If You Are New to Reef Central, Introduce Yourself Here! - Page 117

Sisterlimonpot · 07/18/2010, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diddy2k

hey everyone. just started a 14g bc nano for clowns and softies. i'm super new, had no knowledge whatsoever when i purchased/setup. learning as much as i can as i'm going along. made a tank thread so you can watch as i master or fail at this

happy reefing!

To Reef Central

Looks like you're off to a great start. I like your aquascaping, and of course a thread with lots of pictures is a thread for me. Keep up the good work, I will be tagging along in your thread as well.

Sisterlimonpot · 07/18/2010, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarpeD1em500

Hey everyone - my name is Mike. I just inherited a 90 gallon tank / sump setup from a family member, and this will be my first tank larger than 20 gallons or so.

I put everything together last night and did some water tests along the seams to try and test for leaks. The rest of the water may or may not go in tonight.

I have a concern, though not a large one. The tank is on the first floor of my condo, and there is a basement below me. I've been told that full, my setup should be just under 1000 pounds. It is sitting on hardwood floor in the corner of a room (near more support I'd imagine???)....should I worry?

The condo was built three years ago and seems very strong. My electrician was out last week and I asked him about the structural support under the tank (aka under the floor, in the ceiling of the basement), and he said everything looked strong. The LFS laughed and said "dude don't worry about supporting it until you hit 150-200 gallons, 90 is nothing"....

While I appreciate those comments, it is...my house! So I wanna make sure this tank isn't going to fall through the floor or anything!!!

Any thoughts are welcome . thanks in advance!!!!

To Reef Central

A 90 gallon will be fine the load ratings on these houses are outrageously overbuilt. However if really concerned you, it'll put your mind at ease get a structural engineer out there to look it over and tell you one way or the other.

nox99 · 07/18/2010, 01:13 PM

Hi I'm new to RC and I need some good advice...

I am planning a 55 gallon aquarium, sump, protein skimmer, refugium, etc.
my stocking plan:

5 Allen's Damsels
1 Striped Fang Blenny
1 Diamond Watchman Goby (I am prepared to spend time training it to feed on prepared foods)
1 Randall's Prawn Goby

that was going to be it but.. I visited my LFS and there was an absolutely beautiful, very heathly Lemonpeel Angel..and now I want one! I was planning on keeping shrooms and zoas only anyways (but I'm sad I can't get a clam)

I need your honest opinion-will it work??

thank you so much

CarpeD1em500 · 07/18/2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sisterlimonpot

To Reef Central

A 90 gallon will be fine the load ratings on these houses are outrageously overbuilt. However if really concerned you, it'll put your mind at ease get a structural engineer out there to look it over and tell you one way or the other.

Thanks so much!!

I have created a thread to document my progress. You can check it out here:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1878977

Thanks!!

bnhd3 · 07/18/2010, 06:51 PM

Hi I'm back after a few years break. I used to frequent the site about 3 years ago and I kept my login. I am returning to the hobby. This time with a Biocube 14g. Just set it up this past week.

James404 · 07/18/2010, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnhd3

Hi I'm back after a few years break. I used to frequent the site about 3 years ago and I kept my login. I am returning to the hobby. This time with a Biocube 14g. Just set it up this past week.

welcome back!

Sisterlimonpot · 07/19/2010, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nox99

Hi I'm new to RC and I need some good advice...

I am planning a 55 gallon aquarium, sump, protein skimmer, refugium, etc.
my stocking plan:

5 Allen's Damsels
1 Striped Fang Blenny
1 Diamond Watchman Goby (I am prepared to spend time training it to feed on prepared foods)
1 Randall's Prawn Goby

that was going to be it but.. I visited my LFS and there was an absolutely beautiful, very heathly Lemonpeel Angel..and now I want one! I was planning on keeping shrooms and zoas only anyways (but I'm sad I can't get a clam)

I need your honest opinion-will it work??

thank you so much

To Reef Central

Keep in mind those damsels will become extremely aggressive and attack each other as well as the other tank mates, especially in a 55. As for the diamond goby, They aren't that hard to get to eat frozen, I've had 2 of them and they both ate frozen food mysis.

Sisterlimonpot · 07/19/2010, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarpeD1em500

Thanks so much!!

I have created a thread to document my progress. You can check it out here:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1878977

Thanks!!

Cool, I'll definitely check it out.

Sisterlimonpot · 07/19/2010, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnhd3

Hi I'm back after a few years break. I used to frequent the site about 3 years ago and I kept my login. I am returning to the hobby. This time with a Biocube 14g. Just set it up this past week.

Good to have you back, good luck with your refound thirst for the hobby.

ItsET · 07/19/2010, 03:30 PM

First of all, AWESOME SITE !! A lot of people are having similar issues, (as I am), and being new to the hobby I feel a lot better. I'm trying to keep this as simple and inexpensive as I can. So I'll tell you what I have. I have a 90 gallon saltwater tank with 1" of live Argonite. I only have 1, 48" aquaticlife with 2 lamps 420/460 and a 10K. Not a lot of light I know (money's tight). I built a sump out of a 20 gal tall. Divided it into 3 sections. Water enters the first with my octopus skimmer and heater. Then goes into section two which I'm using as a refugium with some algea plants in it and crushed oyster shell. Then through a sponge between two baffles to a quiet1 3000 return pump. I run a Magnum 350 w/ carbon and a Whisper 60. One rotating 55 - 160 gph power head and I stuck a another small pump on the other side just for flow. 20 lbs Live rock, just getting started. 12 blue leg and 6 red leg hermit crabs, 1 sand sifting starfish, 4 green chromi, 1 yellow tang. 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 0 nitrates, 8.4 ph, calcium is over 400, phosphate maybe .25 . Adding 1 cap of All in one Microbe lift and 2 tbs of DT's phytoplankton each week. If your still reading this, Please, PLEASE, What else should I be doing ??? I'v been up about 3 months now. Back wall I leave green Algea for the Tang. Some diatom in the gravel. It goes away. Only done 3, 5 gal water changes.

Sisterlimonpot · 07/19/2010, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItsET

First of all, AWESOME SITE !! A lot of people are having similar issues, (as I am), and being new to the hobby I feel a lot better. I'm trying to keep this as simple and inexpensive as I can. So I'll tell you what I have. I have a 90 gallon saltwater tank with 1" of live Argonite. I only have 1, 48" aquaticlife with 2 lamps 420/460 and a 10K. Not a lot of light I know (money's tight). I built a sump out of a 20 gal tall. Divided it into 3 sections. Water enters the first with my octopus skimmer and heater. Then goes into section two which I'm using as a refugium with some algea plants in it and crushed oyster shell. Then through a sponge between two baffles to a quiet1 3000 return pump. I run a Magnum 350 w/ carbon and a Whisper 60. One rotating 55 - 160 gph power head and I stuck a another small pump on the other side just for flow. 20 lbs Live rock, just getting started. 12 blue leg and 6 red leg hermit crabs, 1 sand sifting starfish, 4 green chromi, 1 yellow tang. 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 0 nitrates, 8.4 ph, calcium is over 400, phosphate maybe .25 . Adding 1 cap of All in one Microbe lift and 2 tbs of DT's phytoplankton each week. If your still reading this, Please, PLEASE, What else should I be doing ??? I'v been up about 3 months now. Back wall I leave green Algea for the Tang. Some diatom in the gravel. It goes away. Only done 3, 5 gal water changes.

To Reef Central
sounds like you're off to a good start, now it's time to define what you want for your tank, are you going for a reef tank or a fish only? Those sand sifting stars don't seem to last long in captivity, they tend to starve to death after they eat what's in the tank, which may be a good thing, because if you want a reef tank you can't have one of those in the tank anyway. I would also start saving up for better lighting (unless your going to have a fish only tank) those compact florescents don't do anything for corals. Some T5's or MH will do the trick, but other than that you're doing good. Keep it up!

libertonalex · 07/20/2010, 10:20 AM

Hi everyone! I am very new to this all, but figured I would introduce myself sooner than later!

I found a 55 gallon tank/stand set up on CL for cheap and blindly jumped in. My aquarium store guy convinced me to set up a Reef tank and I am already very very happy with the decision to listen to him.

So far I purchased 50lbs of Figi live rock, filled the tank with the salt water and I've been running my filter for about 3 days (all with his recommended filter media).

Im going to poking around this site very often while I am at work (computer tech with lots of time

) and so far I love all the helpful information I've been reading.

Will be seeing you all around

pikacho240 · 07/20/2010, 12:37 PM

Hey guys:

The GF and I are new to the hobby and we've been hooked ever since we saw a buddy's nano reef tank. We were able to pick up a 60g glass tank (48X15X17) for pretty cheap. The guy who sold us the tank also threw in a Rena Filter XP, UV sterilizer, air pump, and a water heater. We are interested in a FOWLR setup, and possibly some corals, etc.

I've been reading this forum quite a bit, and yet there's so much to learn!!

I started by painting the back of the tank a deep blue using Krylon Fusion. Currently we have 60lb of LS, and roughly 50g of salt water cycling. As of right now, the Rena is up and running and we also purchased the AquaC Power Filter 110. (We were told by a LFS, that if we have good filtration system, there wouldn't be a need for a protein skimmer??) I find this pretty hard to believe, especially when we decide to start with LR and fish.

When the time comes, we have our eyes on the AquaC Remora Hang-On Protein skimmer, however if there are other Hang-on protein skimmers in the market that hold up equally as well, any input or info would be greatly appreciated. We dont really have the space for a sump, so that option is out of the question.

As far as lighting, Ive been reading about T5, VHO, and MH systems. We want the most efficient system, but nothing that's going to rip a hole in my wallet for. I heard that MH are mainly for hard corals, and T5's are for soft corals. Is this true?

We want to have a really nice setup going, but are patient and willing to learn. I'm also wondering if there's a certain "checklist" of doing things. What to buy first, and what to set up first prior to purchasing live rock, fish, etc. Sorry for so many questions. Im sure everyone started here at one point or another.

nox99 · 07/20/2010, 12:37 PM

I have been researching the damsels and they say they are peaceful and like to school kind of like chromis...so i thought they'd be fine

Do you have any experience with a lemonpeel angel? Could i keep them onyl with soft corals or would LPS do fine too?

Emmalemma · 07/20/2010, 02:43 PM

Hi everyone, just introducing myself! I have a recently-cycled 75-gallon Fluval aquarium with about 40 pounds of live rock, 4 Turbo snails, and three damsels. I haven't quite memorized all the "stats" -- eg, what kinds of lights I have, how you'd describe my filtration system -- but I'm so excited to be starting this hobby and can't wait to learn more! Thanks for providing such a wonderful resource.

Em

LeakyZ · 07/20/2010, 05:20 PM

New to RC. I have a 90g fowlr, hob filter, 85lbs live rock, 3"bed, asst of fish. That setup about 6 years old, just bought a 155 tank I'm setting up. Hope to get lots of info here.

The Gent · 07/20/2010, 06:26 PM

Hi all, The Gent has arrived. I am slowly building a 75 gallon reef. Looking all over the web for good information.

Aquarius2010 · 07/20/2010, 11:28 PM

Hello! im new to the hobby and in the market for a protein skimmer. what makes a good skimmer?

thanks

Sisterlimonpot · 07/21/2010, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by libertonalex

Hi everyone! I am very new to this all, but figured I would introduce myself sooner than later!

I found a 55 gallon tank/stand set up on CL for cheap and blindly jumped in. My aquarium store guy convinced me to set up a Reef tank and I am already very very happy with the decision to listen to him.

So far I purchased 50lbs of Figi live rock, filled the tank with the salt water and I've been running my filter for about 3 days (all with his recommended filter media).

Im going to poking around this site very often while I am at work (computer tech with lots of time

) and so far I love all the helpful information I've been reading.

Will be seeing you all around

To Reef Central
Be sure to read the stickies, they're full of information.

Sisterlimonpot · 07/21/2010, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pikacho240

Hey guys:

The GF and I are new to the hobby and we've been hooked ever since we saw a buddy's nano reef tank. We were able to pick up a 60g glass tank (48X15X17) for pretty cheap. The guy who sold us the tank also threw in a Rena Filter XP, UV sterilizer, air pump, and a water heater. We are interested in a FOWLR setup, and possibly some corals, etc.

I've been reading this forum quite a bit, and yet there's so much to learn!!

I started by painting the back of the tank a deep blue using Krylon Fusion. Currently we have 60lb of LS, and roughly 50g of salt water cycling. As of right now, the Rena is up and running and we also purchased the AquaC Power Filter 110. (We were told by a LFS, that if we have good filtration system, there wouldn't be a need for a protein skimmer??) I find this pretty hard to believe, especially when we decide to start with LR and fish.

When the time comes, we have our eyes on the AquaC Remora Hang-On Protein skimmer, however if there are other Hang-on protein skimmers in the market that hold up equally as well, any input or info would be greatly appreciated. We dont really have the space for a sump, so that option is out of the question.

As far as lighting, Ive been reading about T5, VHO, and MH systems. We want the most efficient system, but nothing that's going to rip a hole in my wallet for. I heard that MH are mainly for hard corals, and T5's are for soft corals. Is this true?

We want to have a really nice setup going, but are patient and willing to learn. I'm also wondering if there's a certain "checklist" of doing things. What to buy first, and what to set up first prior to purchasing live rock, fish, etc. Sorry for so many questions. Im sure everyone started here at one point or another.

To Reef Central
I really don't think that there is a substitute for a protein skimmer, IMO they are a must.

MH aren't the only lights for SPS, many successful reefs use the T5 (and they're easy on the pocket book)

As for a checklisst I would suggest reading this thread

Sisterlimonpot · 07/21/2010, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nox99

I have been researching the damsels and they say they are peaceful and like to school kind of like chromis...so i thought they'd be fine

Do you have any experience with a lemonpeel angel? Could i keep them onyl with soft corals or would LPS do fine too?

Never dealt with lemonpeels, I know that they are good for the smaller tanks. A lot has to do with their personality (go figure right?) Like the flame angel they are supposed to be non reef safe but many successfully keep them in their tank and as long as they are happily kept fat they leave the corals alone.

Sisterlimonpot · 07/21/2010, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emmalemma

Hi everyone, just introducing myself! I have a recently-cycled 75-gallon Fluval aquarium with about 40 pounds of live rock, 4 Turbo snails, and three damsels. I haven't quite memorized all the "stats" -- eg, what kinds of lights I have, how you'd describe my filtration system -- but I'm so excited to be starting this hobby and can't wait to learn more! Thanks for providing such a wonderful resource.

Em

To Reef Central

Good luck with your new 75.

Sisterlimonpot · 07/21/2010, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeakyZ

New to RC. I have a 90g fowlr, hob filter, 85lbs live rock, 3"bed, asst of fish. That setup about 6 years old, just bought a 155 tank I'm setting up. Hope to get lots of info here.

To Reef Central

A 155 is a good step up, you'll be really happy with the extra space.

Sisterlimonpot · 07/21/2010, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Gent

Hi all, The Gent has arrived. I am slowly building a 75 gallon reef. Looking all over the web for good information.

Look no further, pretty much everything you need to know is right here.

To Reef Central

HoneyJubilee · 07/22/2010, 07:12 PM

Hello! I've kept freshwater fish for quite a while and would like to give saltwater a try. I'm still researching fish, tank sizes, etc. to figure out what I have room for and can afford to maintain. I'd love to have a huge FOWLR with a Porcupine Puffer and/or a reef tank with sea horses, but there's still a lot of planning/research I need to do before buying anything.

I'm a little worried about my floor being able to hold a 100-120gal tank for a Porcupine Puffer. I've got a 2nd floor apartment in a building that's probably at least 30 years old. I asked my landlord if there were any aquarium restrictions and there aren't any (my old place had a 30 gallon limit...but didn't put a limit on the number of 30 gallon tanks you could have). The guy at my local fish store seemed to think that most landlords are more concerned about water damage from leaks/overflow than they are about the weight, but I'd hate to have my tank crash through the floor.

07/18/2010, 01:13 PM	#2903
nox99 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Posts: 28	Hi I'm new to RC and I need some good advice... I am planning a 55 gallon aquarium, sump, protein skimmer, refugium, etc. my stocking plan: 5 Allen's Damsels 1 Striped Fang Blenny 1 Diamond Watchman Goby (I am prepared to spend time training it to feed on prepared foods) 1 Randall's Prawn Goby that was going to be it but.. I visited my LFS and there was an absolutely beautiful, very heathly Lemonpeel Angel..and now I want one! I was planning on keeping shrooms and zoas only anyways (but I'm sad I can't get a clam) I need your honest opinion-will it work?? thank you so much __________________ "Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." -Plato "Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want."

07/18/2010, 06:51 PM	#2905
bnhd3 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: central georgia Posts: 210	Hi I'm back after a few years break. I used to frequent the site about 3 years ago and I kept my login. I am returning to the hobby. This time with a Biocube 14g. Just set it up this past week. __________________ "showing one's teeth is a submission signal in primates. When someone smiles at me all i see is a chimpanzee begging for it's life." -dwight schrute- Current Tank Info: 125g reef,20g frag tank, 200lbs. LR, 65g sump w/ fuge, mag 9.5 return pump, aqua c 240 ev skimmer w/ mag18, 2x250watt 15000k halides, 4x96watt pc's 420nm, 2 tunze 6000's w/ single controller, MRC CR-2 cal. reactor

07/19/2010, 03:30 PM	#2910
ItsET Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 11	Ok Here we go. First of all, AWESOME SITE !! A lot of people are having similar issues, (as I am), and being new to the hobby I feel a lot better. I'm trying to keep this as simple and inexpensive as I can. So I'll tell you what I have. I have a 90 gallon saltwater tank with 1" of live Argonite. I only have 1, 48" aquaticlife with 2 lamps 420/460 and a 10K. Not a lot of light I know (money's tight). I built a sump out of a 20 gal tall. Divided it into 3 sections. Water enters the first with my octopus skimmer and heater. Then goes into section two which I'm using as a refugium with some algea plants in it and crushed oyster shell. Then through a sponge between two baffles to a quiet1 3000 return pump. I run a Magnum 350 w/ carbon and a Whisper 60. One rotating 55 - 160 gph power head and I stuck a another small pump on the other side just for flow. 20 lbs Live rock, just getting started. 12 blue leg and 6 red leg hermit crabs, 1 sand sifting starfish, 4 green chromi, 1 yellow tang. 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 0 nitrates, 8.4 ph, calcium is over 400, phosphate maybe .25 . Adding 1 cap of All in one Microbe lift and 2 tbs of DT's phytoplankton each week. If your still reading this, Please, PLEASE, What else should I be doing ??? I'v been up about 3 months now. Back wall I leave green Algea for the Tang. Some diatom in the gravel. It goes away. Only done 3, 5 gal water changes.

07/20/2010, 10:20 AM	#2912
libertonalex Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 16	Brand Spanking New Hobbyist Hi everyone! I am very new to this all, but figured I would introduce myself sooner than later! I found a 55 gallon tank/stand set up on CL for cheap and blindly jumped in. My aquarium store guy convinced me to set up a Reef tank and I am already very very happy with the decision to listen to him. So far I purchased 50lbs of Figi live rock, filled the tank with the salt water and I've been running my filter for about 3 days (all with his recommended filter media). Im going to poking around this site very often while I am at work (computer tech with lots of time ) and so far I love all the helpful information I've been reading. Will be seeing you all around

07/20/2010, 12:37 PM	#2914
nox99 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Posts: 28	I have been researching the damsels and they say they are peaceful and like to school kind of like chromis...so i thought they'd be fine Do you have any experience with a lemonpeel angel? Could i keep them onyl with soft corals or would LPS do fine too? __________________ "Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." -Plato "Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want."

07/20/2010, 12:37 PM	#2913
pikacho240 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 1	Hey guys: The GF and I are new to the hobby and we've been hooked ever since we saw a buddy's nano reef tank. We were able to pick up a 60g glass tank (48X15X17) for pretty cheap. The guy who sold us the tank also threw in a Rena Filter XP, UV sterilizer, air pump, and a water heater. We are interested in a FOWLR setup, and possibly some corals, etc. I've been reading this forum quite a bit, and yet there's so much to learn!! I started by painting the back of the tank a deep blue using Krylon Fusion. Currently we have 60lb of LS, and roughly 50g of salt water cycling. As of right now, the Rena is up and running and we also purchased the AquaC Power Filter 110. (We were told by a LFS, that if we have good filtration system, there wouldn't be a need for a protein skimmer??) I find this pretty hard to believe, especially when we decide to start with LR and fish. When the time comes, we have our eyes on the AquaC Remora Hang-On Protein skimmer, however if there are other Hang-on protein skimmers in the market that hold up equally as well, any input or info would be greatly appreciated. We dont really have the space for a sump, so that option is out of the question. As far as lighting, Ive been reading about T5, VHO, and MH systems. We want the most efficient system, but nothing that's going to rip a hole in my wallet for. I heard that MH are mainly for hard corals, and T5's are for soft corals. Is this true? We want to have a really nice setup going, but are patient and willing to learn. I'm also wondering if there's a certain "checklist" of doing things. What to buy first, and what to set up first prior to purchasing live rock, fish, etc. Sorry for so many questions. Im sure everyone started here at one point or another.

07/20/2010, 02:43 PM	#2915
Emmalemma Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 13	Hi everyone, just introducing myself! I have a recently-cycled 75-gallon Fluval aquarium with about 40 pounds of live rock, 4 Turbo snails, and three damsels. I haven't quite memorized all the "stats" -- eg, what kinds of lights I have, how you'd describe my filtration system -- but I'm so excited to be starting this hobby and can't wait to learn more! Thanks for providing such a wonderful resource. Em

07/20/2010, 05:20 PM	#2916
LeakyZ Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 60	New to RC. I have a 90g fowlr, hob filter, 85lbs live rock, 3"bed, asst of fish. That setup about 6 years old, just bought a 155 tank I'm setting up. Hope to get lots of info here.

07/20/2010, 06:26 PM	#2917
The Gent Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 1	Hi all, The Gent has arrived. I am slowly building a 75 gallon reef. Looking all over the web for good information.

07/20/2010, 11:28 PM	#2918
Aquarius2010 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 6	what makes a good skimmer? Hello! im new to the hobby and in the market for a protein skimmer. what makes a good skimmer? thanks

07/22/2010, 07:12 PM	#2925
HoneyJubilee Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 3	Hello! I've kept freshwater fish for quite a while and would like to give saltwater a try. I'm still researching fish, tank sizes, etc. to figure out what I have room for and can afford to maintain. I'd love to have a huge FOWLR with a Porcupine Puffer and/or a reef tank with sea horses, but there's still a lot of planning/research I need to do before buying anything. I'm a little worried about my floor being able to hold a 100-120gal tank for a Porcupine Puffer. I've got a 2nd floor apartment in a building that's probably at least 30 years old. I asked my landlord if there were any aquarium restrictions and there aren't any (my old place had a 30 gallon limit...but didn't put a limit on the number of 30 gallon tanks you could have). The guy at my local fish store seemed to think that most landlords are more concerned about water damage from leaks/overflow than they are about the weight, but I'd hate to have my tank crash through the floor.