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

[Sig9mm]

Hello to all, great to be a part of this think tank. The names Rich, ive only been in the game for just three years with many ups and down along the way. I have a 150 gallon concave custom acrylic salt water tank that im deciding if I want to step out there and maje it a reef tank or not.

[IridescentLily]

Originally Posted by kahlif

Hello there! I just joined on the recommendation of a user here (I have no idea of his forum name). I just bought a 90 gallon tank to start a reef aquarium in.
I am new to the game living in the SF Bay Area (Concord, to be specific) and am going to take my time to do this "right" the first time.
My first project is to learn all the gear and plumbing needed to get this guy going. I am planning about 4 months before a put any living things in there...

Hello and welcome, either the "reef discussion" area or the 'diy' section would be a good place to ask about the plumbing.

Originally Posted by bwmako

Just got my first salt water tank. 140 gallon tank with hood and stand. It came with a complete Berlin system, 150lbs of base coral, heaters, piping, test kits, etc. All this for $300. A little nervous since ive never done salt before, but i can't wait to dive in.

Welcome. Asl alot of questions as you begin to set it up, and also read the many stickies here in this section which are located at the top of this section. Go slow, because you want to enjoy your tank, not stress about it. .

Originally Posted by srqmike

Hi gang,
I'm Mike, live in Bradenton. New to RC and new to saltwater. I'm in the process of putting my first SW tank together - 55 gal, planning on FOWLR. Just ordered "The Package" from TBS to get it set up. A couple questions you might be able to help me with:

1 - What are the best aquarium shops in the St. Pete/Tampa area?
2 - And eventually I'll be looking for a protein skimmer, any thoughts on where I might find one at a reasonable price?

Thanks and looking forward to being a part of this group!

Mike

As far as a skimmer, many, many reefers here believe the following skimmers are the best: Reef octopus, Vertex, Tunze nano. Here is the best place to get them, which most folks here get them from; http://www.marinedepot.com/Water_Fil...FIPS-1-ct.html Here's the reef octopus http://www.marinedepot.com/Reef_Octo...R,FIPS-ct.html
They are a bit expensive (but not like Deltecs, etc), but SO worth it because there's less worry with these skimmers. Because you want to enjoy your tank, not stress about it. Marine depot has some good prices.

Originally Posted by Jasonaskew

Just a quick hello to all. I have had some experience with a reef tank before I was divorced. I had a 55 gal tank that I loved to work with and was very sad when I could not move with me. I am looking to restart in the hobby again now that I have settled in and no plans on moving again. Not sure on size of tank yet but lager than 100 gal is where my plans are heading. Love all the great info from you more experienced reefers. Keep up the great work and good luck with you reefs.

[Prochef176]

@srqmike
I just purchased a skimmer from nextreef near you. I am not sure if they have a shop but they might have some suggestions!

[ahoDMV]

hello everyone! My name is andy from springfield va. I am new to this hobby trying to learn as much and as fast as possible.

Recently bought a JBJ 12 gal nano tank. Trying to figure out what I need to know and do to run a healthy a healthy saltwater tank with some live rocks, coral, and fishes.

[saltbubbles]

Hi guys, so I did something really stupid I bought a used 65gal aquarium and livestock that has been running for over two years. I keept about 2/3 of the water,and added water that I ran through my water filter, i dechlorinated, and added salt( yes, I checked the salinity) the tank in not drilled so a have a HOB overflow, sump and I have a skimmer that the person I bought the tank from, never used(I know, gasp! I read about it). Iplan on taking the skimmer to my LFS to have the guy check it. My tank came with about 50lb live rock, huge green star polyps colony, two kinds of zoas?,green hammer coral?, two types of 'srooms, coralline algae all over which I scraped off the glass, various snails and other cleaning crew critters I guess hermit crabs? a coral beauty, some type of clownfish burnt orange no stripes?, lawnmower blenny, a green mandarin goby( I know, I read about them too). BTW I'm a girl so I've even skipped lotion and moisturizer 'cause I'm scared my babies will die. Tested the water and everything seems ok( I plan to do it every saturday). As of today they've survived a week and two days. I want to wait at least three months of consistent readings and zero casualties before I add anything new. So all of you old timers please let me know what I did wrong or what I need to do to increase my chances to succeed. Also, what to do after I use lotion I read you cant use soap to wash your hads? I'm starting to look like a lizard!!!

[Braxibear]

Hello all, I'm Terry. Been a RC stalker for years and have been a reefer for about 8 years. Just getting back into the hobby with a 125gal I found on craigslist for $50bucks!! (It was a sign!) I plan on taking my time and getting everything perfect this time to save money and have my wife not kill me.

Tested the tank to make sure it is not tempered glass. We are good to go! Planning on a coast-to-coast with a beananimal drain system. Might think about doing a closed loop for flow. Never done that before so might be fun to test.

Hope to continue to learn as much as possible from you guys!

Terry

[monique27]

Hello,

My name is Monique and I am new to this forum. I am currently upgrading from a 28g nano aquarium to a 112g aquarium. With my nano I just used all the basics and will be experimenting now with lights, sump, refugium, and so on. I plan on having a variety of corals and clams. Please let me know if you have any advice or recommendations especially on equipment. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[IridescentLily]

Originally Posted by ahoDMV

hello everyone! My name is andy from springfield va. I am new to this hobby trying to learn as much and as fast as possible.

Recently bought a JBJ 12 gal nano tank. Trying to figure out what I need to know and do to run a healthy a healthy saltwater tank with some live rocks, coral, and fishes.

Hi there, welcome to Reef Central. Our Nano section here have many folks with the same kind of tank, they can help you lots. Also, make sure and read the 'sticky' threads at the top of this section.

Originally Posted by saltbubbles;20329234second
[url

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1640204&highlight=rimless+tanks]Hi[/url] guys, so I did something really stupid I bought a used 65gal aquarium and livestock that has been running for over two years. I keept about 2/3 of the water,and added water that I ran through my water filter, i dechlorinated, and added salt( yes, I checked the salinity) the tank in not drilled so a have a HOB overflow, sump and I have a skimmer that the person I bought the tank from, never used(I know, gasp! I read about it). Iplan on taking the skimmer to my LFS to have the guy check it. My tank came with about 50lb live rock, huge green star polyps colony, two kinds of zoas?,green hammer coral?, two types of 'srooms, coralline algae all over which I scraped off the glass, various snails and other cleaning crew critters I guess hermit crabs? a coral beauty, some type of clownfish burnt orange no stripes?, lawnmower blenny, a green mandarin goby( I know, I read about them too). BTW I'm a girl so I've even skipped lotion and moisturizer 'cause I'm scared my babies will die. Tested the water and everything seems ok( I plan to do it every saturday). As of today they've survived a week and two days. I want to wait at least three months of consistent readings and zero casualties before I add anything new. So all of you old timers please let me know what I did wrong or what I need to do to increase my chances to succeed. Also, what to do after I use lotion I read you cant use soap to wash your hads? I'm starting to look like a lizard!!!

I SO know what you mean about lizard hands. No manicure, lotion, perfume. So we are CONSTANTLY washing and rinsing our hands lol.
One piece of advice, green star polyps look so pretty, just be aware they can sometimes take over a tank if they're not trimmed back.

Originally Posted by Braxibear

Hello all, I'm Terry. Been a RC stalker for years and have been a reefer for about 8 years. Just getting back into the hobby with a 125gal I found on craigslist for $50bucks!! (It was a sign!) I plan on taking my time and getting everything perfect this time to save money and have my wife not kill me.

Tested the tank to make sure it is not tempered glass. We are good to go! Planning on a coast-to-coast with a beananimal drain system. Might think about doing a closed loop for flow. Never done that before so might be fun to test.

Hope to continue to learn as much as possible from you guys!
Terry

Omg a coast to coast overflow. Sweet! I've got a thread about CtC somewhere around here, anyway enjoy!

Originally Posted by monique27

Hello,

My name is Monique and I am new to this forum. I am currently upgrading from a 28g nano aquarium to a 112g aquarium. With my nano I just used all the basics and will be experimenting now with lights, sump, refugium, and so on. I plan on having a variety of corals and clams. Please let me know if you have any advice or recommendations especially on equipment. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

An upgrade, how fun! I can't wait to see it.

To Reef Central

[swaquarium]

From Central Florida - So here's my story. Been into FOWLR for 15 years. Mostly smaller setups. Most recently have had a 54g corner up and running for 2 years. Got bored and decided it was time to go bigger. Sold my 54 and bought a 90. Decided after a week it wasn't big enough so I sold it and went and bought a 125. After 2 weeks decided it wasn't big enough so sold it and bought 150. I really wasn't happy with the stand / canopy / lights so I decided to sell it after a week and found a great deal on a 180. Was very fortunate and was able to buy each new tank with what I sold the existing for.

So 6 weeks and 5 tanks later i'm set with my 180 pictured here. Going tomorrow to buy base rock to sculpt and a little live with coraline to seed.

Equipment will be pretty basic. Tank ( of course ), dual drains, returns, 4 koralia like wave pumps, oversized wet / dry, separate 30 gal sump, skimmer and UV. Lights are 4 VHO and 4 Actinic 10k's. Water is from a mighty mite 4 stage RO/DI that creates 0tds water and I love not having to carry jugs from the local LFS. Especially now when my changes will be 50+ gallons a month. ( 2 - 55 gallon drums to make water for changes and top off )

Any suggestions for other equipment or ??? Always open to ideas.

From there we will start adding fish. Can't wait. I never thought when I decided to upgr I would go 300% larger...

[Mikealike]

Hey everyone. Ive been lurking for a couple months and decided it was time to join. My dad and i started a 55 gal reef tank a couple months ago. He showed me this site and i have been checking it out ever since. Ill post a pic of the tank soon.

[Amiehb]

Hi, my name Amie and I am a 28 year old college student majoring in psychology. I am ADHD and started my saltwater tank about a year ago to help me unwind and keep me busy and relaxed. I have a 75 gallon tank with a 30 gallon sump. I would really like to upgrade but want to learn as much as possible first!

[IridescentLily]

Originally Posted by swaquarium

From Central Florida - So here's my story. Been into FOWLR for 15 years. Mostly smaller setups. Most recently have had a 54g corner up and running for 2 years. Got bored and decided it was time to go bigger. Sold my 54 and bought a 90. Decided after a week it wasn't big enough so I sold it and went and bought a 125. After 2 weeks decided it wasn't big enough so sold it and bought 150. I really wasn't happy with the stand / canopy / lights so I decided to sell it after a week and found a great deal on a 180. Was very fortunate and was able to buy each new tank with what I sold the existing for.

So 6 weeks and 5 tanks later i'm set with my 180 pictured here. Going tomorrow to buy base rock to sculpt and a little live with coraline to seed.

Equipment will be pretty basic. Tank ( of course ), dual drains, returns, 4 koralia like wave pumps, oversized wet / dry, separate 30 gal sump, skimmer and UV. Lights are 4 VHO and 4 Actinic 10k's. Water is from a mighty mite 4 stage RO/DI that creates 0tds water and I love not having to carry jugs from the local LFS. Especially now when my changes will be 50+ gallons a month. ( 2 - 55 gallon drums to make water for changes and top off )

Any suggestions for other equipment or ??? Always open to ideas.

From there we will start adding fish. Can't wait. I never thought when I decided to upgr I would go 300% larger...

Nice going with the upgrade.
Has your tank gone through the nitrogen cycle yet?

Originally Posted by Mikealike

Hey everyone. Ive been lurking for a couple months and decided it was time to join. My dad and i started a 55 gal reef tank a couple months ago. He showed me this site and i have been checking it out ever since. Ill post a pic of the tank soon.

Cool! Welcome.

Originally Posted by Amiehb

Hi, my name Amie and I am a 28 year old college student majoring in psychology. I am ADHD and started my saltwater tank about a year ago to help me unwind and keep me busy and relaxed. I have a 75 gallon tank with a 30 gallon sump. I would really like to upgrade but want to learn as much as possible first!

Welcome. Good for you waiting to learn as much as possible first. You are on the right track.

[510reefer]

Hi everyone glad to jump on board. Had a saltwater tank in the early 90's then after about 13 years got the bug again..

[TMarshMan]

Hello Reef Central!
Been away from the home reef too long (15 years).
Back for more pain, color, tests, variety, joy and maintenance after a lengthy freshwater vacation.
Have a 90g w/ 40 g sump (1/4 full) LR, some fish (4 clowns, a tang, some other ones) some shrimp, some crabs, some snails, some starfish, some anemones, and some corals. (yet to be ID’d)
I am devouring the WaterKeeper’s docs, as well as many other posts and blogs. (RC is a wealth of good info)
Posted a couple posts - a bit lengthy and not to the point, but what better way to say “Hey, here I am, I’m a newbee and I am here to stay!
Looking forward to the future!
Thanks!
TMarshMan (aka Tony)

[ronhaskovec]

Well Hello RC and thanks for letting me join, I have been an avid enthusiast to the underwater world since I was just a kid, I have mainly had freshwater tanks but have decided to step up to the big leagues and go with Saltwater. My DT is 125 Gal reef ready AG, I'm working on building a custom stand and creating my own sump. As you can tell I do not have it up and running yet but will very soon. I enjoy reading everyones posts and look forward to the wealth of knowledge I can gain from such experience that is on this site. Thanks. Oh My name is Ron, I'm 36 and I'm from Illinois around the Peoria area.

[BobbyV]

Greetings! Grateful to have found Reef Central. Fantastic wisdom sharing! Currently up and running 120 Oceanic Tech Tank. However one day, I of course want bigger! Warm regards -

[IridescentLily]

To Reef Central

[nlevi254]

Hey everybody, I'm Noah from Roseville, Minnesota. I mostly have fresh water experience, but I really really want to get into salt water. Hopefully you guys can help me out!

[taunt406]

Hello, my name is Andy and I'm really new to the saltwater game. As of right now I have a 15 gallon setup a 55 gallon halfsetup and a 155 gallon that I'm in mid process of pimping out.

I'm one of those people that jumped into the hobby really quick and fell in love with it. spent alot of money 2;P.
Soooo neways I figured I would give you guys a rundown on my 155 gallon setup and see what ya think.
I bought a Hydro-Logic Evolution-RO1000 High Flow RO System, 1000 GPD. Which I know is overkill but I really really hate waiting on slow RO systems.
I also got a Aquatop CF500UV 5-Stage Canister Filter with UV 9W, 525 gph, which I plan on using to suck water from my tank and place into the sump, for a sump I bought ProFlex Sump Model 4 Sump which is really nice for a refugium setup, also bought a very nice 220gallon protein skimmer which was a high end one. then a Hydor Seltz L Universal Pump L40 to pump the water back up to the tank. Now with the canaster filter pumping water to the sump will the sump over flow when it lose's power? I'm thinking it wont, but not quite sure. So anyways I hope to get things up and running soon but still have to wait for things in the mail.

[Styk]

I had a FOWLR about 10 years ago.. Speaking with a guy at work has given me the bug again. I cant wait to find a decent deal and set up a new tank.. Id love to get something 100 gallons or bigger

[saltyseadog]

hi to every one i am new and have only been keeping saltwater fish for 2 years so i am still a newb there to lol

[moe458]

Hi, My Name is Moe. I just started this hobby. typical newbie as you may call it here.

I just bought a 90 gal tank and added some live rock to it.

I have tons of questions as far as my knowledge could go i am pushing hard to learn and everything is exicting so far. I hope i get some experience and knowledge from you people.

thanks Moe

[jeblkfiveo]

Aloha y'all, I'm new to the saltwater side. I brought my 4 month old into a pet shop and showed him some fish and he loved it, so I did some research online and at my lfs. I scored a 40b and a nice stand for a really good price. I really didn't know what is was getting myself into. I picked up a aquaclear 110 for filtration, a aqua c remora for a skimmer, and the 36" marineland reef led. I started off with 10lbs of live and 20 lbs of base. I bought another 10lbs of live but it was uncured. Its been curing for 2 weeks. I think its cured so I should be adding them in this weekend. It did come with some hitchhikers, 2-4 tiny furry white crabs. I see them hiding in the little holes. Should I remove them? They are so tiny I don't think I can catch them. Let me know what you think. Peace

[G x 2]

Hello all! My name is Gigi and have fallen in love with the idea to have my own salt water reef tank. I've been scouring this site for 2 weeks now and have compiled lists upon lists of equipment needed, things to do and not to do...its so overwhelming. I walked into the local fish store with oh! I want a tank! Thought I could bring it home and wha-la! Done! There is so much involved that I'm postponing buying anything until I get all my facts straight. Thanks to all who have posted such invaluable information for us newbies. I greatly appreciate it!

I know its daunting but I'm shooting to do a 180gal tank.

[G x 2]

Hello all! My name is Gigi and have fallen in love with the idea to have my own salt water reef tank. I've been scouring this site for 2 weeks now and have compiled lists upon lists of equipment needed, things to do and not to do...its so overwhelming. I walked into the local fish store with oh! I want a tank! Thought I could bring it home and wha-la! Done! There is so much involved that I'm postponing buying anything until I get all my facts straight. Thanks to all who have posted such invaluable information for us newbies. I greatly appreciate it!

I know its daunting but I'm shooting to do a 180gal tank.