Hello

[Piazzon12]

I'll offer my setups as well if you'd like to take a look... Ive got a 37 no sump, 20 long frag tank no sump or skimmer, 20 w/ 10 G sump, and I'm currently setting up a 120. Word of advice is to stick with one large tank rather than multiple small ones. Upkeep is easier, and the one tank will get the attention it needs. Once the 120 is up the others are going to disappear.

 

[frankandmaura]

Mine is "in Process" so you can come see it as well. It would be good to see an "in wall" set-up too...

 

[nwrogers]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11850025#post11850025 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SPN
...

glass Non RR tank,
UGF with powerheads for flow. 2 on the 30's, 4 on the 75
crushed coral substrate
Bio Wheel/bag hang on filter (75bag, 30's wheel)
I do not utilize a sump,
No protein skimmer
Original off the shelve light fixture (have not even changed the bulbs)
I have never performed regular water changes.
I use water stright from the tap.
Salinity 1.022- 1.023
I have never even tested my own water for anthing other than the salt content, (rely on the LFS to test.)
I do not know any scientific names for any of my fish, and I need to learn everything about properly keeping a reef tank.

I know that I really need to re-think this set-up from top to bottom. Where and how do I even begin?

First off welcome to STRS!!! Secondly don't be discouraged! Many of us started off with the exact same setup. UGF, no water changes, crushed coral, etc. is out dated info and a recipe for disaster. The good news is that with a little research and money you can turn your tanks around in no time. There are lots a of people in the club that have gone through the same things you are going through and will go through so don't hesitate to ask questions. From the sounds of it you are already on the right path reading people's build threads and joining our club FWIW here is the build thread for my 65 gallon reef. I haven't updated it in a while but maybe it is time for a few updates...

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1122036

 

[Dave VG]

Click on Nate’s red house if you already haven’t you will see one awesome tank. Another one is drbronx. Both local both awesome.

 

[SPN]

Fatrip,
I would love to upgrade to a 125 or larger in the near future. As to the question can I afford it, well, I can not answer at this time as I am unsure of what the general consensus is for necessary equipment for a reef tank . I want to make sure that whatever I do ensures the longevity of my tank and its animals. I would like to make this tank as easy to care for as possible while spending as little as possible on the initial set-up. Please do not read this as wanting to cut corners, but rather that I would like to find the best possible product to perform the required task at the best possible price. To use an automotive analogy, I can not afford a new Ferrari, but I also do not want a used Yugo. I would like to have the patience, (not my strongest suit since starting this hobby), to be able to find and purchase as much quality used equipment from others in the hobby that are either upgrading or getting out.
How and where is this best accomplished? The forums here at RC?

I did about a 20%-25% water change on all 3 tanks about 2-3 weeks ago, my first one ever by the way.
I believe that until I decide exactly what I am going to do, I should probably keep the Salinity in the 1.022-1.023 range.

RyanM, Piazzon12, Frankandmaura,
I would love to do a “reef crawl”. Are you sure that you can handle the blank stares and endless “stupid newbie” questions? LOL. If you can handle a clueless newbie, then how do we set this up?

nwrogers, - Nice Thread,

DaveVG- While I did not click on the Red House, I did find find the 3 member pages at the souther tier reef society web site. They are amazing! Thank you.

Yet another question, Sorry RyanM, LOL

The only book that I have read for this hobby is “The Saltwater Aquarium Handbook by George Blasiola”
What book from the RC library should I start with, and which, if not all, do you recommend that I get?

 

[RyanM]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11858452#post11858452 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SPN
RyanM, Piazzon12, Frankandmaura,
I would love to do a “reef crawl”. Are you sure that you can handle the blank stares and endless “stupid newbie” questions? LOL. If you can handle a clueless newbie, then how do we set this up?

Yet another question, Sorry RyanM, LOL

Im home most any time. Just let me know when you have some free time. Im for sure going to be home all weekend watching the start of the Nascar season. Daytona 500 Doesnt get any better than that. If you want to stop by your more than welcome.


And I didnt mean you shouldnt ask questions. Just make sure you know what the question is. If you asked what the best skimmer was youd get 10 different answers. All for thier own reasons.

Should I run a refuge? And how big? Also another dozen answers.


None of them wrong just while there is a basic set of rules you should follow, there is also a million different ways of doing the same thing and no 2 tanks are alike in every way. I quess what im saying is ask any questions you have but dont be surprised at
the myriad of answers. Unless its on the basics. They are pretty much agreed upon I think.

As far as the book goes. I have no idea. Maybe someone else knows.

 

[Szwalla]

This is definitely one of the best resources you can find.

When I meet someone who is interested in the hobby, I say go here first....I dont think they listen all the time though.

If you see some of the local tanks in person, it will help you think outside the (Rt 26) box. The first time I saw the two tanks mentioned earlier in this particular thread, I was amazed.

-Mike

 

[Blugobi]

Hey Welcome SPN............Take a big breath!..............and dive in
There is a lot to absorb here and as many have already stated, its best to get 10,000 foot view so to speak and look at some of the local set ups if possible and see what you would like to do. Take your time and start with hardy, forgiving fish and or corals.....mistakes are common and even the best in the hobby make them. I still learn new stuff everyday and have been in the hobby for 20+ years........Ryan has defined things pretty well...there are basic rules, but we all bend the rules and push the envelope when possible......again welcome to the thin line between a hobby and complete obsession!!!!!