I would like some advice on returning to the hobby

deladarkstep · 11/26/2006, 10:16 PM

I have been out of the Game for about 4 years. I am moving into a new home in about 3-4 months and would like some advice about starting my reef.

First off I'll start off with my goal. To have a living reef with mostly zoas, mushrooms and the like. Lots of crabs and snails. I would like to stay away from a deep sand bed. I like Firefish and Clowns. I don't remember if Firefish like to be in small groups or not. If so what would be the best number for a 100g tank? Other than that I'll be happy with a blenny. My goal is to have something really simple ( well, simple for reefers standards)

I have about 70 lbs Fiji (once live) rock that is dried and dead.
I have an empty 55g wide that I would like to use but it has no built in overflow. My house is too beautiful to risk a main tank overflow. So I guess I'll probably be in the market for a reef ready 100g aquarium with a nice wood canopy and cabinet.

I have 2 aqua c remora skimmers ( if I remember the name correctly) 4 stage 75gpd ro/di. I have some lighting but probably not enough for what I need.

Can I seed my dead rock with a nice big piece or cured live rock?
I think I might let my rock cure in the dark for the next 3 months with my protein skimmers and lots of water changes. I am familiar with this hobby but I have a lot of catching up to do as well as remember even more. I'm not looking for a perfect answer here as much as different peoples opinions/options on new hardware.

In the meantime I'm just going to keep buying things I'll need like refractometers and digital ph meter.

Just please share some opinions so I'm not so overwhelmed with decision making on what type of sump or the latest and greatest lighting. Even freshwater top off methods and kalk dosing. If I'm in the wrong place just point me in the right direction.

Thanks Everyone and It's good to be back!

billr · 11/27/2006, 05:27 AM

Money Money Money...

serpentman · 11/27/2006, 05:44 AM

Welcome back. I too came back from an extended leave. Its like riding a bike. Once you start doing a little research, you'll be amazed at what your remember.

It sounds like you have a good foundation for getting started. You can seed your LR with a few pieces of uncured rock and it will eventually become "live" again.

I definitely recommend a drilled "reef-ready" setup as they will afford you the piece of mind. Plus, I think they are more aesthetically pleasing than an overflow box.

And like Billr said, $$$. But that part, I am sure you are aware of. If not, the memories will most likely come crashing back

Nykademus · 11/27/2006, 07:45 AM

putting a skimmer on your curing tank will slow the process. personally I wouldnt use one since the rock will filter what little waste there will be, that and water changes.

I would however dose it with pods after the first few weeks to get a jump on the population levels, they will do fine in the dark.

If I remember correctly, you can keep firefish in groups if they are added at the same time, anything else and they may not get along.

Other than that, welcome back!

deladarkstep · 11/27/2006, 02:26 PM

Thanks for replying guys. And of course $$$; ). Can any of you recommend a site that ships out rr systems? I don't want something that i'll be playing catch up with. In the meantime on going to do some searching on Freshwater top offs.

newreefbishop · 11/27/2006, 02:41 PM

Well for starters WELCOME BACK!!!!

Just like everyone else who replied this will just be my opinion based on the limited knowledge I have gained.

http://www.elmersaquarium.com/k4105oc105.htm

Good spot for reed ready tanks.

You have a good start with the rock you alread have, but I would suggest for a tank that size get another 70 pounds or so. Seeing that it can be a little expensive I will clue you in on my supplier, he has great FIJI at a great price, I have his rocks in my system, as well as my brothers system and a few friends...http://www.theaquariumonline.com/Sea...?CategoryID=96 Oh the rock is actually cured so after a brief scrub you should be able to place directly in system.

Your skimmers should work fine but if you order your rocks from that site you wont need to cure.

For your lights you have a wide variety of choices, personally T-5's or a dual 175 halide retofit would probably work best....http://www.reefgeek.com/products/cat...ing/10105.html

I will be taggin along and look forward to hear your responses and see your updates....

Mylton- AKA Bishop the Engineer

Shagsbeard · 11/27/2006, 03:17 PM

Use your 55 as a sump if it will fit under your main tank, or better yet, plumb your stuff through the wall and put your sump in a closet or laundry room. I'd love to be moving into a new house and really do a tank right from the get go.

deladarkstep · 11/27/2006, 03:20 PM

I'll probably be looking for some professional assistance. heh

11/26/2006, 10:16 PM	#1
deladarkstep Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 257	I would like some advice on returning to the hobby I have been out of the Game for about 4 years. I am moving into a new home in about 3-4 months and would like some advice about starting my reef. First off I'll start off with my goal. To have a living reef with mostly zoas, mushrooms and the like. Lots of crabs and snails. I would like to stay away from a deep sand bed. I like Firefish and Clowns. I don't remember if Firefish like to be in small groups or not. If so what would be the best number for a 100g tank? Other than that I'll be happy with a blenny. My goal is to have something really simple ( well, simple for reefers standards) I have about 70 lbs Fiji (once live) rock that is dried and dead. I have an empty 55g wide that I would like to use but it has no built in overflow. My house is too beautiful to risk a main tank overflow. So I guess I'll probably be in the market for a reef ready 100g aquarium with a nice wood canopy and cabinet. I have 2 aqua c remora skimmers ( if I remember the name correctly) 4 stage 75gpd ro/di. I have some lighting but probably not enough for what I need. Can I seed my dead rock with a nice big piece or cured live rock? I think I might let my rock cure in the dark for the next 3 months with my protein skimmers and lots of water changes. I am familiar with this hobby but I have a lot of catching up to do as well as remember even more. I'm not looking for a perfect answer here as much as different peoples opinions/options on new hardware. In the meantime I'm just going to keep buying things I'll need like refractometers and digital ph meter. Just please share some opinions so I'm not so overwhelmed with decision making on what type of sump or the latest and greatest lighting. Even freshwater top off methods and kalk dosing. If I'm in the wrong place just point me in the right direction. Thanks Everyone and It's good to be back! __________________ Information is my drug. Current Tank Info: 55G FW non planted neon school , 28 jbj reef

11/27/2006, 02:26 PM	#5
deladarkstep Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 257	Thanks for replying guys. And of course $$$; ). Can any of you recommend a site that ships out rr systems? I don't want something that i'll be playing catch up with. In the meantime on going to do some searching on Freshwater top offs. __________________ Information is my drug. Current Tank Info: 55G FW non planted neon school , 28 jbj reef

11/27/2006, 02:41 PM	#6
newreefbishop Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 1,787	Well for starters WELCOME BACK!!!! Just like everyone else who replied this will just be my opinion based on the limited knowledge I have gained. http://www.elmersaquarium.com/k4105oc105.htm Good spot for reed ready tanks. You have a good start with the rock you alread have, but I would suggest for a tank that size get another 70 pounds or so. Seeing that it can be a little expensive I will clue you in on my supplier, he has great FIJI at a great price, I have his rocks in my system, as well as my brothers system and a few friends...http://www.theaquariumonline.com/Sea...?CategoryID=96 Oh the rock is actually cured so after a brief scrub you should be able to place directly in system. Your skimmers should work fine but if you order your rocks from that site you wont need to cure. For your lights you have a wide variety of choices, personally T-5's or a dual 175 halide retofit would probably work best....http://www.reefgeek.com/products/cat...ing/10105.html I will be taggin along and look forward to hear your responses and see your updates.... Mylton- AKA Bishop the Engineer __________________ Its not just a hobby, it's a lifestyle!!!! The 65 is gone the 110 is in, click the red house for the 110. *Updated Current Tank Info: 110 gal R/R AGA with 40 gallon DIY fuge/sump, 2 AI Sol Blue LED modules, RKL system, Vortech Powerheads, Softies, LPS and SPS. Fox Face, Coral Beauty, Goby, a mated pair of Midnight Black Photon Clowns, BTA, Sebae and small critters everywhere

11/27/2006, 03:20 PM	#8
deladarkstep Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 257	I'll probably be looking for some professional assistance. heh __________________ Information is my drug. Current Tank Info: 55G FW non planted neon school , 28 jbj reef

11/27/2006, 05:27 AM	#2
billr Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Texarkana, TX Posts: 269	Money Money Money...

11/27/2006, 05:44 AM	#3
serpentman part time superhero Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Snowbelt (NE OHIO) Posts: 5,698	Welcome back. I too came back from an extended leave. Its like riding a bike. Once you start doing a little research, you'll be amazed at what your remember. It sounds like you have a good foundation for getting started. You can seed your LR with a few pieces of uncured rock and it will eventually become "live" again. I definitely recommend a drilled "reef-ready" setup as they will afford you the piece of mind. Plus, I think they are more aesthetically pleasing than an overflow box. And like Billr said, $$$. But that part, I am sure you are aware of. If not, the memories will most likely come crashing back

11/27/2006, 07:45 AM	#4
Nykademus Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: South Dakota Posts: 530	putting a skimmer on your curing tank will slow the process. personally I wouldnt use one since the rock will filter what little waste there will be, that and water changes. I would however dose it with pods after the first few weeks to get a jump on the population levels, they will do fine in the dark. If I remember correctly, you can keep firefish in groups if they are added at the same time, anything else and they may not get along. Other than that, welcome back!

11/27/2006, 03:17 PM	#7
Shagsbeard Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Morro Bay, CA Posts: 2,143	Use your 55 as a sump if it will fit under your main tank, or better yet, plumb your stuff through the wall and put your sump in a closet or laundry room. I'd love to be moving into a new house and really do a tank right from the get go.