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

[kahlif]

Hello there! I just joined on the recommendation of a user here (I have no idea of his forum name). I just bought a 90 gallon tank to start a reef aquarium in.

I am new to the game living in the SF Bay Area (Concord, to be specific) and am going to take my time to do this "right" the first time.

My first project is to learn all the gear and plumbing needed to get this guy going. I am planning about 4 months before a put any living things in there...

 

[bwmako]

Just got my first salt water tank. 140 gallon tank with hood and stand. It came with a complete Berlin system, 150lbs of base coral, heaters, piping, test kits, etc. All this for $300. A little nervous since ive never done salt before, but i can't wait to dive in.

 

[srqmike]

New to saltwater

New to saltwater

Hi gang,

I'm Mike, live in Bradenton. New to RC and new to saltwater. I'm in the process of putting my first SW tank together - 55 gal, planning on FOWLR. Just ordered "The Package" from TBS to get it set up. A couple questions you might be able to help me with:

1 - What are the best aquarium shops in the St. Pete/Tampa area?
2 - And eventually I'll be looking for a protein skimmer, any thoughts on where I might find one at a reasonable price?

Thanks and looking forward to being a part of this group!

Mike

 

[Jasonaskew]

Just a quick hello to all. I have had some experience with a reef tank before I was divorced. I had a 55 gal tank that I loved to work with and was very sad when I could not move with me. I am looking to restart in the hobby again now that I have settled in and no plans on moving again. Not sure on size of tank yet but lager than 100 gal is where my plans are heading. Love all the great info from you more experienced reefers. Keep up the great work and good luck with you reefs.

 

[Sig9mm]

Hello to all, great to be a part of this think tank. The names Rich, ive only been in the game for just three years with many ups and down along the way. I have a 150 gallon concave custom acrylic salt water tank that im deciding if I want to step out there and maje it a reef tank or not.

 

[IridescentLily]

Hello there! I just joined on the recommendation of a user here (I have no idea of his forum name). I just bought a 90 gallon tank to start a reef aquarium in.
I am new to the game living in the SF Bay Area (Concord, to be specific) and am going to take my time to do this "right" the first time.
My first project is to learn all the gear and plumbing needed to get this guy going. I am planning about 4 months before a put any living things in there...

Hello and welcome, either the "reef discussion" area or the 'diy' section would be a good place to ask about the plumbing.

Just got my first salt water tank. 140 gallon tank with hood and stand. It came with a complete Berlin system, 150lbs of base coral, heaters, piping, test kits, etc. All this for $300. A little nervous since ive never done salt before, but i can't wait to dive in.

Welcome. Asl alot of questions as you begin to set it up, and also read the many stickies here in this section which are located at the top of this section. Go slow, because you want to enjoy your tank, not stress about it. .

Hi gang,
I'm Mike, live in Bradenton. New to RC and new to saltwater. I'm in the process of putting my first SW tank together - 55 gal, planning on FOWLR. Just ordered "The Package" from TBS to get it set up. A couple questions you might be able to help me with:

1 - What are the best aquarium shops in the St. Pete/Tampa area?
2 - And eventually I'll be looking for a protein skimmer, any thoughts on where I might find one at a reasonable price?

Thanks and looking forward to being a part of this group!

Mike

As far as a skimmer, many, many reefers here believe the following skimmers are the best: Reef octopus, Vertex, Tunze nano. Here is the best place to get them, which most folks here get them from; http://www.marinedepot.com/Water_Filters_for_Saltwater_Aquariums-FIFR,FIPS-1-ct.html Here's the reef octopus http://www.marinedepot.com/Reef_Octopus-Water_Filters_for_Saltwater_Aquariums-CV1-FIFR,FIPS-ct.html
They are a bit expensive (but not like Deltecs, etc), but SO worth it because there's less worry with these skimmers. Because you want to enjoy your tank, not stress about it. Marine depot has some good prices.

Just a quick hello to all. I have had some experience with a reef tank before I was divorced. I had a 55 gal tank that I loved to work with and was very sad when I could not move with me. I am looking to restart in the hobby again now that I have settled in and no plans on moving again. Not sure on size of tank yet but lager than 100 gal is where my plans are heading. Love all the great info from you more experienced reefers. Keep up the great work and good luck with you reefs.

 

[Prochef176]

@srqmike
I just purchased a skimmer from nextreef near you. I am not sure if they have a shop but they might have some suggestions!

 

[ahoDMV]

hello everyone! My name is andy from springfield va. I am new to this hobby trying to learn as much and as fast as possible.

Recently bought a JBJ 12 gal nano tank. Trying to figure out what I need to know and do to run a healthy a healthy saltwater tank with some live rocks, coral, and fishes.

 

[saltbubbles]

Clueless Newbie Here!

Clueless Newbie Here!

Hi guys, so I did something really stupid :headwally:I bought a used 65gal aquarium and livestock that has been running for over two years. I keept about 2/3 of the water,and added water that I ran through my water filter, i dechlorinated, and added salt( yes, I checked the salinity) the tank in not drilled so a have a HOB overflow, sump and I have a skimmer that the person I bought the tank from, never used(I know, gasp! I read about it). Iplan on taking the skimmer to my LFS to have the guy check it. My tank came with about 50lb live rock, huge green star polyps colony, two kinds of zoas?,green hammer coral?, two types of 'srooms, coralline algae all over which I scraped off the glass, various snails and other cleaning crew critters I guess hermit crabs? a coral beauty, some type of clownfish burnt orange no stripes?, lawnmower blenny, a green mandarin goby( I know, I read about them too). BTW I'm a girl so I've even skipped lotion and moisturizer 'cause I'm scared my babies will die. Tested the water and everything seems ok( I plan to do it every saturday). As of today they've survived a week and two days. I want to wait at least three months of consistent readings and zero casualties before I add anything new. So all of you old timers please let me know what I did wrong or what I need to do to increase my chances to succeed. Also, what to do after I use lotion I read you cant use soap to wash your hads? I'm starting to look like a lizard!!!

 

[Braxibear]

Hello all, I'm Terry. Been a RC stalker for years and have been a reefer for about 8 years. Just getting back into the hobby with a 125gal I found on craigslist for $50bucks!! (It was a sign!) I plan on taking my time and getting everything perfect this time to save money and have my wife not kill me.

Tested the tank to make sure it is not tempered glass. We are good to go! Planning on a coast-to-coast with a beananimal drain system. Might think about doing a closed loop for flow. Never done that before so might be fun to test.

Hope to continue to learn as much as possible from you guys!

Terry

 

[monique27]

Hello,

My name is Monique and I am new to this forum. I am currently upgrading from a 28g nano aquarium to a 112g aquarium. With my nano I just used all the basics and will be experimenting now with lights, sump, refugium, and so on. I plan on having a variety of corals and clams. Please let me know if you have any advice or recommendations especially on equipment. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[IridescentLily]

hello everyone! My name is andy from springfield va. I am new to this hobby trying to learn as much and as fast as possible.

Recently bought a JBJ 12 gal nano tank. Trying to figure out what I need to know and do to run a healthy a healthy saltwater tank with some live rocks, coral, and fishes.

Hi there, welcome to Reef Central. Our Nano section here have many folks with the same kind of tank, they can help you lots. Also, make sure and read the 'sticky' threads at the top of this section.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1640204&highlight=rimless+tanks]Hi[/url] guys, so I did something really stupid :headwally:I bought a used 65gal aquarium and livestock that has been running for over two years. I keept about 2/3 of the water,and added water that I ran through my water filter, i dechlorinated, and added salt( yes, I checked the salinity) the tank in not drilled so a have a HOB overflow, sump and I have a skimmer that the person I bought the tank from, never used(I know, gasp! I read about it). Iplan on taking the skimmer to my LFS to have the guy check it. My tank came with about 50lb live rock, huge green star polyps colony, two kinds of zoas?,green hammer coral?, two types of 'srooms, coralline algae all over which I scraped off the glass, various snails and other cleaning crew critters I guess hermit crabs? a coral beauty, some type of clownfish burnt orange no stripes?, lawnmower blenny, a green mandarin goby( I know, I read about them too). BTW I'm a girl so I've even skipped lotion and moisturizer 'cause I'm scared my babies will die. Tested the water and everything seems ok( I plan to do it every saturday). As of today they've survived a week and two days. I want to wait at least three months of consistent readings and zero casualties before I add anything new. So all of you old timers please let me know what I did wrong or what I need to do to increase my chances to succeed. Also, what to do after I use lotion I read you cant use soap to wash your hads? I'm starting to look like a lizard!!!

I SO know what you mean about lizard hands. No manicure, lotion, perfume. So we are CONSTANTLY washing and rinsing our hands lol.
One piece of advice, green star polyps look so pretty, just be aware they can sometimes take over a tank if they're not trimmed back.

Hello all, I'm Terry. Been a RC stalker for years and have been a reefer for about 8 years. Just getting back into the hobby with a 125gal I found on craigslist for $50bucks!! (It was a sign!) I plan on taking my time and getting everything perfect this time to save money and have my wife not kill me.

Tested the tank to make sure it is not tempered glass. We are good to go! Planning on a coast-to-coast with a beananimal drain system. Might think about doing a closed loop for flow. Never done that before so might be fun to test.

Hope to continue to learn as much as possible from you guys!
Terry

Omg a coast to coast overflow. Sweet! I've got a thread about CtC somewhere around here, anyway enjoy!

Hello,

My name is Monique and I am new to this forum. I am currently upgrading from a 28g nano aquarium to a 112g aquarium. With my nano I just used all the basics and will be experimenting now with lights, sump, refugium, and so on. I plan on having a variety of corals and clams. Please let me know if you have any advice or recommendations especially on equipment. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

An upgrade, how fun! I can't wait to see it.
<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

 

[swaquarium]

Hey all

Hey all

From Central Florida - So here's my story. Been into FOWLR for 15 years. Mostly smaller setups. Most recently have had a 54g corner up and running for 2 years. Got bored and decided it was time to go bigger. Sold my 54 and bought a 90. Decided after a week it wasn't big enough so I sold it and went and bought a 125. After 2 weeks decided it wasn't big enough so sold it and bought 150. I really wasn't happy with the stand / canopy / lights so I decided to sell it after a week and found a great deal on a 180. Was very fortunate and was able to buy each new tank with what I sold the existing for.

So 6 weeks and 5 tanks later i'm set with my 180 pictured here. Going tomorrow to buy base rock to sculpt and a little live with coraline to seed.

Equipment will be pretty basic. Tank ( of course ), dual drains, returns, 4 koralia like wave pumps, oversized wet / dry, separate 30 gal sump, skimmer and UV. Lights are 4 VHO and 4 Actinic 10k's. Water is from a mighty mite 4 stage RO/DI that creates 0tds water and I love not having to carry jugs from the local LFS. Especially now when my changes will be 50+ gallons a month. ( 2 - 55 gallon drums to make water for changes and top off )

Any suggestions for other equipment or ??? Always open to ideas.

From there we will start adding fish. Can't wait. I never thought when I decided to upgr I would go 300% larger...

 

[Mikealike]

Hey everyone. Ive been lurking for a couple months and decided it was time to join. My dad and i started a 55 gal reef tank a couple months ago. He showed me this site and i have been checking it out ever since. Ill post a pic of the tank soon.

 

[Amiehb]

Hi, my name Amie and I am a 28 year old college student majoring in psychology. I am ADHD and started my saltwater tank about a year ago to help me unwind and keep me busy and relaxed. I have a 75 gallon tank with a 30 gallon sump. I would really like to upgrade but want to learn as much as possible first!

 

[IridescentLily]

From Central Florida - So here's my story. Been into FOWLR for 15 years. Mostly smaller setups. Most recently have had a 54g corner up and running for 2 years. Got bored and decided it was time to go bigger. Sold my 54 and bought a 90. Decided after a week it wasn't big enough so I sold it and went and bought a 125. After 2 weeks decided it wasn't big enough so sold it and bought 150. I really wasn't happy with the stand / canopy / lights so I decided to sell it after a week and found a great deal on a 180. Was very fortunate and was able to buy each new tank with what I sold the existing for.

So 6 weeks and 5 tanks later i'm set with my 180 pictured here. Going tomorrow to buy base rock to sculpt and a little live with coraline to seed.

Equipment will be pretty basic. Tank ( of course ), dual drains, returns, 4 koralia like wave pumps, oversized wet / dry, separate 30 gal sump, skimmer and UV. Lights are 4 VHO and 4 Actinic 10k's. Water is from a mighty mite 4 stage RO/DI that creates 0tds water and I love not having to carry jugs from the local LFS. Especially now when my changes will be 50+ gallons a month. ( 2 - 55 gallon drums to make water for changes and top off )

Any suggestions for other equipment or ??? Always open to ideas.

From there we will start adding fish. Can't wait. I never thought when I decided to upgr I would go 300% larger...

Nice going with the upgrade.
Has your tank gone through the nitrogen cycle yet?

Hey everyone. Ive been lurking for a couple months and decided it was time to join. My dad and i started a 55 gal reef tank a couple months ago. He showed me this site and i have been checking it out ever since. Ill post a pic of the tank soon.

Cool! Welcome.

Hi, my name Amie and I am a 28 year old college student majoring in psychology. I am ADHD and started my saltwater tank about a year ago to help me unwind and keep me busy and relaxed. I have a 75 gallon tank with a 30 gallon sump. I would really like to upgrade but want to learn as much as possible first!

Welcome. Good for you waiting to learn as much as possible first. You are on the right track.

 

[510reefer]

Intro

Intro

Hi everyone glad to jump on board. Had a saltwater tank in the early 90's then after about 13 years got the bug again..:dance:

 

[TMarshMan]

The TMarshMan has arrived! Now we know what that smell is... ;-)

The TMarshMan has arrived! Now we know what that smell is... ;-)

Hello Reef Central!
Been away from the home reef too long (15 years).
Back for more pain, color, tests, variety, joy and maintenance after a lengthy freshwater vacation.
Have a 90g w/ 40 g sump (1/4 full) LR, some fish (4 clowns, a tang, some other ones) some shrimp, some crabs, some snails, some starfish, some anemones, and some corals. (yet to be ID’d)
I am devouring the WaterKeeper’s docs, as well as many other posts and blogs. (RC is a wealth of good info)
Posted a couple posts - a bit lengthy and not to the point, but what better way to say “Hey, here I am, I’m a newbee and I am here to stay!
Looking forward to the future!
Thanks!
TMarshMan (aka Tony)

 

[ronhaskovec]

Well Hello RC and thanks for letting me join, I have been an avid enthusiast to the underwater world since I was just a kid, I have mainly had freshwater tanks but have decided to step up to the big leagues and go with Saltwater. My DT is 125 Gal reef ready AG, I'm working on building a custom stand and creating my own sump. As you can tell I do not have it up and running yet but will very soon. I enjoy reading everyones posts and look forward to the wealth of knowledge I can gain from such experience that is on this site. Thanks. Oh My name is Ron, I'm 36 and I'm from Illinois around the Peoria area.

 

[BobbyV]

Greetings! Grateful to have found Reef Central. Fantastic wisdom sharing! Currently up and running 120 Oceanic Tech Tank. However one day, I of course want bigger! Warm regards -