Brand new to the hobby

quartercajun · Aug 4, 2022

Hello, I am new to the hobby. I have a 360 gallon set up 3 months ago. So far I am just sand, live rock, 6 Clownfish of assorted patterns, an anemone and a red feather duster. I plan to go reef with it. I have started trying to establish a colony of copepods. I have a representative from the local store chain that comes to my house and helps with the tank and gives advice. Our planned next move is a Tailspot Blenny and in a few weeks on her next visit, a Midas Blenny and a Gorgonian. Her theory is the Tailspot will hang out with the Clownfish, I don't completely understand but has something to do with having an even number of clowns. After the Tailspot has been in a few weeks we will add the Midas to keep aggression in check. I was happy with that plan until I started doing research and saw the Starry Blenny. She says I have to decide...the Tailspot and Midas or just the Starry. And on the Tailspot...I was unsure on the colors, I found some threads on here (thanks guys), there is a Standard and an Orange. The Standard is readily available where as, at least right now, the Orange is hard to come by. I figure my next move after that is some Goby, Wrasse, Tang, Dragonet, Jawfish and corals, then maybe some bigger stuff. Advice on strategies, quantities and types of species are appreciated. If you had a brand new 360 gallon what would you do? I'd love to hear it. Thank you.

Peace River · Aug 4, 2022

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

Anemone_Fanatic · Aug 4, 2022

Welcome to R2R!

Looking Coral Reef GIF by Monterey Bay Aquarium

dstockwell · Aug 4, 2022

Welcome to the Reef....

AydenLincoln · Aug 4, 2022

Hi welcome!

Welcome Aboard Hasan Minhaj GIF by Patriot Act

jsker · Aug 4, 2022

Hello, welcome to R2R!!

Wow 360 gallon tank, that sounds like a great tank.

bnord · Aug 4, 2022

Welcome and Quarter cajun is better than none at all..

Great start and just remember to go slow and steady.

Reefer Matt · Aug 4, 2022

Welcome to R2R and reefing! My advice is to take it slow and easy, and you'll do great! It sounds like you have a plan and some guidance already, so you are well on your way. Feel free to ask any questions and share your journey. There is a build thread forum to share your reefing journey if you choose. Happy Reefing!

shakacuz · Aug 4, 2022

welcome aboard the r2r board!

Jedi1199 · Aug 4, 2022

quartercajun said:
Hello, I am new to the hobby. I have a 360 gallon set up 3 months ago. So far I am just sand, live rock, 6 Clownfish of assorted patterns, an anemone and a red feather duster. I plan to go reef with it. I have started trying to establish a colony of copepods. I have a representative from the local store chain that comes to my house and helps with the tank and gives advice. Our planned next move is a Tailspot Blenny and in a few weeks on her next visit, a Midas Blenny and a Gorgonian. Her theory is the Tailspot will hang out with the Clownfish, I don't completely understand but has something to do with having an even number of clowns. After the Tailspot has been in a few weeks we will add the Midas to keep aggression in check. I was happy with that plan until I started doing research and saw the Starry Blenny. She says I have to decide...the Tailspot and Midas or just the Starry. And on the Tailspot...I was unsure on the colors, I found some threads on here (thanks guys), there is a Standard and an Orange. The Standard is readily available where as, at least right now, the Orange is hard to come by. I figure my next move after that is some Goby, Wrasse, Tang, Dragonet, Jawfish and corals, then maybe some bigger stuff. Advice on strategies, quantities and types of species are appreciated. If you had a brand new 360 gallon what would you do? I'd love to hear it. Thank you.

First,

Welcome to the Dark Side!!

Now.. into the teeth of the matter!!

If "I" had a brand new 360g tank!! I would go FOWLR Predator all the way! With all of that space, you could have a fabulous pred tank.

Now, since you plan a reef, with a tank that size, your options are almost endless. Aggression should be minimal provided you have plenty of rocks and hidey holes.

A predator tank will cost FAR less than a full reef system. If cost is not a factor, then You can almost freely add whatever you want.

Kennya · Aug 4, 2022

Welcome to R2R

Alex's Nano Reef · Aug 4, 2022

Welcome to Reef2Reef @quartercajun

Uncle99 · Aug 4, 2022

Welcome to R2R!

Big Smelly fish · Aug 4, 2022

bnord · Aug 4, 2022

Jedi1199 said:
First,

Welcome to the Dark Side!!

Now.. into the teeth of the matter!!

If "I" had a brand new 360g tank!! I would go FOWLR Predator all the way! With all of that space, you could have a fabulous pred tank.

Now, since you plan a reef, with a tank that size, your options are almost endless. Aggression should be minimal provided you have plenty of rocks and hidey holes.

A predator tank will cost FAR less than a full reef system. If cost is not a factor, then You can almost freely add whatever you want.

yeah, the Emperor has the right idea...

Jedi1199 · Aug 4, 2022

bnord said:
yeah, the Emperor has the right idea...

I personally wouldn't go "pred" with anything less than 180g. With double that?? OMG I would be looking pred all the way!! You just can't reasonably do it with smaller tanks like you can reefs. I had a fabulous reef with a 55g. I would never put any of the fish in my 180 in a tank that small unless they were the smallest of juvies.

Edit.. If you also consider a pred tank doesn't need all of the fancy upgraded hardware a reef does... Basic lights, a good filter system, and a couple wavemakers and done.