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

[Sisterlimonpot]

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)

[welcome]
you're not alone in that many have done pretty much the same thing, the best advice I can tell you is to continue researching and don't go back to that fish store. anyone that tells you to put a hippo tang in a 2 week old tank either A. doesn't know what they are talking about or B: wants to make a profit from your lack of experience.

 

[Chelsea22]

thank you so much for you thoughts.. heres what i used for water..

thank you so much for you thoughts.. heres what i used for water..

<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

following the advice of one of the many LFS's.. i bought the premixed saltwater.. he told me that it would be very easy for me considering im new at this... he told me that the salinity would be a little high and to mix it with some spring water and that would do the trick.. so i did.. is this water okay and will it prevent me from having to use a RO/DI? it seems easier for me for now i think? any thoughts? and by the way.. i have the plastic hydrometer with the swing needle.. ya know, the cheap one, lol.. should i be trying to get it on an exact number? if so what number? or it it okay to just have it within the guide on the gauge?

 

[Seouljer]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>
you're not alone in that many have done pretty much the same thing, the best advice I can tell you is to continue researching and don't go back to that fish store. anyone that tells you to put a hippo tang in a 2 week old tank either A. doesn't know what they are talking about or B: wants to make a profit from your lack of experience.

Yeah I wont be going back. Ive spent alot of money and i really do like the hobby so far. Im just hoping that i dont lose any fish due to my idiotic mistakes.

Seouljer

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

following the advice of one of the many LFS's.. i bought the premixed saltwater.. he told me that it would be very easy for me considering im new at this... he told me that the salinity would be a little high and to mix it with some spring water and that would do the trick.. so i did.. is this water okay and will it prevent me from having to use a RO/DI? it seems easier for me for now i think? any thoughts? and by the way.. i have the plastic hydrometer with the swing needle.. ya know, the cheap one, lol.. should i be trying to get it on an exact number? if so what number? or it it okay to just have it within the guide on the gauge?

If you were to use bottled water I would suggest distilled water, (that's better than RODI, but gets very expensive in the long run)
As for the swing arm hydrometer: just about all of them are inaccurate, but they are consistent if you keep them cleaned. what I mean is, if you can bump your hydrometer up against a calibrated refractometer then you will know how far off your hydrometer is. I have an old hydrometer that reads 1.027 but bumping it up against a refractometer I know that 1.027 is actually 1.025, and that's where you want to keep your salinity.....1.025.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Yeah I wont be going back. Ive spent alot of money and i really do like the hobby so far. Im just hoping that i dont lose any fish due to my idiotic mistakes.

Seouljer

If you like the hobby then keep with it, it'll get much more exciting as you progress along.

 

[nanotang]

i am very new to the hobbie. just starting to get my feet wet. i was recommend by a friend to join this forum. i am learning alot. and just starting up a 12 gallon nano. its a salt water tank. just put live rock in yesterday a played around with the aquascape. now just in the waiting period.

 

[Chelsea22]

Considering i only have a 20 gallon the distilled wouldnt be much of a pain .. (i dont think anyway?)
Also.. does anyone know much about the premixed water? would it be better to mix my own? and once i open a jug of the premixed i wonder how long it is good for?
Another thing, how it the best way to set up my live rock? aquascaping i guess this is called.. Like what am i trying to achieve? just stack them any ol' way or.. ?

thanks

 

[Wukkie]

Hi All, New to the game, and am about to set up a system. I have been some reading and slowing getting parts for my set up. So far so good. I have just recentaly got a tank, 1500mm(L) by 700mm(W) by 800mm(H), I have not received the tank yet, but should get it in a few weeks. Need to arrange transport and the hands to move it. I have already build myself a sump. 950mm(L) by 650(W) by 400(h). Divided into 3 sections.

Ok, I have been considering looking at the ULNS. I other idea is to go the route of ATS, and a small skimmer to maybe help in start, and to sumplement along the way.

Any ideas are welcome.
Damon

 

[Aquarist007]

i am very new to the hobbie. just starting to get my feet wet. i was recommend by a friend to join this forum. i am learning alot. and just starting up a 12 gallon nano. its a salt water tank. just put live rock in yesterday a played around with the aquascape. now just in the waiting period.

your friend was right---this is the place to learn

[welcome]

 

[Aquarist007]

Considering i only have a 20 gallon the distilled wouldnt be much of a pain .. (i dont think anyway?)
Also.. does anyone know much about the premixed water? would it be better to mix my own? and once i open a jug of the premixed i wonder how long it is good for?
Another thing, how it the best way to set up my live rock? aquascaping i guess this is called.. Like what am i trying to achieve? just stack them any ol' way or.. ?

thanks

you should replace 2 gals a week on a 20 gal tank. Weekly is better because of the small size--leaving it longer allows changes to occur in the water chemistry.
Assuming it is a 5 gal jug then you would be safe with the premix in the jug until you use it up. Just make sure the salt water can breathe(take the lid off) and occasionally shake up the jug(not with the lid off)
How much are you paying for the premix? Compare that to buying distilled or ro water and then mixing the salt yourself. If you buy a bucket of salt it is good for 160gals and Instant Ocean is about 40 dollars.


The way you build your reef is a matter of personal preference and where the tank is located. For instant if it is in the position of being viewed on all sides then you would be best to build a reef in the center etc etc,
Keep in mind a few of the basics,
use the big pieces for the bottom layer next to the sand bed and the smaller for the top layers. this allows you to move corals ect around easily without disturbing the very important bottom layer of rock.
Allow space on all sides for cleaning and or directing a power head behind the reef occasionally
Build the reef with lots of holes and spaces. If you build it solid or very close to a tank side then you might not see certain timid fish very often.

 

[Aquarist007]

Hi All, New to the game, and am about to set up a system. I have been some reading and slowing getting parts for my set up. So far so good. I have just recentaly got a tank, 1500mm(L) by 700mm(W) by 800mm(H), I have not received the tank yet, but should get it in a few weeks. Need to arrange transport and the hands to move it. I have already build myself a sump. 950mm(L) by 650(W) by 400(h). Divided into 3 sections.

Ok, I have been considering looking at the ULNS. I other idea is to go the route of ATS, and a small skimmer to maybe help in start, and to sumplement along the way.

Any ideas are welcome.
Damon

according to your measurements that would be a 228 gallon tank. That is an ideal tank to start with
Have you looked into the MSX line of skimmers--those are a personal favorite of mine

[welcome]

 

[Ryan kaz]

brand new

brand new

Hi.I just got a 180 gallon tank and have no other equipment at this Time. I wanted to do some research and get as much advice as I can before I start to invest in this hobby.I would like to know should I start off with fish only and live rock or could I do reef.is crushed coral or sand better.types of fish,rock,heat, light.pumps .filters.anyhing...I do have a 29 gallon tank someone said I could use as a sump.. Thank youll

 

[NaClH2O Getaway]

Hello My name is Dewayne Whitesell and I'm a Coral Addict.

My tank stuff is listed below. I've been into the madness for a little over 5 yrs. Always looking to learn something new and Share anything I know.

Thanx for having me

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Hi.I just got a 180 gallon tank and have no other equipment at this Time. I wanted to do some research and get as much advice as I can before I start to invest in this hobby.I would like to know should I start off with fish only and live rock or could I do reef.is crushed coral or sand better.types of fish,rock,heat, light.pumps .filters.anyhing...I do have a 29 gallon tank someone said I could use as a sump.. Thank youll

[welcome]
Just to make things easier for you I would recommend a fish only with live rock and as you get more comfortable and learn more you can take the step into getting corals. The best way to do that is to make sure your fish selections are reef safe, I would stay away from crushed coral and start of right with sand. Capn has put together a great thread that compiles all the great info. Check it out it will answer many of your questions.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Hello My name is Dewayne Whitesell and I'm a Coral Addict.

My tank stuff is listed below. I've been into the madness for a little over 5 yrs. Always looking to learn something new and Share anything I know.

Thanx for having me

[welcome]
great to have you with us Dewayne.

 

[keith20]

Hi, my name is obviously Keith. I am brand new to this hobby. I've been reading about it for awhile and starting to gather equipment for my first tank. I had a glass 55 gallon tank that I used for pond fish over the winter. This last year, I left them in the pond so the tanks is empty and needs to be used. Since it can't be drilled, I'm going to go with a hamg on the back skimmer. I wanted to do a reef tank, but because of the problems and realizing that a quaranteen tank is a necessity, it will be a fish only tank.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Hi, my name is obviously Keith. I am brand new to this hobby. I've been reading about it for awhile and starting to gather equipment for my first tank. I had a glass 55 gallon tank that I used for pond fish over the winter. This last year, I left them in the pond so the tanks is empty and needs to be used. Since it can't be drilled, I'm going to go with a hamg on the back skimmer. I wanted to do a reef tank, but because of the problems and realizing that a quaranteen tank is a necessity, it will be a fish only tank.

[welcome]
Why can't you drill your tank? The bottom is tempered but that doesn't mean you can't drill through the back. As for the fish over corals, keep in mind it's probably more important to quarantine fish than corals, many just do a dip method for corals and drop them in the tank. Not the preferred way put it's common. And many will make an argument not to QT at all. So the best thing for you to do is read through all these articles and make an informed decision for yourself.

 

[NanoJimmy]

Hey, Im pretty new to saltwater aquariums, so I guess ill introduce myself. My name is Jimmy, Im 13 ! I have a 24 gallon tank with 24wx4 T5 lamp. I have two True perculas, a baby Hippo tang, Maze brain coral, Candy Cane coral, a neon mushroom, a Scarlet cleaner shrimp, two emerald crabs, snails, and hermit crabs ! (My dad has a 120gal so if the tang get too big ill put it in there)

 

[Aquarist007]

Hey, Im pretty new to saltwater aquariums, so I guess ill introduce myself. My name is Jimmy, Im 13 ! I have a 24 gallon tank with 24wx4 T5 lamp. I have two True perculas, a baby Hippo tang, Maze brain coral, Candy Cane coral, a neon mushroom, a Scarlet cleaner shrimp, two emerald crabs, snails, and hermit crabs ! (My dad has a 120gal so if the tang get too big ill put it in there)

I am glad you mentioned your dad has a 120 gal for the blue tang--had me worried for a bit
Is your dad a member on RC too?

[welcome]

 

[eflores]

Hi am a new in this forum, iam from mexico city! i have a tank a 52 gallon, and coming a 184 gallon!