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

[AquaBogie]

Originally Posted by Druid17BC

Hey there! I've been an aquarium hobbyist for 40 years, today, as a matter of fact. Went browsing to see the livestock at a local shop, brought my husband since we were celebrating my birthday. I was in the fresh water section, as always, and my husband just could not understand why I was looking at tiny nice fish, when the other side of the shop had all these cool fish! Big, fast swimming, colorful fish, like the kind we've seen snorkeling. I began to explain how hard marine tanks were, and a nice guy who works there straightened me out. I don't need 300 gallons, I don't need to spend hours tinkering with chemistry and lights and fans. My husband was practically jumping up and down. The clincher? He said I could put my new marine tank on the main floor of the house for everyone to enjoy, and maybe we should get a big one. I've got a lot to learn to get up to even beginner speed, but I was thrilled to hear its become a lot easier than it was ten years ago.

Awesome it's always good to have your spouse support your hobby . My wife loves my freshwater tank, and will probably end up liking my saltwater a lot more... more color in the saltwater world.

[BratsMonster]

Hello All...

I am assembling what I want to be a healthy, thriving reef tank. I have several years experience with fresh wather community and cichlid tanks, but it's been nearly 10 years since I've had a system, 22 years of military life made keeping one very difficult. So now that I'm retired from the service, I have time once again to enjoy the therapy of an aquarium.

What I have now is a 34 gallon tank, fluval 306, basic LED marine wand light, in tank skimmer, some salt and about 50# of medium grit argonite. The RO/DI unit is in the mail, as is the skimmer.

I guess what I need to know most is... with the canister filter... can I treat is like a sump? what should I place into it that will best help my marine/reef tank flourish? Is there a recipe that I should use initially to get the tank to cycle, then shift to something different to keep it maintained?

I've also been looking at refugium designs to hang off the back of the tank. would it be smart to simply divert some of the return flow from the 306 into the refugium, or should it have it's own pump system?

I'm anxious to get the water and substrate in so I'm at a point to introduce some live rock.

Thanks for any/all of your input...

Kevin
Hartsville, SC

[KCFITZ78]

Hello Reef Central!

I have decided to join seeing as I am switching over my fresh water tank to a saltwater tank. This will be my first saltwater setup. Growing up my Dad had aquariums... fresh and saltwater.

I am starting a saltwater reef tank with a 65 Gallon Hexagon Tank and some "used" equipment as listed below. I already know this tank style is not the best shape for reefing but this is the tank I like and will use because of the unique shape.

•65 Gallon Hexagon Tank that in 24 inches deep and 25 inches across (flat to flat).
•10 Gallon Homemade Sump
•(1) Hydor Koralia 1 circulation pump (400 GPH / 6 GPM)
•(2) Hydor Koralia 2 circulation pumps (600 GPH / 10 GPM
•Current USA Satellite Dual 65 Watt Power Compact Light Fixture w/ LED Lunar Moon Lights
•Marineland SeaClone Protein Skimmer (I will place in my sump)
•(2) Aqueon 300 Watt Submersible Heaters

[GonTR]

Hello all,

Please excuse me because this is my second reply because I could not find this post...

My name is Gonzalo, from Spain, and starting my new reef tank after years with fresh water. I spend a lot of time searching information in internet, and always receiving links to this community. For sure is one of the most important places and I would like to take part.


My project, still in a very early stage, just looking for some main equipments (light, pumps, etc). Tank will be 51 x 24 x 24 in (124 gallons). Skimmer chosen is Aquamedic aCone 1.5, sump is 47,24 x 15,74 x 19,68 in (63,4 gal) coming from my last FW.

That's all at this time..
Thanks to everyone.

[tolder1525]

Hi all,
Thank God there are people out there like all of you that just love the hobby for us newbe's that are, well let just say "not all knowing".

I built a 65 gal show with a 45 gal acrylic sump (around a 20 gal refugium). I know I am talking a chance because of my location I used my well water to kick it off. The well water tested excellent, so that is what I proceeded with. Not RODI, because the strength of my well being what it is, and not being able to accept a 4 to 1 waste on the units.

Anyway to my point. I added the water, and since it was all bare I added the salt mix in the tank. Turned it all on and let it dissolve nicely, and circulate with the power heads for a day or two. Checking the saline levels. All was good 0-no2, 0-no3, 0.50 ppm Ammonia, 8.0 Ph. So I added the live sand (80 lbs), 60 in the show, and 20 in the sump. I did NOT rinse the sand due to it being live sand, and not wanting to rinse away any beneficial bacteria I added it directly to the tank for this first and only time. Holy smokes!! What a sand storm! 3 days later still looking as thick as day one..

Question - should I put in filter socks to pull some of this out? I prepped the plumbing for socks if I ever wanted to use them and then read all kinds of negatives on them, so I opted out. I'm wondering would this be a great time to utilize them?

I'm interested in your comments.. I figure it took me 6 months to build this aquarium from start to finish (of the build)... I'm in no rush just to throw some fish in just to say look at what I did.. I got all the time in the world..

Thanks TO.

[J_hart88]

Hey everybody i'm super excited to be apart of this forum. I recently started my first Saltwater tank. The tank is 55 gallons with a 20 gallon acrylic sump that is happily growing mangroves and cheato. I'm in my 3rd month and things are going decently well. Pictures and videos will be posted soon. Stocklist consists of BTA anemone, Ocellaris Pair, Goby, and some zoas colonies! I am running a Remora skimmer, overflow hang on, and refugum sump with a bag of phosban.

[Luckyarii]

Name is Ari! I currently have 2 reef tanks that are established, 1 reef that is in progress, and one fish only tank that is in progress. I will post pictures and details as soon as possible!

[RoxyRox]

Hello Everybody, my name's roxy. how are you? I'm new to the forum and to having tank as well

[GypsyHorsesRock]

Hi everybody! My name is Elizabeth and I joined RC so that I'll have a place to ask real people questions as I begin this new hobby.

My goal is to set up a reef system and have a porcupine puffer fish, and a few other fish that he/she can live with. I have fallen in love with a porcupine puffer at my local fish store over the last 2 years and this one adorable fish has singlehandedly (or maybe singlefinnedly...lol) gotten me into this entire project.

I've been surrounded my animals my entire life...I have horses, dogs, mini horses, goats, cows, sheep, mini donkeys...but no fish! Well, we have a betta fish at work, but I won't begin to compare that to knowing anything about keeping fish!

I found a 120 gallon pre-drilled aquarium with a cabinet on eBay that I will pick up next weekend, and it has some supplies with it. If anyone is reading this and is willing to read over what I'm getting and the price, I'll post details.

Thanks in advance for any help/advice. I know it can be exhausting to start from the basics for those with such a big learning curve ahead, so I appreciate you all for being here!

Elizabeth

[Fishtank Junky]

Hello All.
My name is Fred. looking forward to learn this new hobby.
already have questions?
My tank is 55gal an 3 weeks old wait on my cycle to complete.

API Test Kit,
test are done buy daily on water quality. just had a spike in the tank but its gone in two days the levels are:
NH3/NH4 are 0
NO3 are 0
NO2 are 0
High PH are 8.0
PO3'4 are 0
CA2 are 440
KH are 16

lights off thru cycle and I have a clean up crew 4 hermit crabs and 3 peppermint shrimp. No fish yet also i'm using phosban media in my sump.

KH level at 16 I think I'm going to let them lower by it self, not sure if my tank has fully cycled.

Green algae on my live rock is that a good thing or am I'm doomed?

haven't added a skimmer yet. Red Sea Coral Pro Salt is the salt mix that I started with

Going to make one other change from Phos-ban to Chemi-pure elite

Any and all advise please

Glad to be apart of this forum REEFERS

[Brian_]

Im new just trying to start a tank if anyone has anything

[johnnynatfan]

Hi New to the forum. I've been coming here for weeks when I have questions and usually find the answers. Decided to join today.

[acnmfelice]

i would try to put some filter floss in somewhere. that will help filter out the small particles in the water.

[meli81]

If I have a 90 gallon tank with 1 drain and 1 return a sump what size should my return pump be????

[55willys]

Hi ladies and gentlemen. Im in my 30's, work in automation. my dad always kept fishes and I guess it reminds me of him. Figured I'd have a go, just trying to figure out what to do and how to not embarrass myself or murder any living creatures. Been sponging information anonymously for a few weeks now and for that I thank you.

[trooper123105]

Hello all, my name is Rob, and I have been reefing for a year now. Just joined and wanted to say hello. We have a 120 gal mixed reef, and just started a 60 gal deepblue frag tank that we are trying to make into a lagoon style tank. My wife and I really enjoy reef keeping, and hope to keep it going for a long time. Hope to learn a lot on this site.

[AbderramanZT]

greetings from the land of tequila for everyone, my name is Abderramán just wanted to introduce myself and tell you that the information on the forum has been very helpful in starting a reef 100 gallon. I hope to take advantage of the tips and experience of the people on the forum, photos and themes are very good.

[ksale4]

Hi, I'm new, and my name is Kerry. We just started our tank Mother's Day weekend, and needless to say, I'm addicted. We have two peppermint shrimp, (one that I believe is pregnant), an emerald crab, several SPS Zoanthids, hermit crabs, and snails. If you have any advice, I will take anything I am offered!

Thanks!

[salajander]

Hello! I'm starting out with a marine aquarium, probably going to go fish-only to start, but probably going to end up with some coral.

So far, I have acquired:
* tank stand
* 55-gallon reef-ready aquarium

... and a pile of stuff in various online order carts.

I'm going to get an RO/DI unit (probably this one), and probably work out some sort of sump.

I need to do some research on how to plumb everything up, though. The RR tank has a 1.5" and a 1.75" hole, so I'll need to get some sort of plumbing kit.

Man, there's a lot of information out there. I'll share some photos once I get something beyond a tank...

[klovrguy]

Hey guys, I have a friend, rtparty, who is pretty involved in his tanks and very good with them. After many years he's finally got me hooked on starting a tank. I don't have anything yet but my plans are to run a 20 high reef tank. As I'm sure many of you have had to start with one piece at a time I'm hoping to have tank up and ready for fish by Feb/March.

[marcaharding]

hey everyone, just got into the hobby and kinda got over my head a little and a lot of lessons learned, I hope to one day learn all that I can and also be able to help someone in the future. I am a military veteran from NC and love the idea of a saltwater tank, but wow is it expensive. I must learn patience so everyone says, its very hard but hope it pays off for the tank to be healthy.

[fisheater]

I am new to the hobby. My Wife has had a 38g for several years and as she added more fish/coral more problems began to spring up. We are in process of cycling a 100g+- tall tank that we just acquired second hand. So I guess I am now taking up the hobby although I am going into it kicking and screaming. I much rather go fishing than look at fish in a bowl. Thus the screen name. I love to eat fish.

[Brando5185]

Originally Posted by marcaharding

hey everyone, just got into the hobby and kinda got over my head a little and a lot of lessons learned, I hope to one day learn all that I can and also be able to help someone in the future. I am a military veteran from NC and love the idea of a saltwater tank, but wow is it expensive. I must learn patience so everyone says, its very hard but hope it pays off for the tank to be healthy.

What part of NC are you in?

[SuperChimps]

Hi everyone,

i've been keeping freshwater aquaria for the past 10 years or so, and im just now looking to cross over to the marine side. My wallet isn't happy about it, but it looks like it'll give me the challenge and fresh learning opportunity that will re-invigerate my love for the hobby.

I've been doing my best to read up on all the ins and outs, but i'm sure i'll probably have a few questions for all the experienced reefers out there

thanks to all the mods and users for making this such an informative site

[str8country]

Hey guys, Brand new noob here as far as saltwater goes i have had freshwater tanks since i was a young boy, and as of late i have finally decided to take the plunge into the saltwater world . just love the colors and real tired of cichlids lol. so i decided to take a buddy of mines advice and become a member on here and ask all the questions i feel like being ridiculed for. Look forward to learning all the things you all have to offer