Returning to the hobby

[thirdeye04]

Hello! I’ve taken a 16 year break from recreational reef tank fun, but I’m finally ready to get back into it. I always wanted to wait until I was ready to “do it right”, and the time has come.

I had a 30 gallon mixed reef tank (with skimmer and refugium) until 2008 when a hurricane knocked out power long enough to kill it. My family didn’t have a great spot to keep a tank until we moved a couple years ago and now I can dive back in the way I’ve always wanted. However, it seems some of the technologies and practices have changed, but the dizzying array of options hasn’t.

I’m planning to do a 6’ long tank, 200-250 gal, full complement of sump and equipment. Likely both LPS and SPS, plus fish/inverts. I assume LEDs (MH seems to be old tech). I’m open both to a full system concept, or to build it piece by piece. Budget is moderately robust.

The trouble is trying to catch up on the tech and good brands, etc. Are there any good resources yall can point to? Everything I’ve searched up so far has either been elementary level, or so in the weeds of specifics it misses the broad strokes I need at this stage.

 

[kfisc]

It sounds like a great build. I'd say the fundamentals haven't actually changed that much; new brands and some new technology, but as always, everyone has an opinion. The forums here- Reef Discussion, New to the Hobby, etc., are great places to post specific questions and you'll get hopefully a lively discussion going. Good luck!

 

[griss]

Welcome back.

As mentioned, the fundamentals really haven’t changed. One exception, we no longer try to keep nitrate and phosphate at ZERO. 1-10 and 0.01-0.03 is where we target now.

For lighting, MH is still around and quite a few of us are using it…myself included. It’s just there’s fewer sources for MH these days.

For LED, there are a ton of options from budget friendly, low function “black box” types to high budget, fully automated types. I’ve never personally used LED except to supplement my MH with an actinic LED light bar.

Skimmer or no skimmer is still dependent on personal preference. Many keep tanks without them.

Controllers are very much in use to pretty much automate anything from heat control to testing water parameters.

I could go on and on but, that should give you enough to start asking specific questions to get different opinions

There are many ways to be successful in this hobby. Something that works for one person may not work for another. Take your time, ask questions and remember, nothing good happens fast in this hobby.

 

[thirdeye04]

Thanks for the replies! I'm currently eyeing an Innovative Marine 200EXT. It's the perfect dimensions and reviews on them seem pretty good. Plus it's 50% off right now which is nuts!

The part I'm struggling with is the idea of going rimless / no canopy. It's an awesome look, but I guess I'll have to get an electrician to wire up for the lighting from the ceiling. Not a huge problem, because I was going to see about converting the outlet behind it to GFCI anyway. I've seen commentary here and there about doing something to improve the circuitry a large tank will plug into as well, is that worth doing? Without MH lights, the power draw won't be as bad as I know it used to be, but I'll also need to run a chiller due to summers in my location.

 

[griss]

I’ve historically had no canopy on my tanks as I use/used MH pendants or had the tanks built into the wall. I’m not sure why you’d need an electrician if you go that route.

Where are you located that makes you think you need a chiller? If you go LED lighting, heat is not going to be nearly the problem it is with MH. If you maintain your house at a reasonable temp, you might not need a chiller

 

[griss]

BTW, I’m impressed that, after 14 years, you remembered your username and password.

 

[Reefing102]

To add to what’s been said, while heat on the tank is generally not too big of an issue with LED (the fixture may get quite warm though), many higher end LED systems are now nearing the same wattage as MH. I think a radion XR30 is pushing 230 watts now.

Also many LED systems also come with (or can be purchased separately) mounting arms where they can be mounted off the rear of the tank so no ceiling work required.

 

[thirdeye04]

I’ve historically had no canopy on my tanks as I use/used MH pendants or had the tanks built into the wall. I’m not sure why you’d need an electrician if you go that route.

Where are you located that makes you think you need a chiller? If you go LED lighting, heat is not going to be nearly the problem it is with MH. If you maintain your house at a reasonable temp, you might not need a chiller

I’m in the Houston area. Sure, we maintain the house at a reasonable temp most of the time. The concern is hurricanes. That’s what killed my last tank back in 2008. I can maintain a tank with a portable generator and minimal pumps / chiller even in an extended outage without running AC, at least that’s my assumption.

 

[HONESTINJUN]

I’m in the Houston area. Sure, we maintainthe house at a reasonaconcernble temp most of the time. The is hurricanes. That’s what killed my last tank back in 2008. I can maintain a tank with aportable generator and minimal pumps / chiller even in an extended outage without running AC, at least that’s my assumption.

Hello from the mountains of North Carolina. I too have had a hurricane decimate our systems. I'm glad to hear that you are returning to the passion. How have prices and availability changed? My storm was Helene. NO power for days and then subject to interruptions due to repair efforts. I have thehigh # pieces
Now, I need a reliable source for small octopus(very spoiled by overindulgiant owner) and compatable puffers. I have some volunteer sand worms. Not sure of which piece of debris0 they come from and certainly didn't expect them to survive the trauma. Salt water is difficult and different. I love the challenge.,

 

[kelly_12]

LEDs are definitely the go-to now, with popular brands like Radion, Kessil, and AI. For equipment, roller mats, DC skimmers, and return pumps (like Reef Octopus or Ecotech Vectra) have become reliable choices. Automation tools, such as controllers and dosers, have also advanced and can make tank maintenance easier. To catch up on the latest trends, checking out YouTube channels like BRStv or researching current products from trusted brands will give you a solid foundation.

 

[thirdeye04]

Thanks everyone! I ordered that 200g from Innovative Marine, it should be here right around New Year’s. The money I saved from the 50% off deal, I can put into higher end lights, etc. Now for the fun of equipment planning. And buying and curing rock.

 

[thirdeye04]

I'm thinking about ordering a combo of dry rock and live rock now, probably 180lb dry rock from KP Aquatics and 50 lb live rock from Gulf Live Rock, and doing the rubbermade bin thing for a few months. I'd get some additional premium live rock later when the display tank is set up and ready, maybe 35-50 lbs or so, for a total of 270 lb rock. Might need more? It's a 200g display plus 74g sump. If there is coralline algae on the live rock, do I need to keep a light for it while in the rubbermade?

 

[Reefing102]

So in my experience with ordering live rock, even the non-premium rock can have quite a bit of light dependent life. So I’d definitely keep it lit. If you keep it in the dark most of the algaes (including coralline) and any light dependent hitchhiker corals would likely die.

 

[griss]

So in my experience with ordering live rock, even the non-premium rock can have quite a bit of light dependent life. So I’d definitely keep it lit. If you keep it in the dark most of the algaes (including coralline) and any light dependent hitchhiker corals would likely die.

Agreed.