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

[phillipw]

Hi All, Not new to hobby or Reef Central but my last tank was 12 years ago. I am jumping back in with a 150 gallon DT, Synergy reef sump, and 40 gallon refugium. Setting everything up now, hope to start the cycling my dry Pukani rock in a week or two.

[Mwsumner]

Hey everyone. I am pretty new to the hobby and very happy to progress and learn along the way! I have a 40 gallon breeder tank that's been going for about two weeks now. I have about 20 pounds of live sand and about 35 pounds of live rock... the end result I hope to have a mix between reef tank to fish. No algae or anything happening yet it seems like. Ammonia levels are starting to rise a bit now and nitrate seems to be turning into nitrite last day or two, which I hear is wonderful news to the cycle. Honestly thinking about maybe getting a nano tank to mess with as well for the office! I am very much head over heals (as they say) about this hobby! Hope to progress a little faster but will impatiently wait to be patient =) any tips or tricks would be great and would be read by eager eyes!

[VirginiaMarine]

Originally Posted by thommyboy12183

Hi All, I originally joined 10 years ago. However I only had my tank for ~ 1 year before i moved and had to take it down. I just recently set up a tank again so have come back on the site. I am still new to the hobby as over the last 10 years i have not really done much research into the hobby.

Current setup - 55G, with Reef Octopus 100 HOB skimmer, dual T5 10,000 and actinitic lights, 2 - 800 gph power heads, 2 Occ clowns, 1 bicolored blenny, 1 yellow tang, 1 marble starfish, 1 brittle sea star, 1 condy anemone, + hermits and snails

There have been a lot of changes in 10 years. Lighting is a biggie with tons of advancements in LED lights available. I've also been impressed with the advancements in wavemakers. Reef setups have become more and more computerized. You can monitor and control you lighting, flow or even temperature from your iPhone now. You can even set up a camera on your tank. Of course T5s and all your old equipment will still work fine and your tank will still be beautiful if you take care of it. I enjoy my LEDs because they use less power and I don't have to replace the bulbs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rathbunct]

Hello everyone! I'm a newbie, unless you include the time when I was in my early 20's and failed miserably. Hmpf! But thanks to the world of the internet and the generous people who share their knowledge, I feel confident enough to try again.

After reading threads for a few months, cherry picking what I interpret to be the best starter setup, and the support of my knowledgable LFS, I set up my BioCube 32. Just shy of one week running, I figure now is as good a time as any to introduce my tank (and myself) to the forum.

So far I have:

BioCube 32
40-Pound live rock - various pieces hand picked from my LFS
20-Pound CaribSea Arag-Alive (Fiji Pink, not very pink)
10-Pound Nature's Ocean - Samoa Pink Sand (for color)
1-MP10 VorTech QuietDrive, wireless
Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Heater, 150 watt
Tunze ATO Nano Osmolator
Seachem Purigen 100ml
Chemipure Elite, 6.5-Ounce
Polyester Floss
Tripp Lite 7 Outlet (6 Individually Controlled) Surge Protector Power Strip

I am really enjoying my new tank...in fact, I can't stop looking at it and there is nothing even in there! Well, mostly nothing. This week I noticed life... YAY!

That is, until the thought occurred to me it may not be friendly. The closest I can find is it may be a Limpet, but I can not decipher if it is friend or foe. Can anyone tell me if the critter in the video, at this link, is OK to leave in my tank? Or should I hunt him down and pull him out? He's quick, so it may be difficult. LOL!

Thanks in advance for any support. Oh, and an image so you can see what I have so far.

Three of the pieces happen to be "Real Reef Live Rock" so I got some immediate color (LFS happened to have it and he charges the same for whatever he has). I'm not positive what the others are, but they have fantastic crevices. I'll have to ask the owner because I think he said you can't get it anymore. Aside from my lack of experience using epoxy (can't wait to get something to cover it), I'm real pleased with the way it looks. Hope you do to.

Thanks again!

[BranchingHammer]

Hello Reef Central
I joined and I have a 20g tank with zoas and I am soon going to buy a 65g mixed reef tank.

[DEadsCSU]

I've been a member for a few fortnights (over a decade I believe), but only recently getting back into the hobby. Had an original 1st gen Biocube back in 2006-2008. Now moving into a 150 gallon reef tank. Looking forward to everyone's expertise.

[Nola70115]

Hi - I've been posting a little bit for a few months, but figure I should introduce myself. I have a 20g tank with about 15lbs of live rock, some big pieces of dry coral skeletons, and an assortment of invertebrates. This all started because last summer my kid picked up a shell at the beach, brought it home, and discovered a tiny hermit crab living inside it. For whatever reason, I had to save that crab. "Happy" the hermit crab is now about 2" across and is the boss of the tank. The LR from the LFS came with a pair of blue-legged hermits (only one of whom is still with us after a dispute over a shell), some stomatellas, and a couple of freaky bristle worms. There's one gorilla crab that we've yet to catch and return, but next time we go to the beach we'll get him out of there.

We used to have a couple of asterina and brittle stars, but I haven't seen them lately. I wonder who ate them. Suspects are the bristle worms, the gorilla crab, or the snails.

Snails. At least a few were hitchhikers on LR and probably good guys. I've got a couple of big guys and a few smaller ones from the beach who turned out to be carnivorous so they're probably whelks. Next trip to the beach I'll take back the ones I can find. I don't really know what they are eating right now, aside from about once a week when we give Happy the Crab a scrap of fresh fish and a snail steals it. It does seem like I'm not seeing a bunch of small bristle worms in the sand like I used to, there are just a few big worms in the rock. So maybe the snails are eating the baby worms. If that's the case I wouldn't mind keeping one or two to manage the worm population.

I've got a big nitrate problem though, and don't know where it's coming from. I've got a Tunze 9004 skimmer, and a Fluval 206 canister I use as a reactor. Yes, I clean it weekly. I wonder about the tubing to/from the canister harboring gunk though. I also wonder if the nitrates are coming from a dead snail somewhere. The snails I know about are growing well so it doesn't seem like they're starving, but if they're carnivores that must mean there is some meat in there somewhere right?

I haven't gotten any fish yet. I need to get rid of the gorilla crab first, and get my water quality stable. Honestly I like watching the inverts so much I don't really miss not having fish. I'll add a pair of clowns eventually.

[antrn99]

Hi

I have a 29g Biocube HQI finally got it up and running for the past 2 months after it was in the box for almost 2 years. It's been so fun. So far so good

Look forward to discussions

Anthony

[Luis2]

Hello folks, not new to the hobby. Just new to registering on a forum. I used to just surf looking for answers but maybe now the addiction has taken a good hold so I had to register

I was stung for th first time maybe 15 years ago and been messed up ever since.

I live in the Dallas area.

125 gallon simple reef, no sump, small skimmer, macroalgae, not enough rock…yet, Ocean Revive T247 lights…and off we go into the deep end again 👀.

Cheers!! Gonna b fun

My wife just asked what I was doing, "looking at porn" I said…to which she responded "fish porn?"…"of course"

[ARreefer]

Haven't had a reef tank in probably 10 years, but I am SERIOUSLY jonesing right now.

Back in the day I successfully ran a 20gal high nano with a diy skimmer, diy lights and hood, and a separate 10gal refugium where I grew macro algae, copepods and amphipods. Also reared nauplii for feeding. Kept mushrooms, zoos, and just a few hard corals.

Now a days I'm looking to go all in with a 125gal display tank with a 75 gallon sump/refugium.

Looking for as much DIY help as I can get, especially with reef lighting. One grand for lights could easily shut me down.

[Jhardin85]

Been a few years since I've owned a tank...kids want a saltwater tank and I got the space for a monster size tank...figured I would join here to see what's the latest and greatest in technology and aquariums

[Ok_cowboy1]

I'm not necessarily new but I haven't really posted either. I am fairly new to the hobby, been a reefer since October 2016. I started my first build which was a 65 gallon tank. Since then I have got Dino so bad that I decided to tear it down recently and start over. I am going back with new rock and new sand. I am also in the process of having a 220 gallon tank with a 70 gallon sump built right now. I hope that will be setup in about 3 weeks. I have also set up a 28 gallon Nano cube that my wife loves.

[manfrog]

Why can I post here but not start a new thread in a different forum? Is this community set up to be intentionally hard to use and frustrating? Are the Administrators afraid someone might infiltrate the Reef Central Community with malicious intentions? I just had an interesting picture of a Hammer Coral with an odd growth that I was curious about but I guess that needs to be screened/deleted.... whatever. Already not liking this place.

[The_Inspector]

Greetings from the UK! I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am new to the hobby - in fact I am at the 'Get as much information as possible' stage before I actually dive into buying the tank and all the relevant bits. I do currently have a small Tropical tank that I have had for a while so am versed in testing water.

Will be asking for advice as I go further down the line if that's ok?

[Jenyphur]

I can't believe I'm doing this AGAIN! About 18 years ago, I had 4 tanks (marine and fresh) and absolutely loved them. Then life got in the way and I decided to take a break from the hobby. Well....I just got back from am amazing trip to Maldives and I have the bug again.

I want to start off easy so I just purchased the Coralife BioCube 32 thinking that would be an easy, all in one way to get started again. And then I started reading all the mods you all are doing and now I'm scared lol. I really do want to keep it simple though and not get too crazy. I really just want some soft corals, a pair of clown fish, maybe a small shrimp and goby. I have never had corals before so I am BRAND new and have soooo much to learn.

Anyways, I have a lot of reading and probably MANY questions.

My first question is this....can I have a successful tank with just the stock options that are provided or do I HAVE to make these mods? Again, just trying to create a simple reef tank to begin with and maybe later as I learn more, enhance it.

Thanks so much,

Jennifer!

[Blackvelvet]

Good Morning I am just starting in this new adventure and am researching in many different way although I have questions that I am having trouble finding answers to.

I have a 90 gallon (this is what I was told) corner tank. right now it is empty and I am wanting to get started.

First question I have is, Is there a recommended thickness for the sand bed?
second: Do I need sump tank?

[admissioninfo12]

Hi i am lokesh From India

[kY_Wildcat23]

Hey all...New to the hobby and I'm absolutely addicted. I've been doing it for about a month and half now and love it. It feels very overwhelming at times, but the more I read about it the more I learn.

I was given an established Oceanic BioCube 29 by a family member with a clownfish. I've since added a Lawnmover Blenny, 3 turbo snails, 3 Nassarius snails, and 3 hermit crabs. I'd like to eventually add another couple fish and maybe venture in to adding some coral. Also, looking to do the inTank mods but want to make sure I have everything under control.

I'll definitely need advice in the future and look forward to learning more!

[Coachmartin1]

I have not been on reef central since 2007. Back then I had 60g small reef. I took it down in 2009. And have not had a tank since..... I missed it so much but Wife kids and the dog took all my time.

I didnt think Id have another tank till my kids were grown and out of the house. 7 , 12 , 17.

Well last week a coaching buddy of mine ask me if Id like to buy his tank. My first thoughts were okay he has some shitty tank in the garage he is getting rid of.

I get into his house and see this 135G set up with a 30g sump and phosphate reactor and current orbit pro for lighting.

Now I am thinking he is gonna want thousands of dollars ... NOPE !!! $500.00 homie discount.

It was a no brainer !!!

Moving this monster was a *****!! but we got it all moved in last weekend ... The tank is settling nicely... Since the tank was cycled and matured it cleared up pretty fast.

The tank came with live stock

1 blue Trigger
1 long nosed clown puffer ? (not sure)
1 Hawk-face
1 tomato clown

Also came with about 100 pound of LR

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0...3c&oe=59341CF7

[Coachmartin1]

Here is the tank after a few days of settling https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0...3a&oe=592CCD96

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0...85&oe=596A7CB8

https://www.facebook.com/nyfa.buffs/...9393177286074/

[bchas41]

I have been away from the hobby for about 15 years. I cannot believe how much it has changed. I wanted to get back into and my wife did not want the tank in the house, so......my business has a new Reefer XL 525!!! I have modified it where the sump and all other equipment has taken over an empty office behind the DT. (Wish i had taken more time to understand that the RedSea Equipment came with Metric Fittings, what a pain in the ***) Misc Equipment... Apex system, Seneye, Ecotech M1 return Pump, 2 - Gyre pumps, Tunze Skimmer, Skimz Media Reactor, and 2 DOS systems. I have decided to give the Aquaforest system a run, seems a little simpler than zeovit system . About a week away from feeling safe to start adding livestock. I'll try to read thru all of the awesome posts and not ask questions that you all have answered 1,000 times. This has been a great resource as i got ready to get started. Thx!!

[JoshC88]

Hello everyone I'm Josh I'm somewhat new to saltwater I have a 55gallon bowed front with a UGF and a supreme skelter skimmer / back filter 250 with some live rock and coral inserts for what I could afford on my budget. It's has been going strong for 3 months now I do my regular maintenance and water change biweekly. I have a yellow tang, yellow tail damsel, chocolate chip star and a royal gramma. Now I have read on using a UGF and live rock could cause a nitrite factory and I'm a lil worried about that looking for some input. Thanks

[YoeriV]

Hi everyone,

My name is Yoeri and I'm a Belgian reefer. I've been on a Belgian/Dutch reefing forum since 2010; but I'm now taking a membership here as well. I'm going to keep a build thread in the 'Large Reef Tank' section.
I don't know if this is the correct place? If it has to be moved to the other build thread sections, please do so.

Kind regards,
Yoeri

[Blitzer]

Hi everyone, my name is Eddie. Longtime lurker as I've been researching and planning my Red Sea Reefer 250 build, which I'll be sure to document in a thread of it's own.

I haven't had an aquarium up and running for over 6 years as I've been moving around way too much, but now settled into a house for the foreseeable future and wanted to get back into the hobby. I previously had a cichlid tank and a FOWLR that I stocked with local creatures when I lived in Charleston, SC.

I'm looking to up my game this time around with a reef tank, and there is tons to learn, but looks like a great community here to help along the way!

[Bullitt1564]

Thanks for having me I've been in the hobby for 5 years and currently got a 93 gallon cube from a friend that was setup for 2 years I'm running a eshops sump with skimz monster and zeovit. Lights are radion 30s