2 Months In and Loving It!

[Clinton D Toney]

OK I get it now I believe that a drug addiction would of been cheaper. I'm now 2 months into my First Saltwater Aquarium and its awesome and satisfying and very expensive. Here is how I believe it is expensive. First not doing very much research and just going into the hobby without knowing the vision you are going into can make it expensive. Buying the cheap stuff makes it more expensive. Pay now or Pay big time later is my new motto. Now, by division I mean Reef or Fish or a combination of the both, I finally chose Reef. Took my tank 2 months to cycle because I did it the hard way. But, I learned a lot and I'm still learning. I have 2 sets of fish and they are doing great Damsels and Clown. 75 gallon tank, started with just a HOB Fluval filter good for up to 100 gallons, Basic heater good for 100 gallons, and the cheapo LEDs bar that came with the tank, 80 pounds of crushed coral for substrate and 45 pounds of dry rock. I have added HOB octopus classic 1000 protein skimmer, BRS GFO/Carbon Reactor, SB extreme Wi-Fi leds, heater with led display that is programmable , a healthy clean up crew because I got the golden brown algae, that consist of 7 turbo's and 7 hermit crabs. I recently found out that the algae is good thing because it means that my tank has cycled. I figured out that the API test kits are junk and the Red Sea test kits are the way to go. I'm doing weekly 10 gallon water changes. I have red sea reef salt, I have bought a few of the Kent additives for coral growth for when I need them. Carbon, GFO, Starter bacteria, Copepods, Brine shrimp, filters, filter bags. I'm sure I have left a few things out. But, i'mnot complaining it has been fun and it kind of makes me feel like im a scientist in an undiscovered field of study or something. If anyone has any advise it will be appreciated . I do have a question about how the reactor works. How much GFO should I be using and How much carbon. Also, which canister should have the valve connected to it? I only have one pump.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R!!

#WelcometoR2R I'm not familiar with carbon or GFO as I don't use either, but someone else with more knowledge on the subject will chime in. I totally agree with the spending the money right away instead of upgrading later. Lighting is a big one for that. You can spend 99 bucks on a black box led and then buy a 400 light down the road, but now you have 500 invested instead of 400 right away.

 

[Clinton D Toney]

OK I get it now I believe that a drug addiction would of been cheaper. I'm now 2 months into my First Saltwater Aquarium and its awesome and satisfying and very expensive. Here is how I believe it is expensive. First not doing very much research and just going into the hobby without knowing the vision you are going into can make it expensive. Buying the cheap stuff makes it more expensive. Pay now or Pay big time later is my new motto. Now, by division I mean Reef or Fish or a combination of the both, I finally chose Reef. Took my tank 2 months to cycle because I did it the hard way. But, I learned a lot and I'm still learning. I have 2 sets of fish and they are doing great Damsels and Clown. 75 gallon tank, started with just a HOB Fluval filter good for up to 100 gallons, Basic heater good for 100 gallons, and the cheapo LEDs bar that came with the tank, 80 pounds of crushed coral for substrate and 45 pounds of dry rock. I have added HOB octopus classic 1000 protein skimmer, BRS GFO/Carbon Reactor, SB extreme Wi-Fi leds, heater with led display that is programmable , a healthy clean up crew because I got the golden brown algae, that consist of 7 turbo's and 7 hermit crabs. I recently found out that the algae is good thing because it means that my tank has cycled. I figured out that the API test kits are junk and the Red Sea test kits are the way to go. I'm doing weekly 10 gallon water changes. I have red sea reef salt, I have bought a few of the Kent additives for coral growth for when I need them. Carbon, GFO, Starter bacteria, Copepods, Brine shrimp, filters, filter bags. I'm sure I have left a few things out. But, i'mnot complaining it has been fun and it kind of makes me feel like im a scientist in an undiscovered field of study or something. If anyone has any advise it will be appreciated . I do have a question about how the reactor works. How much GFO should I be using and How much carbon. Also, which canister should have the valve connected to it? I only have one pump.

 

[mahindra.dev]

+1 and chiming what @crabs_mcjones says. Spend once and spend it right. Can you elaborate on what input you need for GFO or carbon?

 

[Clinton D Toney]

+1 and chiming what @crabs_mcjones says. Spend once and spend it right. Can you elaborate on what input you need for GFO or carbon?

It's not turning over and I believe I may have put to much gfo. The instructions said 2cups. I put that in and I believe my carbon amount is correct I'm getting good flow back to the tank but some of the videos show the gfo turning over in the canister but I'm seeing any movement.

 

[mahindra.dev]

Or read your note again....

I use BRS High capacity GFO and Carbon. I use Carbon in a bag and place in in my return area and GFO in a reactor. I use Aquamaxx FR-S for their small form factor. I like IM reactor though. I have both and I like IM better than Aquamaxx.

 

[mahindra.dev]

It's not turning over and I believe I may have put to much gfo. The instructions said 2cups. I put that in and I believe my carbon amount is correct I'm getting good flow back to the tank but some of the videos show the gfo turning over in the canister but I'm seeing any movement.

Aaaah... So its not turning.... But did u mix both in one reactor or are they separate?

 

[mahindra.dev]

My FRS does that with GFO sometimes, all I do is let it soak for a day and then it starts to tumble. It also varies with how the sponge is placed. Ill check that also

 

[Ruben's Reef]

!!! Welcome to R2R !!! It 's an addiction. I start my 40g breeder 5 month ago and I'm already looking into a 75g.

 

[Chrisfish]

Welcome to R2R

 

[vic5hands]

Welcome

 

[Clinton D Toney]

Aaaah... So its not turning.... But did u mix both in one reactor or are they separate?

Separate

 

[Palyzoa]

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef! Yes it is an expensive hobby but can be so rewarding! I did the same thing when I started, my biggest mistake being - not doing the research... That's the one solid piece of advice I can give you - Research, Research, Research! If you can't find the answer just ask questions here on R2R. Lots of knowledgable folks here willing to help all day every day.

Good luck with your reefing journey, may it take you to amazing places