Newbie Introduction Thread

[Reef Junkie]

Oh, Btw, Hi Ashley!
Welcome!

Atlantis Labrynth sounds cool.
Posting pictures on here is slightly antiquated, but can be done.
Go advanced->Attach Files->manage attachments->chose file->upload

Once you're done, click "close window" on the bottom.
The picture I attached was just done from my eye phone 6.

Now post a pic, we want to see your tank!

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Ashley......that's great. Never heard of anyone naming their tank.....that's a first for sure.

It's great that you had the chance to talk with coworkers first instead of just jumping right in. I'm sure they gave you some good advice. And you have Snowflakes I see.....what made you gravitate to them?

I started reefing with a tank full of zoas and palys as well as some of the most stunning rics, rhos and dico mushrooms. I had to soon make the choice to remove 80% of the mushrooms because of the explosive growth.

Just take it slow and read, ask and listen and you will enjoy years of fun and success.

Mooch.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Reef is doing real well. A nice mis of SPS and softies.
Being an SPS dominated tank means my Zoas are not growing like weeds.
I'm currently growing out a similar Orange Envy paly. Big bright orange oral disk with bright yellow mouths. Real pretty. Of course, growing right next to them are my PPE's.
How about you?

Sounds great man.

All good on this end. I'm still working on some zoanthid related projects and spend most of my time now mentoring 10 reefers whom I refer to as my students. 18 months ago I put together a group of reefers. Some I brought into the hobby but quickly left when people started the naming and skyhigh pricing con. I brought 5 of them along and 5 more to teach them everything from inception to maintaining a reef tank loaded with zoas and palys.

In 4 months I plan to back away as these guys/gals all have some of the most stunning reef tanks you have ever seen and not a single frag and not a single one of them is into names, lineage, rarity and pricing. Plus i didn't allow it. All have grown to mature colonies and thriving. Gives me the greatest pleasure to see that they all bought into what I tried to teach them and now they can enjoy the fruits of their labor. Better stop now.....I feel a tear

I don't post much anymore as it seems no one is discussing zoas and palys anymore.

MUCHO REEF

 

[homer1475]

Ok I'll bite even though I've been here for a couple months now....

Hi,

I'm Steve from old forge, NY(way upstate in the Adirondack Mountains). I have been running FW tanks since I was a kid. I had a small 55G reef 20 years ago. Not really a reef like we think now, but probably more of a FOWLR tank. Long story short I got out of the SW hobby when we lost power for a couple days and lost the tank.

20 years later, after going to S. Carolina on vacation and going to the Ripley's Aquarium, I decided to jump back in. I got a 29G biocube, and did a ton of reading. I knew quite a bit from long ago and from still running FW tanks. Man have things changed!!! We didn't keep corals back then, and if you had one it was probably a hitchhiker on your live rock, and you hoped like h*ll it survived.

Anyways, my tank has been up and running now for about 3 months, I have a couple small frags of zoas and palys(I like to watch things grow as opposed to buying big stuff), small bunch of Xenia, flame angel, and maroon clown.

Tanks running great, and starting to fill in. I plan on going to the frag fest in Buffalo next week, so hopefully I can get some more zoas, palys(my wife and I really like how they look!), or some more softies.

It still amazes me how far this hobby has advanced in 20 years!!

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Hey Steve....enjoyed the read. Sounds like you're on the right track and I always admire a reefer who takes time to just read and gain as much knowledge as possible.

Tell me.....what are the two single most advancements in this hobby that you have noticed?

Thanks again for the intro and hope to hear more from you sir.

MUCHO REEF

 

[homer1475]

The vast array of equipment that's now available(skimmers, timers, testing equipment, powerheads/wavemakers, etc, etc), and the wealth of knowledge(didn't have the internet back then so all I had to go on was rudimentary books, and my LFS).

Although some of the equipment was available, it was only used in super expensive setups. The average hobbyist didn't have access to a lot of it, and some of it was just brought over from the FW hobby.

It's refreshing to see a forum such as this where novice hobbyists, can mingle with advanced hobbyists, and spread the knowledge. Knowledge one would only gain by either experience or a local club, where for me doesn't exist. You have no idea how many times I followed my LFS advice, only to find out 20 years later it was mostly wrong(think things like cheap expendable fish to cycle a tank, bioballs, canister filters are the best thing since sliced bread).

My tank back then was way harder to manage then my tank now, size aside. Back then it was a lot of trial and error. Now the fishless cycle, much much better equipment, and the knowledge I've gained from here, has helped me immensely! Caring for my tank is super simple now, or has been so far anyways.

 

[youcallmenny]

Hey everyone! I've been running my first reef tank alongside my beautiful wife for couple months.

37g bow front with LR and LS
LED lighting
3 circulation pumps, 500/800/845
Tetra EX70 hob with no filters, just media for a pod breeding ground. (This worked way better than I hoped)
30g sump that holds about 15g with a 65g skimmer/LR/LS/Chaeto

Nothing we have not been able to easily handle has happened yet. Cycled just fine, caught a little cyano right after. Adjusted pumps, bought a 4 stage RO/DI and it's been smooth sailing since.

I'm excited to join this community and am a regular forum poster elsewhere. I am awed by most of the regulars here.

 

[dmw913]

Good afternoon all!

I'm Denise. I have had saltwater tanks on and off for many years and have been a reader of these forums but have never felt confident enough to throw my .02 into the ring. The request for intros was a great way to move me from "lurker" status as I've also just started a new tank!

I am running an IM Nuvo Fusion 20 - moved inhabitants from JBJ 12 cube.
IM Ghost Skimmer (desktop size)
Kessil A160WE Tuna Blue on a Kessil gooseneck (app. 12" from water surface)
Kessil Spectral Controller - currently fussing with lighting schedules. ANY HELP would be greatly appreciated!
Ecotech MP10
Waiting on BRS order for new return pump as the included IM pump is very weak as well as replacement media baskets for ChemiPure Blue/floss, etc.

Current inhabitants: Emmett and Jeff (tank raised clowns), various zoas from 12 gal. cube and a Duncan. Standard live rock at app. 15lbs and 1 bag of Arag-alive in Hawaiian Black.

I'd like to improve my husbandry regarding coral feeding/supplements/propagation as well as the lighting schedules mentioned above.

Thank you all for being such a valuable resource!

Cheers!!!

 

[MUCHO REEF]

The vast array of equipment that's now available(skimmers, timers, testing equipment, powerheads/wavemakers, etc, etc), and the wealth of knowledge(didn't have the internet back then so all I had to go on was rudimentary books, and my LFS).

Although some of the equipment was available, it was only used in super expensive setups. The average hobbyist didn't have access to a lot of it, and some of it was just brought over from the FW hobby.

It's refreshing to see a forum such as this where novice hobbyists, can mingle with advanced hobbyists, and spread the knowledge. Knowledge one would only gain by either experience or a local club, where for me doesn't exist. You have no idea how many times I followed my LFS advice, only to find out 20 years later it was mostly wrong(think things like cheap expendable fish to cycle a tank, bioballs, canister filters are the best thing since sliced bread).

My tank back then was way harder to manage then my tank now, size aside. Back then it was a lot of trial and error. Now the fishless cycle, much much better equipment, and the knowledge I've gained from here, has helped me immensely! Caring for my tank is super simple now, or has been so far anyways.

Hey that is awesome Homer. The hobby has indeed advance via technology and a wealth if knowledge both fact based and anecdotal.

So tell use, what is the single most valuable thing you've learned from this forum? And don't be afraid to post more often. Let's all work to perk this forum up and back to the way it use to be. "It takes a village".

Thanks again for the reply.

MUCHO REEF

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Hey everyone! I've been running my first reef tank alongside my beautiful wife for couple months.

37g bow front with LR and LS
LED lighting
3 circulation pumps, 500/800/845
Tetra EX70 hob with no filters, just media for a pod breeding ground. (This worked way better than I hoped)
30g sump that holds about 15g with a 65g skimmer/LR/LS/Chaeto

Nothing we have not been able to easily handle has happened yet. Cycled just fine, caught a little cyano right after. Adjusted pumps, bought a 4 stage RO/DI and it's been smooth sailing since.

I'm excited to join this community and am a regular forum poster elsewhere. I am awed by most of the regulars here.

Welcome youcallmenny.....so how old is your tank?

With a new system, I'm sure there's a lot to share.....so don't be shy. Hope to hear more from you both More often. Read, listen, digest, ask questions and bookmark post of value. It will make a difference in both the short and long term. Good luck.


Mooch

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Good afternoon all!

I'm Denise. I have had saltwater tanks on and off for many years and have been a reader of these forums but have never felt confident enough to throw my .02 into the ring. The request for intros was a great way to move me from "lurker" status as I've also just started a new tank!

I am running an IM Nuvo Fusion 20 - moved inhabitants from JBJ 12 cube.
IM Ghost Skimmer (desktop size)
Kessil A160WE Tuna Blue on a Kessil gooseneck (app. 12" from water surface)
Kessil Spectral Controller - currently fussing with lighting schedules. ANY HELP would be greatly appreciated!
Ecotech MP10
Waiting on BRS order for new return pump as the included IM pump is very weak as well as replacement media baskets for ChemiPure Blue/floss, etc.

Current inhabitants: Emmett and Jeff (tank raised clowns), various zoas from 12 gal. cube and a Duncan. Standard live rock at app. 15lbs and 1 bag of Arag-alive in Hawaiian Black.

I'd like to improve my husbandry regarding coral feeding/supplements/propagation as well as the lighting schedules mentioned above.

Thank you all for being such a valuable resource!

Cheers!!!

Hello Denise, I saw you lurking, glad you crossed over
Sounds like you have a plan.....and I see you have a few questions you want to ask. I think you should gather your thoughts and create a few threads. I'm sure a lot of people here are willing to help you. It will go a long way towards creating some informative dialogue.

Hope to hear from you soon. Good luck and welcome.

MUCHO REEF

 

[dmw913]

Thanks, Mucho!

I've already found some current threads on two of my main issues and I've asked follow-up questions. In fact, this forum has already brought to my attention a different ATO that I was not aware of which seems more reliable than the one I was considering. Hopefully, I'm off to a good start with everyone's help and advice. Enjoy your evening!

D

 

[MUCHO REEF]

That's awesome Dee. There's a thread here for just about any topic and it's great to come back and refine the question for a more detailed answer fron other reefers here.

Forgot to ask you.....have you purchased any corals yet? Since this is the zoanthid forum, my advice......please don't concern yourself with names, who supposedly discovered them ( too funny ), lineage, these skyhigh rip off prices and rarity. It's a waste of valuable time and it won't do anything to increase the longevity or the viability of your tank in the short or long term.

Much continued success Denise.

Mooch

 

[youcallmenny]

Welcome youcallmenny.....so how old is your tank?

With a new system, I'm sure there's a lot to share.....so don't be shy. Hope to hear more from you both More often. Read, listen, digest, ask questions and bookmark post of value. It will make a difference in both the short and long term. Good luck.


Mooch

Hey thanks for the welcome Mooch! I realized I could have included more, so here we go. Our tank is now almost 3 months old. Sump went active this last weekend. I need to build a gurgle buster but rigged up a triple air break in the mean time to keep the noise down.

Current fish:
2 regular clowns (Omen and Nilrem)
2 regular firefish
1 black and white pajama fish
1 regular pajama fish
1 Lawnmower Blenny (Jabba)
1 Royal Gramma

Current coral:

Soft:
4 toadstools
1 devils hand
1 mushroom polyp
2 different color zoanthids
Green star polyps
Purple sea whip Gorgonian

LPS:
Red/white acan
1 frogspawn
1 Duncan
1 candy cane

SPS:
1 green digitata
1 purple digitata
1 big pink montipora plate

Big smattering of cool inverts. Couple Tonga fighting conches, halloween urchin down in the sump. Gold banded brittle star in the display. 2 peppermints and a skunk shrimp. I want to add a blood shrimp today. What do you all think?

Biggest thing I need help with is how to hang my LEDs. I would have a canopy built but I need the tank cover to still be in place. I have 1 big light so far and getting the second one next month.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

If you are new to reefing, there is a documentary coming on in 50 minutes entitled, GREAT BARRIER REEF....filmed in 2012. Please check your local listing for The ANIMAL PLANET channel.. I have seen it many times....this is a great opportunity to digest an awesome amount of cinematic reef exposure that will give you a greater understanding of reefing. I just hope it's the same one I viewed last year. Check it out.

MUCHO REEF

 

[homer1475]

If you are new to reefing, there is a documentary coming on in 50 minutes entitled, GREAT BARRIER REEF....filmed in 2012. Please check your local listing for The ANIMAL PLANET channel.. I have seen it many times....this is a great opportunity to digest an awesome amount of cinematic reef exposure that will give you a greater understanding of reefing. I just hope it's the same one I viewed last year. Check it out.

MUCHO REEF

Wow glad I just looked in here. Thanks for the heads up Mucho. :thumbsup:

As far as the best thing I've learned from here so far......

How to properly cycle my tank, and not jumping into stocking it to fast. Also what some thing on my rocks are, some of the stuff I had no idea what it was, or how to search for what it was. As a matter of fact, thats what brought me to reefcentral. :fish1:

 

[Prankster11]

Hey! I've been on here for about a year, but haven't introduced myself yet. So, here it goes:

I'm Tyler from Chicago area. I'm 17 years old, but have had a nano reef for almost two years. I recently upgraded to a nuvo 20 gallon from a 6 gallon fluval edge. I have zoas, palys, some red mushrooms, and my prize coral (at least to me), a blue cespitularia tree. Oh! I just picked up my first torch coral, so I'm excited about that! Then a lonely yellow clown goby with some snails and a couple hermits
Thanks!

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Wow glad I just looked in here. Thanks for the heads up Mucho. :thumbsup:

As far as the best thing I've learned from here so far......

How to properly cycle my tank, and not jumping into stocking it to fast. Also what some thing on my rocks are, some of the stuff I had no idea what it was, or how to search for what it was. As a matter of fact, thats what brought me to reefcentral. :fish1:

Did you or anyone get the chance to watch it?

So much can be gained by watching it even for zoanthid keepers.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Hey! I've been on here for about a year, but haven't introduced myself yet. So, here it goes:

I'm Tyler from Chicago area. I'm 17 years old, but have had a nano reef for almost two years. I recently upgraded to a nuvo 20 gallon from a 6 gallon fluval edge. I have zoas, palys, some red mushrooms, and my prize coral (at least to me), a blue cespitularia tree. Oh! I just picked up my first torch coral, so I'm excited about that! Then a lonely yellow clown goby with some snails and a couple hermits
Thanks!

Alright....alright......alright Tyler. Thanks for sharing. Looks like your moving on up. Make sure you jump in with questions....observations or just get involved to help wake up this forum. Again, welcome sir.

MUCHO

 

[homer1475]

I did watch it as well as the one after it, then again right after that to get what I missed the first time around!

Quite a bit of information was in that movie/documentary(not exactly sure what category that falls into?). I just wish it was more about the corals of the reef instead of about the sharks and turtles.