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

[Brentleewest]

Hey all still new to the reef at about a year, but I've gone through a few tanks 20,50,90 and now I'm at a 5 pico haha. Looking forward to all the great advice given from this site. I started my pico from a thread I found on here so I figured I'd sign up and give this a try.

[Willmarr]

Hey RC I'm fairly new to this . I've got a 120 with a cs overflow I believe a 40 gal wet dry sump with a 1200 gph pump and a coral life in sump protein skimmer . I have a 2 clowns and what I believe to be a carpet anemone frog spawn and trumpet coral and dome mushrooms

[Lemony Lemons]

Hi all, I have always had fw and have wanted sw for a while now. I finally had the money to do it - so here I am, just started cycling my tank and every thing's going well (as far as I can tell)! I've visited this forum a bunch of times for reference while planning out my new hobby and it has served me well. Now that I am starting my own, I figured it was time to join.

I have a 30g, with 2 bags of fiji pink live sand and half a bag of bahamas oolite underneath. I originally placed the oolite alone but after 2 days of cloudy sand filled water I replaced it with the fiji. The oolite was being kicked up because it was too fine, I scooped out most of it and replaced it with the larger fiji and it cleared up within a few hours.

I have somewhere between 20-30lbs live rock, I've been buying it in pieces and I still want another flat piece or two for the back center. I've sat and watched the LR and have seen tiny critters doing their thing and one pinkish gray stomatella, about 3/4 inch - he's fun to watch when I can find him.

I have a MarineLand Penguin 350 with dbl bio wheels and additional slots in the filter for more media - although right now all I have in it is the carbon filter and wheels going. I moved the intake up on the filter to help with the kicking up of the sand from the oolite and left it up there. I've heard good and bad from the guys at my lfs but this filter was free and I liked that the parts and cheap, interchangeable and its super quiet.

For lighting I have a glass canopy, with a Solarmax Double T5 fixture with 1- 10,000k bulb, 1- Actinic 03 bulb, & 4 Blue Moonlights. I also have a MarineLand hidden LED 17" strip but I don't have it on the tank right now. The strip has 56 white LEDs and 16 Blue, 6,500K white, 460nm blue LEDs.

I've got a heater in there too, keeping the water at 79-80 degrees - the heater is on the back left away from the raised LR and the thermometer is on the right front. I figured putting the thermometer next to the heater Wouldn't give accurate readings.

I am using an API sw master test kit with High Range pH, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate tests. I tested the water on day 2 (after the fiji was introduced and the oolite was removed and settled). I tested it again on day 5, 3 days later. The first test read: pH 7.9, Ammonia .5, Nitrite .1, Nitrate 0. The second test read: pH 7.9, Ammonia .1, Nitrite .25, Nitrate 10.


I am totally open to any kind of critiquing and/or criticism - that's why I joined this forum! I have a few questions if anyone cares to help me out, and also if anyone sees anything they want to comment on please go for it!

1. Do I need more LR, is there an amount that is 'too much' or 'too little'?
2. The filter - I am happy with it, but if there's an opinion I'd like to hear it!
3. I have seen a lot of people add raw shrimp to their tanks, to speed up the cycle - should I do it, or continue letting it go on its own (I am very patient, I'd rather do what's best than rush things). Or is there anything else I should add bio-wise?
4. As far as the lighting goes, when the time comes to add corals - would that be enough with the hidden LED attached as well or would I need more light penetration?
5. Input on my levels, and should I be checking them more frequently than every 3 days?

[dafreeze]

Howdy folks, I'm Dave and just joined the forum.

54, Power Plant Operater in the Pacific Northwest and single parent of one who's a Sports Reporter in Idaho.

I had a 75 gal marine tank, fish only with a magnum and under gravel set up almost 30 years ago, but within 6 months the US Navy and my Wife kilt everything.

Now I'm planning a 180g FOWLR. Have done a lot of reading, which continues, and have bought a handful of components, including the tank, sump, protein skimmer and 3 pumps (2 sump return and 1 for protein skimmers). Figure I'll start another thread to discuss my plans and post pics of where I'm at.

[scooter120]

how much light should i use the tank i have has 6 t5 48'' what are the recomended colors for fish an coral

[Priya]

Hello! I just joined the forum while doing my research before running out the door and getting myself into all sorts of trouble. I posted a thread asking for your advices/suggestions regarding a pico, so I won't repeat all that here.

I'm Priya, I live in Toronto, Canada and I wish I could have a huge sw tank but since I have limitations, I have to stick with teeny sized tank. Thinking of going with just live rock and inverts (good move? What do you think?) Please take a look at my actual thread, where I've posted details about myself, the situation and asked a few newbie questions. I'll appreciate if someone can guide me to the right direction

[Wingity]

Hi, I'm Robin. I'm setting up my second ever marine aquarium as a pico reef. It's 3 gallons I got this... I think...

Where is the best place to go to research the things growing on my live rock? I've identified coralline algae and blue mushroom corals, so far.

Thanks and HELLO!

[Wingity]

Originally Posted by Priya

Hello! I just joined the forum while doing my research before running out the door and getting myself into all sorts of trouble. I posted a thread asking for your advices/suggestions regarding a pico, so I won't repeat all that here.

I'm Priya, I live in Toronto, Canada and I wish I could have a huge sw tank but since I have limitations, I have to stick with teeny sized tank. Thinking of going with just live rock and inverts (good move? What do you think?) Please take a look at my actual thread, where I've posted details about myself, the situation and asked a few newbie questions. I'll appreciate if someone can guide me to the right direction

hi, I'm doing a pico tank w live rock and inverts also. What's the link to your thread?

[gckalnay]

Hi - I'm new to the site but have been reading the forums extensively for some time. It's very reassuring to have the great resource of so many members so close at hand.

My name is George and I'm 39 (40 on Monday) and am new to marine aquariums, although I kept a FW for several years. As I live in So. Florida I enjoy the ocean and especially SCUBA, so I've wanted to begin a SW tank for some time. My wife finally gave me the ok to get started, and my daughter (5yo) is quite excited about it as well.

After some looking around at what was available, I finally sourced through my lfs a 92 corner bow front tank with custom cabinet, hood, lighting (tho not sufficient for a reef tank), sump, etc. from a local woman.

I'm picking up the setup tomorrow, and will be taking my time setting it up and cycling the tank, and live rock as I get it. I'll try to post pictures of the progress beginning later this week.

I'm very excited about the whole process, and my daughter is as well, as she has been designated my "junior marine aquarist." I look forward to this as a learning process for myself, but moreso to continue her interest in learning about science, and the natural world. Hopefully, my 1yo son will follow suit.

Anyway, thanks for everyone on this site for maintaining such a great community and for all of the inspirational approaches you take. I'm looking forward to contributing my little bit.

Cheers!

[Nevia]

Alright, enough lurking

I've been toying with the idea of a SW aquarium for a while. With the purchase of a new house and my discovery of a wonderful LFS, I'm ready to start the process.

I'll be building in a 120 gallon tank into a wall (really just building cabinetry into an existing wall with a spot for the tank).

Since I'm a hardcore DIYer, I'll be building the tank myself. I'll keep you guys posted on the build progress.

Also, thank you all for providing the endless information I've found here. WaterKeeper, you're articles (and shameless self-loathing) have been quite informative and enjoyable.

[tombone86]

Thanks for letting me in im hoping that my reef keeping skills will get better buy reading a lot

[Epartner]

Not really that new to RC. I'm a very long time member who just have been really inactive for quite a few years now. I'm just starting to work my way back into the Hobby.

I have a 180g Custom Glass Tank and Stand. Tank is all pre-drilled with all the holes and double overflow when I purchased it way back in 2005 to set up the tank. It was never setup and tank sat in my living room as furniture decor for all those years as a project to work on at some point.

I'm just getting around to working on it and hope to start working on it soon. I'm just amazed after so many years away from RC my first try at my member login and password worked. That was amazing in itself.

[newreefgurl]

First, thanks for being newby-friendly! I came here because I am fairly new to saltwater, about 2 years. I am now upgrading from a very basic 55 gallon tank with HOB filter and T5 lighting to a 90 gallon dream tank that my husband and I are building over the next few months. I am going to need some advice on lots of things :-) I am really interested in getting into some of the more aggressive corals, etc... But first, we are in the process of building the tank stand and putting all the basics together. It should be a fun adventure, I am excited!

[Andy_B]

Hi All, Andy here. I am a British Expatriate living in Malaysia (been here for 8 years!).

I have been reading this (and many other forums) for several months, gleaning a wealth of information from you helpful reefers!

I have had a 55gal FOWLR system for a few years but have recently upgraded to a 150gal (+30gal sump) mixed system (LPS and Softies, with a few fish).

So far the system is as follows:

5ft, 150 gal DT, 3ft 30gal sump (4 chambers).
2 x Kessil 150 (Ocean Blue) plus another 30w LED fixture (can't remember the name tho)
1 Jebao WP40 wavemaker
Hailea Chiller
AquaOne G220 Skimmer
GFO & Carbon reactors

Have an Elegance Coral, Torch Coral, Green + White Bubble Corals, several different Acan colonies, Zoa Colony, Toadstool Leather, small Zenia frag, several metallic mushrooms (reds and oranges), Yellow/Green Star Polyp frag and few Ricordea's.

Current fish are a One-spot Foxface, 2 small Perc's, 1 Anthia. In the QT I have 4 Purple Firefish which will go into the DT in a couple of weeks.

[reefchic84]

Hello all..for months random people have told me to join this group, so here I am. I started a little less than a year ago with a 55g and have now moved up to a 140g. I am completely addicted and am always anxious to learn what I can!

[dvdcox]

My Name is Dave, I have 210 gallon mixed reef tank that I have been running for about 10 months now. I think I have made some pretty good strides so far with the tank. I have been lurking on this sight for some time now and have gotten some very good information on issues that I was perplexed about or just had no idea how to deal with. For that I thank all the contributors to the forum. When I bought my tank it was a FOWLR tank with two fish I now have about 20 fish and equal amount of corals in the tank that seem to be thriving, thanks in a large part to the information I received here. so thank you all for sharing your expertise with me. I only help that I can pass this forward.

[gkeese]

Well for starters, call me Clint.

I have been reading this site through Google serches for a long time. I love this site and it has helped me with several issues. I figured it was time to quit hovering and actually participate.

I had a 150 galoon tank several years ago (2002-2003?) that did wonderful. Lots of life, and a lots of work. Unfortunetly, saltwater tanks do not transfer well cross country when moving. The tank failed and I never recovered emotionaly until this year, 2013. So now I am starting up my newest baby. Smaller scale this time, but just to find my groove again. I have never had a reef tank, my last one was a FOWLR. Was going to become a Reef Tank, but then moved. So now with this new tank, I hope to expand and make a full reef out of it.

For the good stuff...
I have a 30 gal glass aquarium. ZooMed T5 HO dual lighting system with an ZooMed UltraSun and an AquaticLIFE 420/460 lights.
I've kind of gone LR crazy. 55-60lbs live rock, half of which i pulled straight out of the 7 Mile Beach in Cozumel, all on top of Agrilife Substrate. A small rubble pile of smaller live rock and coral from Cozumel also. Just for looks.
I have a Seaclone Skimmer at the moment. (I was on a budget at the time. Wife wouldn't let me get the Remora I wanted unless she likes the tank. And I do not argue with the little woman unless I have too.)
One Marineland Maxi-Jet 400 powerhead and a Heater. (Sorry forgot brand of heater.)

As for livestock:
1 Maroon Clownfish
2 Firefish Gobies (mated)
3 Blue Damsels
1 Scooter Blennie
2 Pincushion Urchins
1 Peppermint Shrim
1 Porcelain Anemone Crab
1 Green Emerald Crab
15-ish hermits and snails

Livestock Lost to Negligence and/or Inexperience over years:

1 Bubbletip Anemones--one was burned by Marine Buffer spill and couldn't recover. It leached out and killed my Sebae also.

2nd BTA--- unknown, IMO and the opinion of my LFS, possibly damaged by battle between maroon clownfish and anemone crab fighting for dominance.

1 Sebae Anemone--Causualty of Chemical Warfare...see above.

1 Coral Beauty (variant)--unknown

1 Purple Dottyback--unknown

2 Picasso Clownfish--ignorance as to agressivness of and compatability with maroon clowns.

1 Maroon (the mate to my current Maroon.)-- Killed by Picasso's see above.

1 Brittle Sea Star--attacked by something.

1 coral banded shrimp-- still a mystery. One day he was there, next day missing, figured he was hiding. Haven't seen him since. It's been two months.


I know this list sounds horrible, but everyone likes to brag about there success with the tank, I like everyone to know about my failures as well. So maybe if questions get asked, they can avoid my mistakes.

I'm very glad to be a part of Reef Central and look forward to learning more everytime I visit. I hope my years of experience and failures can help other avoid losing precious livestock.

[akisthegreek]

hello I am akis from athens greece.... I am new at the hobby, I have a tank 100 litres with neon tetra and plants. but I want to create a reef tank so I started reading and reading everything about the reef and saltwater aquariums....thanks!

[kjohnston]

Hello to all. I am a newbie with a recently cycled 55 gal tank.
It's been a long road getting here, lots of saving and diy. Thanks to
everyone who post here, I have learned alot from this site over the past few months.
Hopefully I can continue to learn and eventually help to contribute.

[Tochtli]

Hi all! I joined recently (finally), though I have been lurking for quite some time now. I just upgraded from a 29 gal to a 125. I am also working in a research/outreach aquarium with cold water and tropical tanks. It's been and continues to be a great learning experience and I hope to be of use to others here!

[Mg4life0331]

I've have a 55 gallon freshwater for about 2 years. After a massive hookworm infestation I've had to start over. Looking at this forum trying to learn as much as possible. I would greatly appreciate the help in selection of fish and set ups.

[locogears]

I'm Ryan, I just started a FOWLR tank and so far only have 40# Fiji live rock, live sand, power filter and wavemakers with a small sergeant major in there for cycling. I am running a Current T5 HO for lighting. Any suggestions/advice is MORE than welcome!

[lear31]

Hey there, my names Jeff. About 5 years ago I had 75g reef. I've been out of the hobby for awhile and I'm starting to get back in. I currently have a FW 29G that I'm converting to a reef tank and I have plans for a 50G reef.

[Mctecnica]

Hey all, just introducing myself. I've had a planted freshwater tank for a while and the wife and I decided we wanted to try our luck at saltwater. Purchased a 55G tank with a stand for a great price from someone looking to get out of the hobby. Didn't come with any equipment shortly after I realized it was tempered on all sides. So, to say the least we are learning and I'm going to be sure to do some more research before I start buying anything else.

[PeteV_LV]

Hi folks my name is Pete and I'm fairly new to the hobby- I've had mostly sweetwater but I am adventuring into saltwater. Hope to hear from on some of the question I'll have.

Pete