New guy here

[josh_tn]

Been reading for several weeks but finally registered a few days ago and thought I'd introduce myself here. I currently have a 55g FO tank but I'm about to start putting together my first reef. I have pretty much decided on a 180g but haven't bought anything yet. Still in the research phase as I want to learn as much as possible before getting started. Seems like a nice group of people here in the area. Anyway, thanks for all the good info that's on here to read and learn from.

 

[commonstranger]

Welcome Josh and if you have any questions or need suggestions just ask. There is alot of knowledge around here and I say use it to your advantage. I use to work the Tullahoma area some years ago hopefully I never wrote you a ticket. Laugh Anyway if I can ever help you let me know and I wish you the best on your reef.

 

[fallinapart]

Welcome Josh. Glad to hear you are getting ready for a reef tank, you will really get hooked now But that is a good thing. and just ask anytime you want some advice, as there is plenty of knowledge here that can be shared.

 

[crumbletop]

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

 

[platax88]

Welcome Josh! Sounds like you are doing it right. Take your time, research and plan all the details. I am also in the process of upgrading to a 180gal tank. Here is the thread, if you care to follow along:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1558312

 

[josh_tn]

Thanks everyone. I'm sure I will have many questions along the way but right now I'm just trying to make some choices on equipment which leads me to my first question. I've asked around several sites for some quotes and so far oceaaquariums.com out of AL seems to look like the best price. Anyone have any experience with them? I got quoted for a 180g with starphire on 3 sides, dual overflows, black silicone, and euro-bracing for less than $1k. I just can't find much information about them and that has me a little skeptical.

 

[NeveSSL]

Welcome, Josh! I studied for about 6 months before I bought anything for my tank and I highly recommend others do the same.

There are a couple of people in the club who have had recent experience with Ocea and it seems to be really positive so far! :thumbsup:

Brandon

 

[Mikeyjer]

Welcome to the group Josh, your not anyone I know right??? I see that your from Tullahoma and that's where I used to live..... The only Josh I know from have have Jet black hair the last I saw him for misfit Christmas..... By the way, watch out for that guy close by downtown, he'll rip you off....lol

 

[waynesworld]

Hay welcome to the club you are close to us in the boro if you want to come up and look at some of our tanks for Ideas I have a 180 and 240 set up different so you can get some Ideas. I would look at what you want with other equipment before you jump in and buy a new tank so you can get what you will want down the line. I also have a tank and stand I got from them at the frag swap that you could see.

 

[josh_tn]

NeveSSL - Thanks for that info about Ocea. Makes me feel a little better about them. I'd love to hear more if anyone else has had experience.

Mikeyjer - I don't think so. I'm originally from west TN and I've only been in Tullahoma for around 2 years.

waynesworld - That is a very generous offer. I actually go to the boro quite a bit and I would love to stop by and check out your setup sometime. I have several ideas in mind but I can only get so much information from pics online. Seeing things set up in person would really be beneficial.

commonstranger - LOL, I don't think I've had a ticket since I've been here(knock on wood).

Thanks for all the welcomes and the help.

 

[Mikeyjer]

Josh, the school zone starts early near Jackson....A friend of mine got a ticket there....lol I still go through Tullahoma every month or so. I go there to visit my best friend, she's a hairstylist in Manchester...

 

[undertcontrolj]

Welcome Josh!! There is a wealth of information in this club that is fairly readily available from the guys. So pick brains is would I would suggest. Like you i had several freshwater tanks before i mad the switch to salt. Best switch ever. I started small,with a nano, wishing i had went big in the beginning. So take it slow and research EVERYTHING. And again i saw welcome

 

[josh_tn]

Ok, so I think I'm about ready to order the aquarium. I'm probably going to have oceaaquariums build it. Just wanted to see if anyone had any feedback and/or input on the tank.
I am going to order a 180 gallon reef ready (72" x 24" x 24")
Starphire glass on the front and sides
Dual corner overflows
Black silicone
Eurobraced

I was thinking about 1.5" drain bulkheads and 1" return bulkheads. Does that sound about right? Do you specify exactly where the holes are drilled? If so, where should they be?
Are the overflows generally all the same size or is this something I need to specify as well?

I would appreciate any input. Sorry for so many questions but I thought I'd see if there was anything that some of you might have done differently or wish was different about yours that I might could avoid or change up front.

I don't have the whole thing planned out yet but I will be building the stand myself if that makes any difference.

Thanks for all your help.