reef_dreamer620
New member
Hello! I think this is my first post but have been a member for years. My name is Toni and I live in the Tampa Bay area in FL. A little about what I have and my goal....
I have always had freshwater tanks...yes tanks my daughter called me the fish lady.
BUT, I have taken them down because they bore me now and I really want to do saltwater. I have been preparing for years but never actually had the sand and fish. (one time started the water) I have taken so long because I believe in doing it right or not at all. Over the years I have purchased equipment to help me reach my goal. I have purchased an RI/DO system. I know it is spectra pure and has four canisters and the tank that lies sideways on the top. Only ever hooked up the basic two canister and the other three still on my shelf. I have a 90 gallon tank (NON-Drilled ), a 55 gallon tank, and a 46 bow front tank. I have purchased all the fancy chemicals (hopefully still good) and testing kit. (No problem testing water I was fanatic about it when I had all tanks up and running.) I have heaters (probably will not need in FL). I even have the blue and orange gloves and the hose 27ft to help clean from fresh water.... I have a few large bio wheel filters and a hang on overflow box that I really don't want to use, a large canister filter and an active aqua PU800 pump. Says 800 gallons per hour and pluming stuff easy to get and at cost because best friend a plumber. And two 6 foot lights one with fans that I used when the 90 gallon tank was a planted freshwater tank; AND finally 40 pounds of Nature's ocean reef sand (this is why I must finally go for it because sand expires 2/2011..
ok so here is what I am thinking to start reef tank which I want a species of clown fish and host and the sand gobies (drawing blank if that is the right name) that my son and I love to watch when we visit store regularly.
I want to run the 90 gallon tank but have it drilled by my local store FIOAS a highly respected store in the area. No the bottom is not tempered glass. They of course cannot promise tank will not break but I got it free and refuse to have a non-drilled tank. I think I should be able to have my 55 gallon tank converted to a sump. Again local says they could help with this...not sure if I how I would go about getting the acrylic..but have thought I might be able to do this myself, but....don't want to do it wrong. My skill level I have no problem with electrical since I do IT work and hooked up pool pump...but again my fear of doing it right the first time. (Feel free to offer suggestions or confidence motivation at any time!). I have the pump that I think would work to get water back to tank. I know I need power head and protein skimmer but not sure which one to get. My lights are old and need new bulbs.
First priority is trying to get this live sand in the water so that it does not go bad....not that I really think it will, but.....
I have no problem with taking things slow I have taken years at this point. AGAIN I JUST WANT TO HAVE A NATURAL REEF TANK SET UP FOR SUCCESS!
Sorry so long maybe it shows you all the things I have been thinking about to ensure I don't have problems that are costly. Single mom and can't afford that but this is my one hobby that I have enjoyed all my life and need to get off the sidelines and get my own reef tank...again done right. Thanks for help and advice this Forum is the best.:worried2:
I have always had freshwater tanks...yes tanks my daughter called me the fish lady.
BUT, I have taken them down because they bore me now and I really want to do saltwater. I have been preparing for years but never actually had the sand and fish. (one time started the water) I have taken so long because I believe in doing it right or not at all. Over the years I have purchased equipment to help me reach my goal. I have purchased an RI/DO system. I know it is spectra pure and has four canisters and the tank that lies sideways on the top. Only ever hooked up the basic two canister and the other three still on my shelf. I have a 90 gallon tank (NON-Drilled ), a 55 gallon tank, and a 46 bow front tank. I have purchased all the fancy chemicals (hopefully still good) and testing kit. (No problem testing water I was fanatic about it when I had all tanks up and running.) I have heaters (probably will not need in FL). I even have the blue and orange gloves and the hose 27ft to help clean from fresh water.... I have a few large bio wheel filters and a hang on overflow box that I really don't want to use, a large canister filter and an active aqua PU800 pump. Says 800 gallons per hour and pluming stuff easy to get and at cost because best friend a plumber. And two 6 foot lights one with fans that I used when the 90 gallon tank was a planted freshwater tank; AND finally 40 pounds of Nature's ocean reef sand (this is why I must finally go for it because sand expires 2/2011..ok so here is what I am thinking to start reef tank which I want a species of clown fish and host and the sand gobies (drawing blank if that is the right name) that my son and I love to watch when we visit store regularly.
I want to run the 90 gallon tank but have it drilled by my local store FIOAS a highly respected store in the area. No the bottom is not tempered glass. They of course cannot promise tank will not break but I got it free and refuse to have a non-drilled tank. I think I should be able to have my 55 gallon tank converted to a sump. Again local says they could help with this...not sure if I how I would go about getting the acrylic..but have thought I might be able to do this myself, but....don't want to do it wrong. My skill level I have no problem with electrical since I do IT work and hooked up pool pump...but again my fear of doing it right the first time. (Feel free to offer suggestions or confidence motivation at any time!). I have the pump that I think would work to get water back to tank. I know I need power head and protein skimmer but not sure which one to get. My lights are old and need new bulbs.
First priority is trying to get this live sand in the water so that it does not go bad....not that I really think it will, but.....
I have no problem with taking things slow I have taken years at this point. AGAIN I JUST WANT TO HAVE A NATURAL REEF TANK SET UP FOR SUCCESS!
Sorry so long maybe it shows you all the things I have been thinking about to ensure I don't have problems that are costly. Single mom and can't afford that but this is my one hobby that I have enjoyed all my life and need to get off the sidelines and get my own reef tank...again done right.
Thanks for help and advice this Forum is the best.:worried2:
