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

New to the Forum

New to the Forum

Hey im new to the forum so I wanted to introduce myself I am Rebecca just call me Becka. I have a 45 gallon reef aquarium with 2 clowns, 2 cardinals, 1 sea star, 2 shrimp and 5 hermits.
Still getting my tank rolling it has been up for about 3 months now, I had a freshwater aquarium for about 2 years before my husband and I decided to go to Saltwater. Definitely a difference! Well hope to be seeing you all around.:bounce3:
 
Hello everyone...I'm about to be transferring about 20lbs of liverock from my 10g pathetic attempt at a saltwater tank, into a 14g biocube. The LR was in a 20g for about a year...but after I lost my clownfish I didn't want to add anything else without more research. Then my precious daughter was born and the tank just kinda sat there. I don't know if anyone else's wife nag about starring at fish but my wife nags about me just sstarring at rock LOL. I liked seeing all the little creatures come outta no where. So anyway I'm gonna give it another go ...I feel better equipped with this biocube versus just trying to convert my old FW into SW by adding marine salt. (I know, what a lame-o) where was I going with this....??...oh yeah so I had a question about a piece of that LR, it has some sort of growth on it but I was sure if it was bad algae. Good algae or coralline. Its almost looks like a velvety reddish color feels a little slimy and has only been isolated to growing on that one rock . I just wanted to know if I should keep it in new tank or not I can post a pic if needed. Thanks for your time.
 
Hey, obviously I'm new here. My name is Joey. I currently have only freshwater. I'll be posting some questions shortly dues to preparing to start my first saltwater tank, which will be a FOWLR. Hope to get great advice/help from all you experts.
 
New to reef central

New to reef central

Hello
My name is Manual and i am new to reefing. i have a 55 gallon with a 20 gallon sump. It is a mixed reef. Metal halide with cpf lights. I have just been reading quite a bit.

Manual
 
Hey whats up RC? My name is Tim (azslice) im pretty new to the hobby but have learned alot in the last year since starting with a 10 gallon reef and effing up in every way imaginable but my tank is all good now ...and i am currently building a 72 gallon bow front reef ready with mp40, trigger systems csy 30 sump refugium, reef octopus nwb 110 and aqueon mega overflow with durso style stand pipe....thinking ati 6x54 w sun power but would like two radions so until then im at a stand still because if theeis one thing i have learned in this hobby its patience And get what you want or you wont be satisfied....see ya later alligators!
 
New to Reef Central

New to Reef Central

Hello Reefers!

Im Jake and I just got back into the hobbie after spending a week diving in Belize! All the coral and fish gave me the sickness again and I had to get another tank. My Previous tank was a 72g corner with limited sump space and no place for a refugium. Years later I sized down and have a 29g nano cube with a custom built sump/refugium built by me! It is about 2 months old and my fish are thriving but the frog spawn and zoos I have wil not open up. I have been slowly ruling things out but i havent had any luck yet. amonia, nitrate, ph, ca, are spot on. My salinity was a little low but is back in check at .025. Magnesium was low but on the way up, placement in flow hasnt made a difference. The only thing I have left to do is change my bulb, its a used light and Ii think over a yr old metal Hylide. Skimmer is on target and working well, my GFO reactor has been set up since day 1, I have cheto and reef mud in the refug. Since my tank is new and I havent had anything to take out the elements such as Iodine and other trace element I am at a loss. If you have any feed back I would be very appreciative!

Thanks Jake
 
New (attempted) reefer here.

Got a 125 gallon tank off someone (for basically free), and have worked on setting up a mixed reef (my long-term goal).

At about 6 weeks, I popped in some snails and hermit crabs. A couple of weeks later, I added a couple beginner corals. Today, I added a pair of percula clownfish (I think.... I honestly cannot tell the difference between false, but that's what the LFS said). They seem be frenetically cowering in the corner of the tank right now and not really appreciating the environment I set up, but oh well.
 
Hey my name is manny, Im new to the whole reefing world. After visiting a few LFS ive decided i want my own saltwater setup. Ive basically been reading forums everywhere over the past few weeks. I plan on getting a 75 gallon to be my first tank. Unless I can score a 120 setup that looks good. I want to do try and run a reef as my long term goal. I dont really have any plans on specific species of fishes right now as i do not know much about them. Wish me luck
 
Hey guys...

Hey guys...

Wanted to introduce myself here. My name is Joey. I just got a 80 gallon tall show tank. I havent filled it up yet because im still exploring opportunities with it, as well as kind of coral, fish, etc....I do know im doing salt water. I know its more work to start up and all but im pretty patient and my schedule allows me to spend time on it. If anyone lives in my area hit me up.
 
I'm Back

I'm Back

Hi. I am not necessarily new to the hobby or to RC but it has been over 10 years since I have kept a reef tank and probably even longer since I have posted. I am excited to start again and plan to take it slow; one because I have learned that slow is better and two because it takes money. The purpose of this post is to re-introduce myself and to seek advice.

The following is a list of equipment I plan to use. I plan on having a reef tank with fish and soft corals. One day, I plan on some stony ones as well - but baby steps. This post is more geared to equipment to ensure I have everything I will need. I will repost again when livestock is in question. Any suggestions or advice would be great.

Main tank:
90 gal (48" X 18" X 24") "reef ready" mounted inside a wall. Besides sand, rock, fish, coral and inverts, I plan on having a few power heads mounted to a wavemaker.

Filtration:
Plan is to use a 30 gal (36" X 12" X 22") as a refugium. I will break into 5 chambers using lexan. First chamber will be the drained water from the tank above, it will overflow into a chamber with filter socks, then to the fuge part, into a "foam" chamber and finally into chamber 5 which will house a protein skimmer and return pump. The protein skimmer I have from years ago is a Turboflotor purchased from DrFosterSmith.com. The fuge will also house a 500W heater and digital thermometer.

Water:
Again, my plan is to have a RO/DI system with an auto shut-off using a float switch and a solenoid valve. The RO/DI water will fill a Rubbermaid tub (approx 25 gallon). This tub will have an auto-top-off system with redundant float switches back to the fuge tank. It will have a small pump inside it to bring this new clean water to the fuge.

Lighting:
I plan on purchasing LED lighting. I am looking at UFO series as my LFS says they are a good bang for the buck.

Quarantine Tank:
20 gal with a simple mechanical filter and heater.
Questions: Should I have a light with this? Will a whisper type mechanical filter be adequate for a few weeks of quarantine or should I have something else?

Measurement devices:
I have purchased a refractometer, a PH meter and a phosphase meter.
Question: Any other suggestions?

General questions:
1) Any other equipment that you think I need?
2) How often should water circulated in a given day / hour? I need to size a good pump.
3) A Calcium reactor or Kalkwasser dripper?
4) Is it suggested to have a separate holding tank for salt water for water changes?
5) Could someone explain how to or what process to take in order to "clean" live rock. I have heard rinse, soak in warmer water, put in quarantine tank - looking for ideas.

Anything else that people think I am forgetting? Before I jump in, I want to have all the equipment and build from there.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks

Paul
 
Hello,

My name's Michelle. After previously having a freshwater tank, now that I've moved into my new place I was contemplating making the jump to salt water. So I thought I'd make an account and lurk here for a little while :)
 
Hello new here

Hello new here

Hello after having been on the other side of the hobby I have decided to make the leap over to the dark side. I will be setting up a 72 gallon bowfront fowlr with the possibility of making it a mixed reef a year or two down the road. Right now I am in the process of gathering all of my equipment along with still working on my stocking list. Equipment that I already have is tank and stand skimmer a bubble magus nac5e,a refractometer,yds meter, typhoon rodi unit heater and some buckets for mixing my water. I also have 90 lbs of rock which is dry so will need to pick up some live rock to seed my other rock, 80 lbs of sand. Things that I need to still get powerheads planning on two korilias 1050s, lighting I am planning on leds marineland double bright, which for now will work on a fowlr setup, will look for different lights when and if I move onto corals. I will be posting more as questions arise and would appreciate input and advice of the more experienced.
 
Hello All!

II am currently living in Lincoln, RI and just getting back into reef keeping after 4 years tank less. I moved from Florida where in addition to weekly dive trips I was owned by 600+ gallons of joy and angst.

After careful consideration (ok sleepless nights and budget calculations) I have ordered a 210 gallon RR tank with custom stand and canopy . I have 2 weeks until both arrive and have yet to settle several very important questions and since this is the "Bat Cave" of reef world I figured I would introduce myself and ask for some expert advice. My main questions for you all are:

Should i take the LED lighting plunge and if so which company have you had the best results with?

I have had mainly fish and soft corals in the past (some clams and leathers as well) but would really like to get deeper into the madness)

What sump size and protein skimmer would you use if starting over knowing what you know now?

I really appreciate any guidance on these and any other pertinent issues you can anticipate me facing in the coming year.

BTW budget is already blown so I am really looking to do this right the first time so don't hold back!

Thank you for taking the time to help a recycled noob.
 
Hi all,

My name is Brian and I'm in Southern California. I have been on hiatus from the hobby for about 7 years now and have taken the plunge back into it. Here's the specs on the tank I'm running.

50g tall mixed reef, 20g sump no fuge, AquaC EV120, Lights: TBD currently a T5HO for the cycle but thinking of moving to LEDs (maybe the Kessil A150W).

Just thought I'd stop in and say hi.
 
I'm new to the forum and hobby.
I have been doing research and saving for a tank.

A week ago a friend gave me her beta tank (2.5 gallons). It contains a beta, a danio, and three shrimp.

My friend bought the danio along with several others as fry to feed to the beta, but this one got away.

As I said I am working towards a proper reef tank, and am currently working to make sure that I am ready once I have enough money.
 
Fran

Fran

Hi!
I'm Fran and have been learning about reef systems for the past 5 months. My fiance has a 125 gal tank with sump and refugium, actinic and metal halide lights. He is getting back into the hobby after a 4 year break. We've installed a RO/DI system and the water chem is great. We've added lots of coral and one glass shrimp. We just bought two black ice clown fish and they are in the quarantine tank for the next three weeks. Planning to add more fish once the clowns are out of the QT.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Fran
 
Goodday to all!,

I'm Wali and hoping to start/maintain a saltwater tank w/any/all assistance i can receive from you all. My goal is to start w/a 75/100 tank and add clowns,tangs,etc. I used to have a fresh water tank years ago. Now looking forward to the challenges/rewards of a saltwater tank. Looking for info on any/all info on startup needs for this project. Happy fishing!!!!!! BTW I suffer w/the disease called: "PERFECTIONIST" I.E. I like to do things right the first time around. So, from your experience pls suggest the best equipment/products to help me become a successfull tank owner. Thanking you all in advance.
 
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hello from madison,wi

hello from madison,wi

It's been awhile since coming to reefcentral...but i'm really excited again about the hobby and looking forward to learning and sharing. I've had a healthy 58 gallon reef for about seven years. Mostly lps and select softies, minimal gear....pair of tunze powerheads, remora skimmer, 250w x 2 halides plus hot5 actinics. Our tank really gives us so much...love the hobby and i have a long list of dream projects...but for now my wife and i are limited by space in our small apartment. Overall, i'm a big polyp, fleshy lps guy....unique pieces and healthy interactive feeding is a real jazzy thing for me outside my busy work schedule. Looking forward to being part of this global community. :spin1:
 
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