Newb

[ConnorSpiezio1]

Hello,

My name is Connor I am a 22 year old male from upstate New York and I am so new to this hobby but I look forward to meeting all of you guys!

First build coming soon… never ever done this before but I know I want live coral and neat fish as everyone does !

Obviously I am going to do my own research but if anyone has links/ideas/helpful opinions/experiences it would be helpful and appreciated !

Thanks in advance and I look forward to talking with everyone here

 

[Reefing102]

Welcome to RC! There’s definitely a lot to know about saltwater. If you have an idea of the type of corals/set up you want, it can help us give more targeted advice

 

[griss]

Welcome. As Shane said, start thinking about the types of corals you want to keep. Knowing that will help us in making suggestions for equipment.

 

[ConnorSpiezio1]

looking for recommendations….. I’m not sure if there are beginner vs expert coral but I will look around and come back with some ideas of what I may want!

 

[JohnL]

Welcome to Reef Central Connor.

 

[ConnorSpiezio1]

Welcome to Reef Central Connor.

Thanks John ! How long have you been in here/in the hobby ?

 

[ConnorSpiezio1]

Thanks John ! How long have you been in here/in the hobby ?

Oh just saw there was a joined thing under your name…. Been around for awhile huh? That’s awesome !

 

[griss]

Oh just saw there was a joined thing under your name…. Been around for awhile huh? That’s awesome !

John is also the owner of Reef Central

So, for newbie corals, you might like to look into Zoanthids, photosynthetic Gorgonians, mushroom corals, leather corals, some species of LPS. Take a look at some of those and see what you like. Once you decide, we can help choose the right equipment.

 

[Reefing102]

I agree with George. Easier corals will be your soft corals (corals that have no skeleton) and photosynthetic gorgonians and then your LPS (large polyp stony corals (are usually fleshy and have a skeleton)) are generally beginner/intermediate with some crossing the more advanced line. Then you have SPS (small polyp stony corals) that general require a much more balanced water chemistry and are much less forgiving to environmental changes.

 

[Misled]

Welcome to Reef Central!!

 

[ConnorSpiezio1]

Welcome to Reef Central!!

Thank you!

 

[ConnorSpiezio1]

John is also the owner of Reef Central

So, for newbie corals, you might like to look into Zoanthids, photosynthetic Gorgonians, mushroom corals, leather corals, some species of LPS. Take a look at some of those and see what you like. Once you decide, we can help choose the right equipment.

Awesome will do ! Thank you!

 

[ConnorSpiezio1]

I agree with George. Easier corals will be your soft corals (corals that have no skeleton) and photosynthetic gorgonians and then your LPS (large polyp stony corals (are usually fleshy and have a skeleton)) are generally beginner/intermediate with some crossing the more advanced line. Then you have SPS (small polyp stony corals) that general require a much more balanced water chemistry and are much less forgiving to environmental changes.

Alright ! You the man. I will check this out !

 

[ConnorSpiezio1]

@griss @reefing102 I have decided I am thinking I like photosynthetic Gorgonians out of the list that you guys gave me and literally anything out of this webpage on leather corals .

What is the recommendation of how many different kinds allowed in one tank? Sorry if that is a stupid question lol there will be a lot from me most likely.

Also lets talk equipment whenever you guys are ready

 

[griss]

Soft corals, you’re good adding what you want. For photosynthetic Gorgs, Zoas and F. Ricordea mushrooms, here’s a couple excellent places to buy from.

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[ConnorSpiezio1]

@griss I appreciate that! I also have a real cool local spot near me but if I ever purchase online I will for sure purchase here!

 

[Reefing102]

Agreed soft corals you can mix and match. The gorgonians may be a little sensitive to soft corals touching them so give some space from the softies.

Lighting - pretty much any of the reef LEDs will do (Viparspectra, SmatFarm, Radion, AI Primes, etc) just depends on your budget.

Protein skimmer…again your choice. I currently have mine off as it was stripping too much of my nutrients, but I run a reef octopus. A skimmer will also depend on what tank. Many all in one style tanks are too small for standard skimmers and have what many believe are mediocre at best custom skimmers.

Heater - again your choice, I would just have it connected to an external controller that can shut it off in case of heater failure, such as Inkbird or Ranco.

Auto Top Off - Same as above, your choice. I use Kamoer ATO’s. I’ve ran Neptune ATO’s and it wasn’t a bad experience but their pumps just didn’t last for me. Many run Tunze which seem to have a very good track record.

That’s the basic equipment I’d start with but others may have other thoughts.

***Also a word of caution…be sure to research the websites you plan on ordering from. The ones @griss linked are good to go. I’ve heard very mostly poor reviews about Aquarium Creations Online and that they are the Aquacon from back in the day which had a terrible reputation.***

There are many good vendors depending on if your looking for frags or colonies. Colonies I’d reccomend Corals.com (they’re also a vendor here) and though I have no experience Extreme Corals as well.

For frags, I’d look to Top Shelf Aquatics, World Wide Corals, AquaSD, or even check with local facebook groups for other hobbyists selling frags. My Facebook groups consistently have softies and mushrooms on them. Just be sure to do in person meetings as scams run rampant on Facebook for shipping purposes.

 

[griss]

My brother from another mother (Shane)^ is right on.

Regarding lighting, he knows a lot more about LED lighting than me…I’m still using metal halide.

 

[griss]

Agreed soft corals you can mix and match. The gorgonians may be a little sensitive to soft corals touching them so give some space from the softies.

Lighting - pretty much any of the reef LEDs will do (Viparspectra, SmatFarm, Radion, AI Primes, etc) just depends on your budget.

Protein skimmer…again your choice. I currently have mine off as it was stripping too much of my nutrients, but I run a reef octopus. A skimmer will also depend on what tank. Many all in one style tanks are too small for standard skimmers and have what many believe are mediocre at best custom skimmers.

Heater - again your choice, I would just have it connected to an external controller that can shut it off in case of heater failure, such as Inkbird or Ranco.

Auto Top Off - Same as above, your choice. I use Kamoer ATO’s. I’ve ran Neptune ATO’s and it wasn’t a bad experience but their pumps just didn’t last for me. Many run Tunze which seem to have a very good track record.

That’s the basic equipment I’d start with but others may have other thoughts.

***Also a word of caution…be sure to research the websites you plan on ordering from. The ones @griss linked are good to go. I’ve heard very mostly poor reviews about Aquarium Creations Online and that they are the Aquacon from back in the day which had a terrible reputation.***

There are many good vendors depending on if your looking for frags or colonies. Colonies I’d reccomend Corals.com (they’re also a vendor here) and though I have no experience Extreme Corals as well.

For frags, I’d look to Top Shelf Aquatics, World Wide Corals, AquaSD, or even check with local facebook groups for other hobbyists selling frags. My Facebook groups consistently have softies and mushrooms on them. Just be sure to do in person meetings as scams run rampant on Facebook for shipping purposes.

Oh, and @Nanook has gotten some nice stuff from Battle Corals

 

[ConnorSpiezio1]

@reefing102 Wow! I appreciate it, that’s a lot to take in ! Looking through stuff now… I am used to fresh water tanks a protein skimmer is a replacement for a traditional filter correct?