Finally back into this hobby

Shadowspop · Jun 26, 2017

Hey gang, I've been lurking here for a few now and thought it was about time to out myself. I had a 180 fish only yank about 20 years ago, but sold it when we moved to Florida. Finally starting over. Beginning with a 90 cube mixed reef, most likely setting up a 220 in the future. Still im the cycling stage of the 90. Be forewarned, everything has changed in 20 years so I'll probably be hitting you up with a lot of crazy questions. Thanks in advance and looking forward to getting to know you all

Jberge · Jun 26, 2017

Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby! This is by far the best place for questions.

dbl · Jun 26, 2017

Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby. Don't be afraid to ask questions...a lot of willing and able people here to help.

jsker · Jun 26, 2017

Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby. Yes I know the feeling with all the changes. I started back about 2.5 years ago and was amazed at the changes

Cment · Jun 26, 2017

Once the bug bites it never really leaves you...great to see you back in action. One piece of advice...QT your fish please! There is a huge problem with velvet unlike anything Ive ever seen in 15+ yrs in the hobby. It'll save you a lot of headache, money and of course unnecessary deaths of your fish. Best of luck and ask as many questions as you need!

Dennco2000 · Jun 26, 2017

Today a 90, then you want 125 because your frags are now out growing the tank, you see that 180 again and.....

Welcome aboard LOL.

kschweer · Jun 26, 2017

Welcome!!!

Labridaedicted · Jun 26, 2017

Welcome back! I just got back into it after a hiatus, too! We'll be here to help since there's a ton of new tech!

brett_schn · Jun 26, 2017

Welcome from Pompano Beach fl what part of Florida are u in?

4FordFamily · Jun 26, 2017

Welcome home, you will love it here!

Welcome back, as well. Keep us posted with your build with lots of photos!

Shadowspop · Jun 26, 2017

jsker said:
Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby. Yes I know the feeling with all the changes. I started back about 2.5 years ago and was amazed at the changes

My last tank had a cutting edge wet dry and an awesome vortex protein skimmer....got lots to learn.

Shadowspop · Jun 26, 2017

brett_schn said:
Welcome from Pompano Beach fl what part of Florida are u in?

I'm in Sanford. I used to go diving off Pompano many years ago.

Shadowspop · Jun 26, 2017

Cment said:
Once the bug bites it never really leaves you...great to see you back in action. One piece of advice...QT your fish please! There is a huge problem with velvet unlike anything Ive ever seen in 15+ yrs in the hobby. It'll save you a lot of headache, money and of course unnecessary deaths of your fish. Best of luck and ask as many questions as you need!

Thanks, I've heard that a lot. I never used to QT my fish before putting them in. Again, times have changed, but I really need to get up to speed or this hobby can suck you dry.

KJ · Jun 26, 2017

Welcome to R2R!!!

jsker · Jun 26, 2017

Shadowspop said:
My last tank had a cutting edge wet dry and an awesome vortex protein skimmer....got lots to learn.

, back in the day I used to run a wet dry and always pulled out the bio balls after a few month for the reason the bio balls would collect all kinds of matter that would cause the nitrates to go off the charts. What I am using now is filter media seeded with bacteria that works much better then the bio ball

Look at siprox, life bio fil, zeovit or a media like these.

Another suggestion look at DC pumps, they are quite and you can control the pump. Tip: with a DC pump one can always buy larger and turn down the pump to the needs of the system.

Controllers may be pricey, but great to have to keep tabs on things and also control pumps, lights, heaters, ATO and what every else you may have. With a controller one can set feed times so that certain pump will shut off, and when doing water changes I have my system to shut down for a timed interval and then certain pump turn on at different times.

Cflip · Jun 26, 2017

Shadowspop said:
Thanks, I've heard that a lot. I never used to QT my fish before putting them in. Again, times have changed, but I really need to get up to speed or this hobby can suck you dry.

I felt the same way about QT. I learned quickly the hard way. Nothing fun about fallow. I took a 15 year break before getting back in. This forum helped me a lot. Great people here.

Greybeard · Jun 26, 2017

I was out for a decade... back in 2 years ago. You'll be surprised at how little has actually changed. Berlin style reefing has been around since the 70's, and really hasn't changed much. Equipment has gotten better, but there is very little that's really new. Don't worry, your old skills will still be applicable.

Shadowspop · Jun 26, 2017

jsker said:
, back in the day I used to run a wet dry and always pulled out the bio balls after a few month for the reason the bio balls would collect all kinds of matter that would cause the nitrates to go off the charts. What I am using now is filter media seeded with bacteria that works much better then the bio ball Look at siprox, life bio fil, zeovit or a media like these.

Another suggestion look at DC pumps, they are quite and you can control the pump. Tip: with a DC pump one can always buy larger and turn down the pump to the needs of the system.

Controllers may be pricey, but great to have to keep tabs on things and also control pumps, lights, heaters, ATO and what every else you may have. With a controller one can set feed times so that certain pump will shut off, and when doing water changes I have my system to shut down for a timed interval and then certain pump turn on at different times.

Hadn't even looked into a DC pump yet, but sounds like a good investment. I was going to go with an Apex, but I don't want to end up in divorce court over this first build.

Cflip said:
I felt the same way about QT. I learned quickly the hard way. Nothing fun about fallow. I took a 15 year break before getting back in. This forum helped me a lot. Great people here.

I've been stalking for a while and checking out some of the builds. This stuff has come a long way, so impressed with some of these tanks. I hope mine ends up half as nice as some of these builds. So far, I've learned a lot just by hanging around.

Shadowspop · Jun 26, 2017

Greybeard said:
I was out for a decade... back in 2 years ago. You'll be surprised at how little has actually changed. Berlin style reefing has been around since the 70's, and really hasn't changed much. Equipment has gotten better, but there is very little that's really new. Don't worry, your old skills will still be applicable.

I hope so, my fish only tank was pretty awesome back in the day, but reefs are a little different. I'm sure if I hang out in here enough, it'll come to me. I think my biggest downfall is my lack of patience. I'm an immediate gratification kind of guy and this hobby is definitely not meant to be rushed.