________________ Marie Do not dwell on the past, improve the future!! ~ M. Current Tank Info: 180g Reef, mated pair B/W percs, 3- pajama cardinals, long-spined urchin, yellow tang, six-line wrasse, hermits, snails, 2 Chromis, LP Angel, Foxface, 2- Royal Grammas, LMB, Sailfin Tang, pink damsel.

01/31/2006, 03:20 AM	#10
Leandrae Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Thornton, CO Posts: 286	Hi there! I also read and studied up on saltwater for a coupe of years before finally taking the plunge and getting my first tank back in late September. I bought my entire setup used including the live rock from someone that was getting out of the hobby and put an ad in the local newspaper...for me this was a great step since the tank was all up and running before I got it, all I had to do was put it back together (I am extremely DIY impaired) RC has been a great help to me for advice along with the LFS and personal experience. So far, I've only lost 2 tiny clownfish (who were sick from day one apparently) and 1 featherduster. My tank currently has 4 fish who have thrived since then and many softies and LPS which are all doing very well. The hardest parts for me so far is having patience and trying to figure out how to read the water test kits! (pH monitor FTW!) My next demon to conquer will be how to fit the huge refugium/sump I bought in my stand without tearing it all down! -Janel

01/31/2006, 05:44 AM	#11
Teremei Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: West Chicago (one hour west) Posts: 2,751	You've shown the #1 important aspect to successfuly reef keeping. And that is the willingness to know more before you go ahead. This alone will help you to keep your fish healthy. Don't rush into anything, read about the basic aspects of filtration, and before you buy a fish. Simply search about that species and read alot of opinions about it's hardiness and demeanor before purchasing.

01/31/2006, 10:36 AM	#12
Tobman Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado Posts: 418	Well Said So how about one creates a reef system in steps: Phase I 1. Sump/refugium (DIY w/used aquarium/tubs). Sump and refugium separate to allow for max flexibility. Sized for a 75-100g tank. Probable skimmer. 2. Plumb to a 15-25g tank as a display tank - FO maybe w/minimal LR/LS. This will serve as a QT tank in Phase III. Phase II 1. Continued research on reef tanks. Use FO tank (QT tank) to practice aspects of a reef tank (marine biology, water flow, refugium/sumps, lighting, etc, etc.) 2. Design 75-100g reef. Phase III 1. Install reef tank. Start with hardy fish, and hardy corals/inverts (e.g., zoanthids, leathers, mushrooms, cleaner crew & whatever comes with the LR. 3. Slowly move into LPS, SPS ... Could take a motivated newbie all the way into LPS, SPS 1-3+ years. If you start with the ultimate full reef system in mind, I imagine you could reduce additional costs compared to just going for the full reef right off the bat. The above tank could even be the 75+ gallon tank, but started as FOWLR, PC lights, lower flow. Ah heck, just go for it. __________________ Go Broncos! Current Tank Info: 65g reef