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

[ReefyRoy]

Aloha!

Aloha!

Hello all, I'm Roy, I live in southeast Michigan, and have been a long-term freshwater/planted tank enthusiast. I've had friends and family members with reef tanks for years, and have decided to take the plunge myself. I've been reading everything I can for months now, and just ordered my tank (150g 5x2x2) yesterday (yikes!). The plan is to plumb the tank down into the basement and have the actual display be the center piece in my family room. Wish me luck, and let the spending begin!!

 

[ResaMichelle]

Hi hi - I'm new to fish keeping in general. I've helped build a tank from the ground up, so I've seen it all in action and now I'm doing it for myself and I'm super excited. I'm having a really hard time deciding whether I want an agressive or coral/fish tank, though. I know they're both ambitious undertakings, but I'm a sucker for puffer fish and all things colorful. I'm starting off with a 55 gallon tank just to get the hang of everything, then once I have my bearings I'll expand. Any thoughts? Can't wait to get started!

Cheers!

 

[Aquarist007]

Norther VA reefer chiming in. David is the name and have been into reefing aquaria for almost two years (realitive noob), but have been keeping aquariums since childhood. Current set-ups include:
Red Sea Max 130D w/Lifereef sump
Marineland 18" cube & 15"x24" frag tank - plumbed into a shared DIY acrylic sump (Current NEP lighting for MD & Aqautic Life T5 HO for frag tank)
75G AGA FWFO tank
125G empty - future undecided.

Current projects. Building LED display to replace stock lighting in RSM & custom cabinet for 18" cube & frag tank combo.

EDIT: Oh and my main interest is high end ZOAs & Palys although the RSM is a mixed tank with some of everything (softies, LPS, SPS, etc...)

Wow--alot of projects--look forward to you posting some pics on here

[welcome]

 

[Aquarist007]

Hello all, I'm Roy, I live in southeast Michigan, and have been a long-term freshwater/planted tank enthusiast. I've had friends and family members with reef tanks for years, and have decided to take the plunge myself. I've been reading everything I can for months now, and just ordered my tank (150g 5x2x2) yesterday (yikes!). The plan is to plumb the tank down into the basement and have the actual display be the center piece in my family room. Wish me luck, and let the spending begin!!

you will be glad you plumbed it down to the basements--lots of room for sumps and refugiums

[welcome]

 

[Aquarist007]

Hi hi - I'm new to fish keeping in general. I've helped build a tank from the ground up, so I've seen it all in action and now I'm doing it for myself and I'm super excited. I'm having a really hard time deciding whether I want an agressive or coral/fish tank, though. I know they're both ambitious undertakings, but I'm a sucker for puffer fish and all things colorful. I'm starting off with a 55 gallon tank just to get the hang of everything, then once I have my bearings I'll expand. Any thoughts? Can't wait to get started!

Cheers!

IMO starting off with fish only with live rock is a good way to get started in this hobby. Once you have the water chemistry understood then you can connvert to a mixed reef tank

[welcome]

 

[DaVinci]

Hey there Still fairly new to the hobby, but new to the community.
Budget plan went a bit belly-up with the economy in the past year or so, so upgrades for the tanks have been slow and delayed.
30 gallon display
-centerpiece, med. fuzzy dwarf lion
-med yellow-stripe marroon clown
-med scribbled rabbitfish
-assorted snails
-lots of aptaisia Unsure how to get rid of with a lionfish in the tank.
-misc. soft corals, and two montiporas.

20 gallon FOWLR
-very small fuzzy dwarf lion
-green anthias
-black perc clown
-yellowtail damsel (original tank cycler)
-huge coral banded shrimp
-emeral crab and a few hermits.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Hey there Still fairly new to the hobby, but new to the community.
Budget plan went a bit belly-up with the economy in the past year or so, so upgrades for the tanks have been slow and delayed.
30 gallon display
-centerpiece, med. fuzzy dwarf lion
-med yellow-stripe marroon clown
-med scribbled rabbitfish
-assorted snails
-lots of aptaisia Unsure how to get rid of with a lionfish in the tank.
-misc. soft corals, and two montiporas.

20 gallon FOWLR
-very small fuzzy dwarf lion
-green anthias
-black perc clown
-yellowtail damsel (original tank cycler)
-huge coral banded shrimp
-emeral crab and a few hermits.

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

You can try some peppermint shrimp for your aiptasia problem

 

[DaVinci]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

You can try some peppermint shrimp for your aiptasia problem

I imagine the Lionfish would eat it, otherwise I'd love to!

 

[Aquarist007]

I imagine the Lionfish would eat it, otherwise I'd love to!

I use Joe's Juice or Aptasia X depending on the situation. Aptasia X comes with a curved needle that can get some really stubbornly placed aptasia

 

[RICOL]

GREETING PARTNERS

THIS ME LIKE IN THIS NEW HOBBY

AID REQUEST

WHERE CAN I FIND A STORE IN MIAMI FLORIDA CAN SUPPLY EQUIPMENT TO ME.
MY PROJECT IS OF 250G

Be extremely grateful

 

[dscheidegger]

Hello, my name is David. I am new to the hobby and would be interested to hear everyones input on the best way to get started and also if anyone has any mandarins, the best way to start off with one of them. I saw one in the Aquarium Adventures in Westerville, Ohio, and would like to get one.

 

[Variansyn]

Hi

Just soaking up the "Newbie" thread and reading all the articles before I get my footing. I've been a long time lurker, figured it'd be time to join.

 

[Rhiinno]

Not new, but gettin back in!

Not new, but gettin back in!

I am not really new to the hobby, but I am gettin back in. A good friend of mine, Underwateroasis, has got me going again. I am not able to set up my tank atm since I move a LOT because of my job. I am looking to set up a 450 gallon reef tank as soon as possible. I have been hauling it around for a little over 3-4 years now. Really annoying. I have been looking for new parts since mine are outdated. I am pretty sure I will be buying an asm G6 for my skimmer but am not sure of what to use for lighting. Any ideas, please let me know. I am looking at getting 2 lighting fixtures. Please let me know if anyone has any advice of what to stay clear of or what is good.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

GREETING PARTNERS

THIS ME LIKE IN THIS NEW HOBBY

AID REQUEST

WHERE CAN I FIND A STORE IN MIAMI FLORIDA CAN SUPPLY EQUIPMENT TO ME.
MY PROJECT IS OF 250G

Be extremely grateful

[welcome]

RC has sub forums of local clubs here is one that is in the miami area

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Hello, my name is David. I am new to the hobby and would be interested to hear everyones input on the best way to get started and also if anyone has any mandarins, the best way to start off with one of them. I saw one in the Aquarium Adventures in Westerville, Ohio, and would like to get one.

[welcome]
Mandarin goby's are awesome looking fish, I usually tell those that are new to the hobby to wait 6 to 9 months after they tackle this fish. they only eat live food like copepods. So you want to allow your tank to mature and allow the copepods time to populate in your live rock.

As far as getting started, I would suggest reading through this first.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Hi

Just soaking up the "Newbie" thread and reading all the articles before I get my footing. I've been a long time lurker, figured it'd be time to join.

That is awesome

[welcome]

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I am not really new to the hobby, but I am gettin back in. A good friend of mine, Underwateroasis, has got me going again. I am not able to set up my tank atm since I move a LOT because of my job. I am looking to set up a 450 gallon reef tank as soon as possible. I have been hauling it around for a little over 3-4 years now. Really annoying. I have been looking for new parts since mine are outdated. I am pretty sure I will be buying an asm G6 for my skimmer but am not sure of what to use for lighting. Any ideas, please let me know. I am looking at getting 2 lighting fixtures. Please let me know if anyone has any advice of what to stay clear of or what is good.

[welcome]

I know what you mean about lugging a tank around. I have a hard time with a 125, I can't imagine lugging a 450. As for the lighting, I would ask in the Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment forum

 

[Chelsea22]

I am new and need a ton of help, please be kind! haha

I am new and need a ton of help, please be kind! haha

Hello Everyone, my name is Chelsea! I'm 22, stay at home mom for now. I have recently entered the freshwater hobby and even more recently (a week ago) started with saltwater. Right now my saltwater tank is cycling. it's a 20 gallon, has 4 small live rocks in it with awesome color, bright purple and reds.. and a huge rock i bought yestereday. The owner of the LFS gave me some crustaceans on the house (about 12). My tank is hexagon, i have the filter with the wheel but the LFS told me to take the wheel off, so i did. I also purchased a power head and i have a heater and a thermometer. Another LFS is checking around for a different light for me and i know i will still need a skimmer.. I plan to keep maybe 4 fish, a seahorse or two and a starfish.. also some soft corals... So any things that anyone thinks is a need to know please tell me.. i know NOTHING.. all i know is i have to wait about 6 to 8 weeks to add fish.. that my tank will turn brown before its done cycling and not to be scared of that.. lol.. i have checked the salinity and its in the right levels.. and thats about it.. here are a few questions i have to start with..

when do i do my first water change? Do i need a test kit? How often should i test for things? What checmicals do i need to keep on hand? what is buffer?

Thank you so much everyone, i have really enjoyed reading from this forum and am really happy to now be a part of it! :love2:

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Hello Everyone, my name is Chelsea! I'm 22, stay at home mom for now. I have recently entered the freshwater hobby and even more recently (a week ago) started with saltwater. Right now my saltwater tank is cycling. it's a 20 gallon, has 4 small live rocks in it with awesome color, bright purple and reds.. and a huge rock i bought yestereday. The owner of the LFS gave me some crustaceans on the house (about 12). My tank is hexagon, i have the filter with the wheel but the LFS told me to take the wheel off, so i did. I also purchased a power head and i have a heater and a thermometer. Another LFS is checking around for a different light for me and i know i will still need a skimmer.. I plan to keep maybe 4 fish, a seahorse or two and a starfish.. also some soft corals... So any things that anyone thinks is a need to know please tell me.. i know NOTHING.. all i know is i have to wait about 6 to 8 weeks to add fish.. that my tank will turn brown before its done cycling and not to be scared of that.. lol.. i have checked the salinity and its in the right levels.. and thats about it.. here are a few questions i have to start with..

when do i do my first water change? Do i need a test kit? How often should i test for things? What checmicals do i need to keep on hand? what is buffer?

Thank you so much everyone, i have really enjoyed reading from this forum and am really happy to now be a part of it! :love2:

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>
to answer some of your questions, water change can be done either after or during your cycle, I recommend waiting till the cycle is over before you do a water change for the sole purpose that you don't want to get a false reading on your cycle. Test Kit: Yes get one and use it all the time during your cycle so you can tell where you are in the process. Chemicals: you don't need any right now but if you are going to have corals you will eventually need something to replenish what is lost (but that's a long ways ahead of you still) . Buffer: there are different buffers that can be used many different ways, i will assume that you are speaking of PH buffers, and say that they just raise or lower your PH. but you shouldn't need to mess with those as long as you are using a quality synthetic salt and RODI water. Hopefully that answered some questions, for more information, check out this link

 

[Seouljer]

Hello all

Hello all

Hey there,
Just introducing myself. Im pretty new to the whole aquarium thing and so far im really enjoying myself. I definantly have had some bumps on the journey so far (bought everything from petland) and probably have done some wrong things (got a hippo tang after only having my tank for 3 weeks on the advice of petland) but im here to learn so i dont make any more mistakes!

My Tank setup:
36 gallon bowfront
Emperor 280 power filter
Stealth Heater
"Live" Sand bed
36 pounds of live rock

So far and i have a green chromis, a hippo tang, a goby (not sure what kind, suggested for cleaning sand bed), a peppermint shrimp, hermit crabs, and some snails (cant remember at the moment)

Ive only had the tank for 5 weeks! I know from reading up on the internet since getting my current set up that ive gone over my head and i know i should have researched more before making purchases here but thats why im here. Probably should not have let a sales person do their job lol. Well hopefully ill learn alot here and get much better at this aquarium thing.

Thanks,
Seouljer
(Any and i mean ANY response welcome)