Finally decided to take the plunge!

Gosling · Jul 15, 2017

I got my first freshwater aquarium when I was 6, and I've never gone a day without at least one tank since. I've always wanted a saltwater aquarium, but when I was young I was scared away from them by a family member who told me they were difficult to understand and even more difficult to maintain and that my attempts would probably end in disastrous and painful failure.

So, even though I greatly desired to try, I haven't attempted any sort of saltwater setup in the 17 years since that encounter. 17 years is a lot of time to learn a lot of things, like how to fail gracefully and how to succeed with passion in your heart. Like how any aquarium is only as difficult to maintain as you make it. Today I finally decided to mix up my very first batch of saltwater and get my vacant tank primed for something new and exciting.

I've got 50 pounds of dry rock on the way (which is more than I need, but I like options), and a little local shop where I can get a portion of wet live rock to seed when the time comes.

Thanks for having me.

michael.cser20 · Jul 15, 2017

Congrats. Make sure you check your live rock for pests like aptasia. Don't want anything getting in you will regret later.

Gosling · Jul 15, 2017

Definitely! I've seen all kinds of crazy things pop up in freshwater tanks even after having not added anything to them for years. Battling aggressive anemones isn't on my "fun" list.

michael.cser20 · Jul 15, 2017

What size you have. Did u consider starting a build thread?

Jisko · Jul 15, 2017

Welcome home!

I highly suggest investing in a good RO/DI unit when getting into the hobby. It will save you a lot of headaches and even more money in the long run. Being able to filter 50g of water in a few hours when ever you want is a huge plus and not having to go purchase water from a LFS is even better. Especially since you don't know how often they're changing the filters. Have you decided to go with a sump yet?

And tagging on to what Michael said above... start a build thread!

Gosling · Jul 15, 2017

This take isn't really worthy of a build thread IMO. It's a teeny tiny 36 gallon and is going to be home to a pair of ocellaris. A sump would be great to hide a lot of my equipment alongside all of the other beneficial factors of having one (and I know "have you decided to go with a sump" is a very loaded question!), but I'm trying to figure out how to do it within my budget and without flooding our house. Chances are though that there will be one at some point because I do recognize the enormous benefits.

I will in the future have a vacancy in my 150 gallon (which I will likely then want to convert to SW), and then I will need an RO/DI unit at that point.

dbl · Jul 15, 2017

Welcome to R2R and your new reefing community. Don't be afraid to start a build thread. It's a great place to ask your specific questions and more importantly, to track your own progress. It's fun to look back and see the growth of your tank.

JoshH · Jul 16, 2017

There are build thread's on here for 1 gallon tanks, compared to those your tank is huge! Threads aren't only about sharing your experience and pics with everyone, as stated above, they are about documenting your build so you have something to look back on. Especially being your very first salt water tank it's nice to look back and see where it all began for you. Welcome to R2R, hopefully you do start a thread so we can all follow along on your first build.

Mikedawg · Jul 16, 2017

Good luck; and please remember that patience is truly a virtue in this hobby

Jisko · Jul 16, 2017

Gosling said:
This take isn't really worthy of a build thread IMO. It's a teeny tiny 36 gallon and is going to be home to a pair of ocellaris. A sump would be great to hide a lot of my equipment alongside all of the other beneficial factors of having one (and I know "have you decided to go with a sump" is a very loaded question!), but I'm trying to figure out how to do it within my budget and without flooding our house. Chances are though that there will be one at some point because I do recognize the enormous benefits.

I will in the future have a vacancy in my 150 gallon (which I will likely then want to convert to SW), and then I will need an RO/DI unit at that point.

no tank is to small for a build thread!

creas · Jul 16, 2017

Gosling said:
and then I will need an RO/DI unit at that point.

Do yourself a huge favor and start with RO/DI water. If you can't afford a unit find a store that sells it. It will vastly improve your reefing experience.

Katrina71 · Jul 16, 2017

Hey! Glad to see you are going for it! Start your build thread. Nothing to be shy about. It's a great way to learn.

Big G · Jul 16, 2017

Welcome to R2R. No such thing as a "silly" question here.

dohc97 · Jul 16, 2017

Welcome to the salt side, my story was similar, kept fresh since i was 10 loved going to a local store to window shop but cost kept me away from saltwater. Currently on i think 8th reef after an extended hiatus. I have a couple suggestions:

As everyone mentioned try to get an rodi unit, if not possible at the least buy rodi water from a reputable store.

Buy the best equipment you can afford, even if it means saving for longer.

Plan for the future, example:
i have several pieces of equipment that were expensive but that i will be able to use on an upgrade when it comes.

Dont always listen to your lfs, until you get a good feel for the hobby the best advice you will find will be from fellow hobbyists on r2r and similar forums.

Read! Read lots of info, forums, books, etc...

There are all kinds of ways to go about this hobby, you can do things simple, you can have a virtual lab under your stand, whatever suits you. This is why i love this forum, you can get everyones opinions and apply to your situation.

Sorry for the long post...

Salty1962 · Jul 16, 2017

Welcome to R2R! As mentioned, a build thread helps us help you and it's cool to track your progress

OREGONIC · Jul 16, 2017

Dont need to buy a RODI unit if you have a local store where you can purchase RODI water,but definitely make sure you use RODI water. I have a system that has a total volume of 50 gallons and i have been purchasing water from a store for nearly a year. 10 gallons a week gets me a 10% water change and 5 gallons for top off for 5 bucks a week. I am actually picking up a used RODI unit tomorrow from someone on a local forum for less then half price with new filters tomorrow tho. If you have a local club and you keep your eyes out you will see good deals pop up all the time that can save you big bucks. I had purchased everything for my tank new at first and it adds up quick. Now that i have all the basics i keep my eyes peeled for great deals on used equipment.

Gosling · Jul 16, 2017

Thanks for the warm welcomes and advice everyone. I know somewhere I can likely find a refurbished/used RO/DI unit at a discounted price, but I have to wait until he actually has one!
I will try not to be shy.

dbl · Jul 16, 2017

Not sure what your RODI budget is, or if it even exists, but here is a great unit that won't break the bank. Just a suggestion when you're ready.

http://spectrapure.com/RO-RODI/RODI-SYSTEMS/Refurbished-90-GPD-RODI-System

Big G · Jul 16, 2017

dbl said:
Not sure what your RODI budget is, or if it even exists, but here is a great unit that won't break the bank. Just a suggestion when you're ready.

http://spectrapure.com/RO-RODI/RODI-SYSTEMS/Refurbished-90-GPD-RODI-System

Nice unit. The only thing I would add would be a TDS meter to keep an eye on the levels produced as the filters are used up.

Tiger-Paws · Jul 16, 2017

Gosling said:
This take isn't really worthy of a build thread IMO. It's a teeny tiny 36 gallon and is going to be home to a pair of ocellaris. A sump would be great to hide a lot of my equipment alongside all of the other beneficial factors of having one (and I know "have you decided to go with a sump" is a very loaded question!), but I'm trying to figure out how to do it within my budget and without flooding our house. Chances are though that there will be one at some point because I do recognize the enormous benefits.

I will in the future have a vacancy in my 150 gallon (which I will likely then want to convert to SW), and then I will need an RO/DI unit at that point.

Look I am posting a build and more for a Red Sea Reefer Nano, 21 gallons viewable and 7 in the sump https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-build-red-sea-reefer-nano-21.314556/

Feel free to take a look, and please start a thread it is great fun seeing what others are doing.