If You Are New to Reef Central, Introduce Yourself Here!
- Thread starter JohnL
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nuch
New member
new to RC
new to RC
hey guys and girls, I live in N.Y. I'm new to reef central. Fairly new to the saltwater hobby. Been in for about 8 months. I have a 170 DT. I have a 75 gallon sump and a 30 gallon refugium that gravity feeds the sump that i have in my laundry room in the basement. I ran bio balls until about a week ago. Now its time to just fill the DT.
new to RC
hey guys and girls, I live in N.Y. I'm new to reef central. Fairly new to the saltwater hobby. Been in for about 8 months. I have a 170 DT. I have a 75 gallon sump and a 30 gallon refugium that gravity feeds the sump that i have in my laundry room in the basement. I ran bio balls until about a week ago. Now its time to just fill the DT.
ZOKU
Resident Ninja
I'm not completely new to RC... but I did "find" it again. I sorta dropped out of the hobby after my 3-gal. JBJ picotope had an accident a couple of years ago.
So, my name is Scott. 37 years old. Oshkosh, WI. I have rediscovered my love for the hobby and with my wife & I moving to a new (and larger) apartment, I am starting a 40 Breeder project build. Please check it out!
I would greatly appreciate any and all opinions, comments, suggestions, insults, etc, etc. Link to my build thread is on my home page.
So, my name is Scott. 37 years old. Oshkosh, WI. I have rediscovered my love for the hobby and with my wife & I moving to a new (and larger) apartment, I am starting a 40 Breeder project build. Please check it out!
I would greatly appreciate any and all opinions, comments, suggestions, insults, etc, etc. Link to my build thread is on my home page.
blutang007
New member
Hi all just wanna say a big hello.. Just joined today. From Canada BC. I'm not new to the hobby but still learning. Gosh this saltwater business is so addicting. Will add more details about my tank setup.. Cheers to you all
Vince
Vince
Hi All! Well, my husband and I are new to the hobby, and we jumped in with BOTH feet with a 500gal Reef, kitchen on one side and living room on the other. He's the technical one regarding our tank specs and water levels and I'm the Fish/Coral one. Well, at least I'm trying to be. Anyhow, I know I could probably find a lot of my answers by reading and researching but sometimes I wish I could just post a pic of what's going on and see what other people think. I look forward to being a member at RC!
tangs_tank
New member
Hello all marine hobbists.
My name is Peter, I have recently started a new mixed reef system. My first, so this site is a gem.
180gal Oceanic glass reef ready tank
75gal acrylic sump/refugium
Metal halide and VHO lighting
DA reefkeeper lite plus with ph n ORP probes
Vortec MP40
1/3hp drop-in chiller
2-200watt heaters
Red sea berlin skimmer rated for unto 400 gal
A slew of test equipment and refractometer
20gal QT tank
I have been cycling about 200lbs of live rocks and aragonite sand for a couple weeks now and things seem to be going good. 1.024sg, 8.10-8.15 ph, ORP 250 at this posting. Skimmer pulling skim mate. Will be doing daily water test now. Fingers crossed. Hope all continues to go well.
My name is Peter, I have recently started a new mixed reef system. My first, so this site is a gem.
180gal Oceanic glass reef ready tank
75gal acrylic sump/refugium
Metal halide and VHO lighting
DA reefkeeper lite plus with ph n ORP probes
Vortec MP40
1/3hp drop-in chiller
2-200watt heaters
Red sea berlin skimmer rated for unto 400 gal
A slew of test equipment and refractometer
20gal QT tank
I have been cycling about 200lbs of live rocks and aragonite sand for a couple weeks now and things seem to be going good. 1.024sg, 8.10-8.15 ph, ORP 250 at this posting. Skimmer pulling skim mate. Will be doing daily water test now. Fingers crossed. Hope all continues to go well.
drewnstlou
New member
brand new to reef
brand new to reef
Hello everyone, I have had the freshwater tanks, and still do, for around 20 years. Just recently ( for christmas) i broke down and bought myself a smallish corner tank (50g), and pretty much everything i can get for it. I will post some pics once i have water, sand and rock cycling. Im sure there will be plenty of questions, so hopefully this site and the folks on it can help point me in the right direction. :dance:
brand new to reef
Hello everyone, I have had the freshwater tanks, and still do, for around 20 years. Just recently ( for christmas) i broke down and bought myself a smallish corner tank (50g), and pretty much everything i can get for it. I will post some pics once i have water, sand and rock cycling. Im sure there will be plenty of questions, so hopefully this site and the folks on it can help point me in the right direction. :dance:
JustinGr
Clown Pimp
I am Justin, I live in Bloomington, IN. I have been keeping Salt Fish for 30+ years, used to own a pet store in the early 90's. Now I am converting my 75 Gallon salt fish only tank into a reef. I removed the fish, did a 50% wanter change, added 80# of Fiji rock and am now looking at lights, that is why I am here, looking for lighting suggestions.
gzimmerman
New member
Finally back into saltwater...
Finally back into saltwater...
Hello reef peeps, my name's Greg. I am excited to jump back into the hobby after a long hiatus. For most of my life I've traveled all the time, or moved (or had really really bad source water), or other lame excuses that I couldn't do a reef tank justice. I did manage all the saltwater and freshwater tanks for the biology dept back in college so I consider myself intermediate. I have a planted little 6g Fluval Edge w/ some SE Asian freshwater species (green-eyed rasboras) that has been a great, low-maintenance success.
About me: I work as an environmental consultant / diver with admittedly one of the coolest job descriptions around. Basically Jacques Cousteau in freshwater. I work primarily in freshwater river systems in the Midwest diving for endangered species-related issues and completing the associated paperwork. We often dive tethered w/ helmets, communications and underwater video to the surface from a dive boat, etc. My specialty is endangered freshwater mussels (unionids). I haven't done too much marine work under contract (just for fun) but I hope someday we get some more opportunities there. That's why I like saltwater "“ it's not the same stuff I see going to work. I do have a bit of an aversion to these online forums because it's hard to find good advice until you get to know everyone"¦ so here we go"¦
Goals / Background : Always a good idea to define the end goals of a project first, and here are mine:
1. A relatively large "œnano" type tank, 24gal, although next tank I could go up to about 50g+.
2. As you will see below, this project may morph into two tanks; one reef, one specialty. If this happens, I may put together a seahorse / pipefish tank or an octopus tank for my office "“ something special but doesn't need quite the light and skimmer requirements (see my conundrum below). One other benefit of my company is we have an in-house bioassay lab with an daily supply of RO water, brine shrimp, algae cultures, copepods, small fish, and all sorts of other goodies to feed those picky feeders.
3. I'd like the tank corals / fish inhabitants to be from one area (ecoregion). That seems hard to stick w/ all the stuff going around. My plan is to get the live rock and fishes to be collected from the source in a sustainable fashion; either cultured out on the reef on artificial materials or from a reputable source. Looks like it's going to be the Caribbean. I'm not sure on exact species yet other than what comes in on the liverock but I was going to go off of some of Michael Paletta's suggestions in the New Aquarium, or ask the forum.
4. I'd like to have an LED light source that is efficient, does not produce heat issues, and has the capability to grow some small polyp corals. I consider myself very good at electronics, timers and soldering so I am drawn to the challenge of an LED kit. For now, compact fluorescents seemed to be the easiest solution however so I went w/ that (see Questions). I could move cfls down to a sump in the future"¦.
Questions:
1. Should I upgrade my 24g NanoCube or buy new? I picked up a very used JBJ Nano-Cube 24g w/ stand the other day for $150 on Craig's List. Total impulse buy "“ but it's the reason I'm here. The tank and stand are in good shape and look good, but it needs 1) a new pump (I broke the impeller on the 1200GPH pump while cleaning, and maybe should go w/ a bigger pump anyway), 2) total new build on the lights, and , 3) a protein skimmer. Now starting to think I should just buy a new tank, like a 50g+ w/ a better pump, skimmer, and LED lights to handle corals at home and convert the Craig's List tank to an office live rock / fish tank or octopus tank on the cheap for my office. I'm putting in two 24W compact fluorescents for <$100 for now. Let's assume I've answered my own question and that I'll be going with the 24g for the time being.
2. Lighting / cooling the 24g Nano: The lights and ballasts were gone, and no fans or power supplies for those either, so I ordered (two) 24W power compact lights and reflector kits from A H Supply after talking to a lfs (see, I already am learning the lingo!). QUESTION "“ I realize this setup will probably need fan(s) "“ any suggestions for a supplier of fans and power supplies? I found fans online ok for the 28g nano (not 24g and not sure if they are the same) but not sure how the power supply for those work"¦ If it's just a little 12V 500ma plug I can make one of those.
3. Circulation: There was a CA 1200 pump in the 24g nano. I accidentally broke the impeller while cleaning it. It seems like the time to just get a new pump. Suggestions for pump brand that will fit in the nano? Recommended GPH?
4. I'm going w/ a Carribean ecoregion for now. Any suggestions on livestock are much appreciated. I'm big on small critters like arrow crabs, shrimp, small specialized fish, etc and might not jump to sps on this tank "“ save that for the next one. Some other people from work have an order of live rock from Live rock Ranch and I went in on that which will be coming soon but it will be a month or so until that cycles through.
5. Any other questions / comments / complaints are welcome. I'm a jerk, my post should have been somewhere else, etc"¦ I am getting back into this so the technology now is a lot different than 15y ago"¦
Finally back into saltwater...
Hello reef peeps, my name's Greg. I am excited to jump back into the hobby after a long hiatus. For most of my life I've traveled all the time, or moved (or had really really bad source water), or other lame excuses that I couldn't do a reef tank justice. I did manage all the saltwater and freshwater tanks for the biology dept back in college so I consider myself intermediate. I have a planted little 6g Fluval Edge w/ some SE Asian freshwater species (green-eyed rasboras) that has been a great, low-maintenance success.
About me: I work as an environmental consultant / diver with admittedly one of the coolest job descriptions around. Basically Jacques Cousteau in freshwater. I work primarily in freshwater river systems in the Midwest diving for endangered species-related issues and completing the associated paperwork. We often dive tethered w/ helmets, communications and underwater video to the surface from a dive boat, etc. My specialty is endangered freshwater mussels (unionids). I haven't done too much marine work under contract (just for fun) but I hope someday we get some more opportunities there. That's why I like saltwater "“ it's not the same stuff I see going to work. I do have a bit of an aversion to these online forums because it's hard to find good advice until you get to know everyone"¦ so here we go"¦
Goals / Background : Always a good idea to define the end goals of a project first, and here are mine:
1. A relatively large "œnano" type tank, 24gal, although next tank I could go up to about 50g+.
2. As you will see below, this project may morph into two tanks; one reef, one specialty. If this happens, I may put together a seahorse / pipefish tank or an octopus tank for my office "“ something special but doesn't need quite the light and skimmer requirements (see my conundrum below). One other benefit of my company is we have an in-house bioassay lab with an daily supply of RO water, brine shrimp, algae cultures, copepods, small fish, and all sorts of other goodies to feed those picky feeders.
3. I'd like the tank corals / fish inhabitants to be from one area (ecoregion). That seems hard to stick w/ all the stuff going around. My plan is to get the live rock and fishes to be collected from the source in a sustainable fashion; either cultured out on the reef on artificial materials or from a reputable source. Looks like it's going to be the Caribbean. I'm not sure on exact species yet other than what comes in on the liverock but I was going to go off of some of Michael Paletta's suggestions in the New Aquarium, or ask the forum.
4. I'd like to have an LED light source that is efficient, does not produce heat issues, and has the capability to grow some small polyp corals. I consider myself very good at electronics, timers and soldering so I am drawn to the challenge of an LED kit. For now, compact fluorescents seemed to be the easiest solution however so I went w/ that (see Questions). I could move cfls down to a sump in the future"¦.
Questions:
1. Should I upgrade my 24g NanoCube or buy new? I picked up a very used JBJ Nano-Cube 24g w/ stand the other day for $150 on Craig's List. Total impulse buy "“ but it's the reason I'm here. The tank and stand are in good shape and look good, but it needs 1) a new pump (I broke the impeller on the 1200GPH pump while cleaning, and maybe should go w/ a bigger pump anyway), 2) total new build on the lights, and , 3) a protein skimmer. Now starting to think I should just buy a new tank, like a 50g+ w/ a better pump, skimmer, and LED lights to handle corals at home and convert the Craig's List tank to an office live rock / fish tank or octopus tank on the cheap for my office. I'm putting in two 24W compact fluorescents for <$100 for now. Let's assume I've answered my own question and that I'll be going with the 24g for the time being.
2. Lighting / cooling the 24g Nano: The lights and ballasts were gone, and no fans or power supplies for those either, so I ordered (two) 24W power compact lights and reflector kits from A H Supply after talking to a lfs (see, I already am learning the lingo!). QUESTION "“ I realize this setup will probably need fan(s) "“ any suggestions for a supplier of fans and power supplies? I found fans online ok for the 28g nano (not 24g and not sure if they are the same) but not sure how the power supply for those work"¦ If it's just a little 12V 500ma plug I can make one of those.
3. Circulation: There was a CA 1200 pump in the 24g nano. I accidentally broke the impeller while cleaning it. It seems like the time to just get a new pump. Suggestions for pump brand that will fit in the nano? Recommended GPH?
4. I'm going w/ a Carribean ecoregion for now. Any suggestions on livestock are much appreciated. I'm big on small critters like arrow crabs, shrimp, small specialized fish, etc and might not jump to sps on this tank "“ save that for the next one. Some other people from work have an order of live rock from Live rock Ranch and I went in on that which will be coming soon but it will be a month or so until that cycles through.
5. Any other questions / comments / complaints are welcome. I'm a jerk, my post should have been somewhere else, etc"¦ I am getting back into this so the technology now is a lot different than 15y ago"¦
Hi everyone, I'm Janet from Montreal Canada. Just graduated from a 6 gallon edge to a 14 gallon biocube. I'm sure it won't be my last. I love the hobby and am learning quickly. I do have a question....for my size tank is there a unit I can purchase besides an RO to convert my tap water? Would love any help I can get
Hi to all!
I'm Doug from the Atlanta area. I had a FO tank about 12 years ago that I sold when I moved long-distance. It was an old school 75 gallon with an undergravel filter and a single fluorescent light. I actually had a Skilter hanging on the back, which was as advanced as I got. It was set up for about 6 years before I sold it, and I was probably 50/50 with keeping fish alive over that time.
After being out of the hobby for a long time, I'm excited to see that keeping corals is common, captive bred fish are available, and we have options to keep our nitrates down beside massive water changes.
I just purchased a used 65g with a sump, and I'm in the middle of setting it up. It passed the leak test so far. I'm going to start with a FOWLR, until I get more comfortable with the current approaches. I'll post my newbie questions separately, but just wanted to introduce myself here.
I appreciate all the great resources and discussions on here. They've been very helpful already.
I'm Doug from the Atlanta area. I had a FO tank about 12 years ago that I sold when I moved long-distance. It was an old school 75 gallon with an undergravel filter and a single fluorescent light. I actually had a Skilter hanging on the back, which was as advanced as I got. It was set up for about 6 years before I sold it, and I was probably 50/50 with keeping fish alive over that time.
After being out of the hobby for a long time, I'm excited to see that keeping corals is common, captive bred fish are available, and we have options to keep our nitrates down beside massive water changes.
I just purchased a used 65g with a sump, and I'm in the middle of setting it up. It passed the leak test so far. I'm going to start with a FOWLR, until I get more comfortable with the current approaches. I'll post my newbie questions separately, but just wanted to introduce myself here.
I appreciate all the great resources and discussions on here. They've been very helpful already.
Hello.... again
Hello.... again
Hey, I am not "new" to the board but have been very inactive.
I have been very active in another forum, but I am tired of the little clicks that run the place. :headwally:
I am hoping to gain all the same knowledge through Reef Central as I have through CR in the past.... just hoping this forum is a little more open.
Look forward to interacting on a more global scale!
Paddy
Hello.... again
Hey, I am not "new" to the board but have been very inactive.
I have been very active in another forum, but I am tired of the little clicks that run the place. :headwally:
I am hoping to gain all the same knowledge through Reef Central as I have through CR in the past.... just hoping this forum is a little more open.
Look forward to interacting on a more global scale!
Paddy
really new even super
really new even super
Hey reefers my names justin. Just started this awsome hobby and really havent found anyone in my area thats into this except for the LFS people and they dont have a whole lot of time to talk so here i am. I would like someone to help out with my tank. Dont be affraid to tell me im doing this all wrong. Like i said i am very new. I have a 55 gallon bowfront with about 45 lbs. live sand 30 lbs live rock, maxi jet 1200, maxi jet 400, and another small powerhead. I just got done perfecting my sump. Its the smallest sump you will ever see. Its about 7 gallons with three baffles, live rubble and macro algae. I also put my prizm hang on back skimmer on the sump and a phosban reactor with rowa phos in it. Im using a current 2 150w double ended fixture thats 36" long with two phoenix bulbs. As of livestock i have brought back to life a malu anemone (i think its a delicate anemone) its white with blueish purple tips and its turning yellowish which i heard is a good thing. I also have a big mistake of maroon clownfish (about 3 1/2 inches long), atlantic tip anemone and of course a bunch of frags (mostly zoe's), a decent amount of snails and crabs and also one emerald crab. My water is ok but could be better. If anyone can give me some good cheap pointers i would really appreciate it. Thanks and reef on:headwally:
really new even super
Hey reefers my names justin. Just started this awsome hobby and really havent found anyone in my area thats into this except for the LFS people and they dont have a whole lot of time to talk so here i am. I would like someone to help out with my tank. Dont be affraid to tell me im doing this all wrong. Like i said i am very new. I have a 55 gallon bowfront with about 45 lbs. live sand 30 lbs live rock, maxi jet 1200, maxi jet 400, and another small powerhead. I just got done perfecting my sump. Its the smallest sump you will ever see. Its about 7 gallons with three baffles, live rubble and macro algae. I also put my prizm hang on back skimmer on the sump and a phosban reactor with rowa phos in it. Im using a current 2 150w double ended fixture thats 36" long with two phoenix bulbs. As of livestock i have brought back to life a malu anemone (i think its a delicate anemone) its white with blueish purple tips and its turning yellowish which i heard is a good thing. I also have a big mistake of maroon clownfish (about 3 1/2 inches long), atlantic tip anemone and of course a bunch of frags (mostly zoe's), a decent amount of snails and crabs and also one emerald crab. My water is ok but could be better. If anyone can give me some good cheap pointers i would really appreciate it. Thanks and reef on:headwally:
Nicole Price
New member
Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum!
Hope to find here something new..website look really fantastic!
Hope to find here something new..website look really fantastic!
LittleBee
New member
Hi everyone. Just wanted to pop in and introduce myself. My name is brittany and I've been in the hobby for about a year. I have a 29 gallon tank up and running for about a year and I just set up a ten gallon a couple days ago that I am cycling. I started a thread for my 29 gallon so feel free to check it out!
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=19759611#post19759611
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=19759611#post19759611
Flyrodder25
New member
Newb
Newb
I started first aquarium in July 2011. 55 gallon FOWLR. Traded it for an old Kayak. Have really gone crazy with learning and reading. I have done well leaving the tank alone to mature. It is doing well. Aiptasia are the scurge of the universe. I am winning the battle but it feels like I am mowing the lawn on a weekly basis. "Time to mow the Aiptasia!" Like the guy who just to say on Dunkin Donut commercials. "Time to make the donuts". Good stuff and of course part of the learning curve. My local fish store is two hours away and most importantly views the Aiptasia as a way to sell me copper bandeds or peppermint shrimp. I am learning quickly to "measure twice and cut once" before listening to some peoples advise. I really appreciate the Forums and look forward to learning. My family loves the tank.
Newb
I started first aquarium in July 2011. 55 gallon FOWLR. Traded it for an old Kayak. Have really gone crazy with learning and reading. I have done well leaving the tank alone to mature. It is doing well. Aiptasia are the scurge of the universe. I am winning the battle but it feels like I am mowing the lawn on a weekly basis. "Time to mow the Aiptasia!" Like the guy who just to say on Dunkin Donut commercials. "Time to make the donuts". Good stuff and of course part of the learning curve. My local fish store is two hours away and most importantly views the Aiptasia as a way to sell me copper bandeds or peppermint shrimp. I am learning quickly to "measure twice and cut once" before listening to some peoples advise. I really appreciate the Forums and look forward to learning. My family loves the tank.
chrispmcgill
Member
Howdy everyone. I am new to saltwater aquariums and am in the soaking up knowledge stage right now. My brother, who has been doing this for 10 years, gave me a 75G tank and is pointing me in the right direction. Now I am just working on getting everything else for a successful fish and reef tank.
SecurityGuy
New member
First saltwater adventure
First saltwater adventure
Hey guys, this is my first post, hopefully not my last.
I just setup a 56g reef tank with live rock I purchased from Tampa Bay Saltwater. (Local Delivery) In total I think I have about 60lbs live rock, with 40lbs of live sand. I didn't order the 'Package' only because I figured I'd get the same effect with just rock/sand. The rock is absolutely gorgeous, crawling with life!
Equipment I'm using is as follows:
Reef Octopus Skimmer - BH 100F.
30" Coral Life T5 HO Lighting (4 Bulbs) with two blue LED's.
1 Koralia Power head (I think around 500 gph)
I threw an aquaclear HOB filter to help with floating particles from the sand.
I will get some pictures up when the tank settles a little bit, but it looks like a blizzard right now :headwally:
Quick question, was I supposed to rinse the Aragonite live sand before putting it into the aquarium? I was under the impression that I just add it to the tank but the tank has been cloudy for about 5 days now (getting a little better each day) Is this normal or did I do something wrong?
Glad I got the first question/post out of the way as I'm sure more questions will come. Thanks everyone.
First saltwater adventure
Hey guys, this is my first post, hopefully not my last.
I just setup a 56g reef tank with live rock I purchased from Tampa Bay Saltwater. (Local Delivery) In total I think I have about 60lbs live rock, with 40lbs of live sand. I didn't order the 'Package' only because I figured I'd get the same effect with just rock/sand. The rock is absolutely gorgeous, crawling with life!
Equipment I'm using is as follows:
Reef Octopus Skimmer - BH 100F.
30" Coral Life T5 HO Lighting (4 Bulbs) with two blue LED's.
1 Koralia Power head (I think around 500 gph)
I threw an aquaclear HOB filter to help with floating particles from the sand.
I will get some pictures up when the tank settles a little bit, but it looks like a blizzard right now :headwally:
Quick question, was I supposed to rinse the Aragonite live sand before putting it into the aquarium? I was under the impression that I just add it to the tank but the tank has been cloudy for about 5 days now (getting a little better each day) Is this normal or did I do something wrong?
Glad I got the first question/post out of the way as I'm sure more questions will come. Thanks everyone.
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