Finally going to give it a go!

Johnmac · Nov 26, 2016

Hello everyone!
John from Galveston Texas here and other than a ton of research and collecting various components that were on sale or being thrown out by others over the last few years I am totally new to salwater setups...
Im a master plumber and love designing complex piping systems for various purposes so thats another alluring aspect of the hobby (I cant wait to build a massively complex saltwater mixing station, sump, etc etc)..
My entire life I have been mesmerized by aquariums especially saltwater.
I have had quite a few freshwater setups but am finally ready to pull the trigger on reef life. Im really optimistic and look forward to the entire learning and setup process. I will be attempting to get a decent little reef going with maybe 2 or 3 fish and hopefully some corals.

Not being a rich man my saltwater reef endeavor has been slow so far.
Aside from a few odds and ends and a massive tank (that will eventually need a sump) I finally have come across somewhat of a "starter rig"
I recently picked up a used and affordable nano cube 28 with the two pumps and what I understand to be an upgraded lighting hood. Ive been circulating a mix of vinegar and water through the setup for a few days now to remove all of the coral/calcium build up and finally got her looking brand new and shiny.

So today will be my first actual setup day. 1st ive got to do a bit more research on the actual "rear compartment setups" and probably figure out what exactly i need to locate for the filter media that goes in there??Ive got plenty of salt so my next task will be either setting up my RO system or obtaining some water to start and then im off to find some live sand and live rock to get things rolling.

I look forward to continuing to read through the wealth of knowledge contained here in these threads.

Thanks for sharing all of the wonderful information folks!

Ty Hamatake · Nov 26, 2016

WELCOME! You have definitely come to the right place. This forum is filled with great people that love helping when you need it. I can't wait to see your setup.

If you need some assistance feel free to ask away. Oh, pictures are great, we like them a lot

Reeferfourlife · Nov 26, 2016

Welcome aboard! Remember to be patient when it comes to saltwater.

TheEngineer · Nov 26, 2016

Welcome. Sounds like you've got the patience part down. The only thing in this hobby that should happen fast is your enjoyment of the tank once you start it up

helen ann · Nov 26, 2016

Hello John!

Chrisfish · Nov 26, 2016

Welcome to R2R! You've come to the right place!

Mike_J · Nov 26, 2016

Welcome, John!

The R2R gang is the best group of reefers around and as you've already discovered, it's the best resource for information. Being a master plumber will certainly be an advantage in this hobby

Can't wait to see your setup come together. Keep us updated on your progress and happy reefing!

Tahoe61 · Nov 26, 2016

Welcome John.

Maritimer · Nov 26, 2016

Welcome aboard, Johnmac!

I'm sure there will be plenty of folks who'll want to read about - and perhaps replicate aspects of - your plumbing layout. Looking forward to seeing it come to life!!

~Bruce

jenreefer · Nov 26, 2016

It sounds like you are off to a great start. I cannot wait to see your plumbing. I have found that learning the patience end of the hobby is the worst and the best part, sometimes all in the same day. Attention to detail and learning to be extremely observant on a daily basis will serve you well.
Good luck. Pictures please.

ebeez · Nov 26, 2016

Just remember to read and research not only about your setup but also about your inhabitants. A lot of people buy species of fish because they "look really cool" but not understanding the care and feeding or risk. Happy tanking!

NanoDJS · Nov 26, 2016

Welcome to the club !!!! Your going to love this hobby (from one plumber to another) and keep it fun and simple , it is about enjoying it !!!! Good luck with the cube !!!

Johnmac · Nov 26, 2016

Thanks for the warm welcome folks. I will definately post pictures as soon as there is anything picture worthy. I notice a few of you mention patience well that is definitely not in short supply over here. I have been collecting components researching and reading for years!

I plan to let the cube cycle for quite a while once its up and running to make sure everything is nice and stable and on point before adding anything other than live rock and substrate so no worries there.