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

[reefermadness3]

Hello fellow reefers. I've been using the site for a while now and love it. It's a great place for problem solving as well as learning about the countless components involved.

I have had a fish tank my entire life but first went to salt in 2005. My first reef tank was a 140gal with crushed coral for substrate and two hang on filters. I had it equipped with 6 t-5s. It was jam packed with mostly lps and leathers, as well as the usual suspects for a beginner. This tank ran perfect for four years with just a 20% water change monthly. Then I sold my house.

After moving I set up a 'temporary' 55gal tank with many of my original corals with a 190 in mind for the future. This tank is still kicking and has had a 36" ruby elite added to it. yes it looks like frankenstein. I have two 150w metal halides over it along with a 48" blue led bar. In the sump I have a vertex 180, a mag 12 for the return, a brs gfo reactor, and a brs carbon reactor. The refugium has a miracle mud base with a 1-2" course sand bed covering it. I am using two brs dosers for my two part and having varied success. I really miss my 140.

About a year ago I set up another 55gal to cure some dry rock and handle the overflow of coral growth. It has a hang on filter and I use poly filters as well for anything unseen. It has been a solid performer with great growth from all my corals. I have it equipped with 6 t-5s as well as a marine fusion 12" led strip (bound for the refugium on the 190 setup).

Two months ago I got my DSA 190. Ever so slowly I have been getting things in place to make the transition. I figured now would be a great time to chime in. Thanks to this forum I have gotten some cool ideas and will include pics etc as I move forward. Here are some shots of the two tanks currently running. I hope to start adding water to the 190 in the next month or so.

[Fsanti]

Hi my name is frank and I'm new to the hobby. I have had a forty breeder running for about two months now with just rock and sand and was looking into what kind of lighting I was gunna get. A friend has turned me on to the al vega which looks and sounds good but does any one have one that can tell me about it and how many I would need for my tank . Or even if there is a better light for me I plan on have corals of all sorts so I'm looking for a good light.

[Foxface lo]

I just wanted to induce myself. I am a 33 year old secretary, wife and mother. I just got my first saltwater tank two months ago. I bought it from a man getting out of the hobby. It has been established for 4 years. I am very excited to be getting this opportunity. I have wanted one since I can remember. I have so much to learn and am fearful to get started.

[tommy3114]

Hello,

I'm Tommy. somewhat new to the hobby but I've been keeping fish for a very long time. I currently have a 55 gallon reef tank with a few fish. In total I have about 20 different species of coral. Well, I just wanted to say HI! and looking forward to learning more about the hobby.

[hunter01975]

Hi all I am Hunter

I just set my 70 gallon DT about a month ago.. I have had a few salter tanks years ago but nothing really ever came of them and got out of the hobby for many years.

this time i decided to do things different and did a lot more reading and looking into things before giving it ago..

I only have some fish in there right and am hoping to be adding coral over the next few weeks..

here are a few pics..

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j4...o1975/null.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j4...61F535EBDB.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j4...538232EC16.jpg

[Foxxy]

I'm Trish, I've browsed here for a while during my set-up with questions, so now it's time to join for any future questions and some ID questions I have lol.
I have a 15 gallon column tank set up with live rock, it's remaining hitchhikers, and last week got a cleaner shrimp Oh, there's also a mini spongebob area for my 2 yr old daughter's fascination. But she loves "shrimpie" too.

Next on my agenda is a b&w percula and then something to take up the top 1/3 of the tank but not sure what yet.... But that's for another thread

[3dpilot]

I guess its about time to say "HI". I've been trolling here for a few months and what can I say, I've learned LOTS!!! So, Thank you ReefCentral!!

[Shoesreef]

Hey RC I am a few months into building my first tank and just wanted to get out into the community a little more. I have a 4 gal nano with a cherry aqua inano light. I am in the middle of switching my hang on back. I am going to try dual aqual clear 50s. One on each side. In one I will be growing some alge and the other will have a mangrove or 2.

In the tank I have 2 zoas, a leather, 2 montys well 3 since I accidently broke one in half. 2 kenya trees and a play. I have one Domino damsel swimming around, 3 sexy shrimp 1 pom pom crap 4 blue leg hermits and 2 snails.

Everything looks super healthy.

Let me know what you guys think.

[Salt_waterlover]

My name is Joshua and I have a 100 gallon tank and i'm pretty much new to salt water aquariums. I just got into the hobby from a friend and i've feel in love! I heard this was the place to be so i'm reading forums daily! Cant wait to learn new stuff!

[anenome812]

Hey guys, I'm Tommy and have had a fowler for several years and am just getting into reefing. I have a 125g tank and sump setup for reef and a 75g for fowler. Ive read lots of post on here but just getting started on posting myself so I look forward for any advice and anything I can help out on.

[EmtR1]

Hey RC community. I'm very new to all this workin on a month. I have a good friend who has been doin this 4+ yrs. He has been very patient with all my questions even helping me get it all set up. It's great to be able get all my questions answered all in 1 place.

As you see with my list I still have things I'm working on getting before I can be up and running

My set up so far
145 gallon acrylic tank (little bigger than I wanted but got it for a great deal)
Lighting is 4 compact fluorescent w/ 2 metal halides and moon lighting
20 gallon wet/dry sump
Working on getting a 10 gallon tank for a refugium

[martinniemczyk]

Hi guys.
Just new in reefcentral.
260l(tank size), but will change soon.
I`m still learning.
Good luck to everyone.
cheers

[Fishypapa]

Wanted to wish everyone welcome (from another rather NOOB).
One thread to definitely check out is:

PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

Great for getting advice and Steve (snorvich) is very very helpful.

Have fun.

[SMACKERS4]

New to RC and the Hobby, im sure ill have a few questions in due time, i do a lot of searching so, already had a few ?'s answered before registering, thought this would be a good place to talk reef tanks and fish. Howdy yall.

[AmberFL03]

Hey everyone I'm Amber I've been in and out of the aquarium hobby for as long as I can remember, starting in childhood. I'm interested in getting back into it but this time trying something new with a saltwater set up or two. I bought a 20L and plan on having starfish or a small eel but I wont be setting it up for another month so I've got time to think about it. I also plan to get a larger (75+ gallon) and try some other species but again I've got time

[Ricki]

We have been out of the reef "loop" since a storm destroyed our tank in 2005. Just getting back into it and need recommendations for livestock (fish and sps). We are in Louisiana. Please include where NOT to shop.

[AZWREEFER]

New to RC. Been in the hobby for only 5 months started with a 40 breeder and hang on the back skimmer. I'm in the build process of a 90 gallon rimless star fire lee mar tank. Pretty stoked about that. I'll be making a post on my build once I figure how to do that!

[nalej1]

Hi. I am a GREEN NOOB in the area of fish. I am on here because I need to learn more about the hobby. I recently converted my garage into a playroom (wife uses for daycare) and added a 150gal tank. I did this before knowing anything. I have yet to set it up because i seriously need help! I hope to be on here more learning the ropes and posting some update pics. Here is the setup so far....

[Mkvc]

Hello hello. I've been into aquariums for the past two years, and now that I've got successful freshwater tanks going I'm trying my hand at reefing! My first two tanks are cycled and ready to go... and I've been lurking this place forever, so I figured I'd go ahead and make an account, hah.

[BarleyFish]

Hi all. I'm brand new to the hobby and am starting to research as much as I can before diving in. No tank...yet!

[tarraza70]

thanks for allow me to joined RC. My name is Jorge and I been in the hobby for 15 years. Always like to keep things simple, that's why my 30 gallon tanks is a perfect example or that. Lot of hard corals, lot of soft corals, only 4 fish. 0 nitrates, 0 phosphate, ph8.3, mag 1230, ca 480 , alkalinity"always at 19dkg". skilter 400 modified to use and algea scruber RED LED system,wich is the key of ...(1) no water change in the last 2 years,beleve it or not. only calcium a little of magnesium and a lot of food for corals and fishes. Sound imposible..? No.. Remember..ALWAYS READ, ALWAY KEEP THING SIMPLE AND IT WILL WORK. I FORGOT LIGHTNING IN MY SYSTEM IS METAL HIgh lite 150watts 20k sysrem ONLY. Photos etc on my next post. Thanks again for the opportunity.

[Topsecret]

Hi all, my name is Peter and i m reside at HK. Just bought a 100g tank (40"x20"x28.5") today from the locals, and getting ready to dive into this hobby. Hope everyone can give me a hand when I need them.

[Salacia]

Hi folks -
My name is Amy. I live in the Chicago area.

I'm new to reefkeeping but have been keeping freshwater aquariums for more than 15 years. I previously lived in the Boston area where I was very active in the freshwater hobby, even was the president of the BAS many years ago.

Anyway, after seeing my brother's 75 mixed reef setup I decided that I was ready to take the plunge myself and bought a Marineland 60 cube which is exactly the right footprint for my current rental.

I'm in the process of getting the equipment together and plan on going with the following:

sump... still contemplating going DIY but might call for a custom build from nano sea creations. Would like to be able to have a small fuge in there if possible.

Skimmer - Probably the INS80 from Reef Dynamics (bro recommended them)
Thinking of going with a Sicce Syncra 1.5 pump for the return (I like the threaded outlet - looks almost foolproof)
Lights - planning on going with 2 x 24" Ecoxotic Panorama Marine LED (I have 1 fixture already, bought last year when it was on sale cheap)
Powerheads - Going with at least 1 Hydor Koralia (600 GPH) - going to see how much flow I get on the return + the powerhead.
Controller: Digital Aquatics Reefkeeper Lite
Heater - TBD... something that isn't as likely to shatter or get stuck "ON" after a month. The "heater fail" potential is my primary reason for wanting to invest in a controller.

I've already purchased an RO/DI system.

I started researching this project last year. My original thoughts were that I would do a smaller "nano" tank but after talking to more than a few experienced reefkeepers, and hearing my brother's voice ask "are you SURE you want to go nano?" too many times I decided to spring for a bigger tank that would be easier to keep healthy, and of course, allow me to keep a few more fish.

Thinking I'll start with some frogspawn and torch corals, and an anemone with a pair clownfish. I'm already reading up on aggressive species, and who plays well with others (and who does not). It was so much easier in the freshwater hobby (I used to breed South American and African cichlids so I know too well what happens to a tank when you get the dynamic "wrong").

One of my thoughts around having a fuge was that someday I'd like to be able to keep a mandarin goby, but I wouldn't want to do it unless I had plenty of food around.

Anyway, I plan on starting small and get the tank stable and healthy first. Get my maintenance routine down and grow the tank slowly.

Looking forward to learning as much as I can and avoiding typical "newbie" mistakes as much as possible.

[pinoy]

Hi, I'm still reading and learning. I'm still putting my tank together. So far I have a 90g tank, sump, skimmer and 1 kessil A60w light. I'm trying to learn as much as I can.

[jt1231]

Hello everyone, my name is JT and I am new to the hobby. I have a 120g tank I got from my dad who decided he was done since he is in his 70's. I am in the middle of the first cycle and thought joining would help minimize some beginner mistakes.