Back after almost 20 years.

mikebusc · Dec 10, 2023

Hello! Just introducing myself. I'm just getting back into reefing after almost 20 years and I guess I was still a novice at that point. I've been researching online for a while because I wanted to make sure I had a descent grasp on what I would need to start. It will be a mixed reef. I have a 125 gallon tank that I'm currently getting ready to drill for my overflow. It's a Modularmarine low profile 1600. I made a refugium kit in a 40 gallon breeder. Next I'm looking for a skimmer. I'm an electrical contractor and I'm going to give a stab at doing my own LED lighting. I use LED tape quite often in my profession and I'm wondering if there's an instrument to test my lighting to check for proper Lumens and color and what are the proper requirements.

Peace River · Dec 10, 2023

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!! A PAR meter will get you part of the way there with your lighting. You can rent one from BRS if you do not have access to one locally.

mikebusc · Dec 10, 2023

Thanks! It's good to be here. I've been researching for a while so I thought I'd go to the forums now.
Great idea about the PAR meter!

vetteguy53081 · Dec 10, 2023

CasperOe · Dec 10, 2023

Welcome to R2R - and welcome back to reefing

FrugalReefer · Dec 10, 2023

Welcome back to the hobby. The majority of reefers use dry rock now when starting a tank.

shakacuz · Dec 10, 2023

welcome aboard the r2r board!

hdsoftail1065 · Dec 10, 2023

Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby!!

ryanjohn1 · Dec 10, 2023

mikebusc said:
Hello! Just introducing myself. I'm just getting back into reefing after almost 20 years and I guess I was still a novice at that point. I've been researching online for a while because I wanted to make sure I had a descent grasp on what I would need to start. It will be a mixed reef. I have a 125 gallon tank that I'm currently getting ready to drill for my overflow. It's a Modularmarine low profile 1600. I made a refugium kit in a 40 gallon breeder. Next I'm looking for a skimmer. I'm an electrical contractor and I'm going to give a stab at doing my own LED lighting. I use LED tape quite often in my profession and I'm wondering if there's an instrument to test my lighting to check for proper Lumens and color and what are the proper requirements.

Apogee has a par meter Kinda pricey tho. AIM for more blue in color when you build them

mikebusc · Dec 10, 2023

FrugalReefer said:
Welcome back to the hobby. The majority of reefers use dry rock now when starting a tank.

Really? I did not know that. So does it eventually become live rock?

mikebusc · Dec 10, 2023

ryanjohn1 said:
Apogee has a par meter Kinda pricey tho. AIM for more blue in color when you build them

Thanks for the info!

dstockwell · Dec 10, 2023

welcome to the Reef

1112-425XL · Dec 10, 2023

kevgib67 · Dec 10, 2023

Welcome, glad you are here! Way the pros and cons of dry vs live.

FrugalReefer · Dec 10, 2023

mikebusc said:
Really? I did not know that. So does it eventually become live rock?

Eventually, but almost certainly there are ugly stages that have to be gone through before becoming live rock.

Buckster · Dec 10, 2023

Hello and Welcome back to the hobby and to R2R! Yes you would want to use a par meter to check the light intensity. I spent the money on 3 AI 32HD LED lights which I can program when they go on and off, the intensity and ramping up and down. I can adjust everything using my phone. That was a no brainer for me as it made things really simple.