Getting back into Reefing!

[Blazedragon]

About a year ago I picked up a 9 gal Frag Tank on Facebook marketplace. The tank ran fine for the first 7 months then suddenly started having ammonia issues out of the blue. I tried everything I could to fight it but nothing seemed to work. After 3 months of fighting all the fish and coral had passed. Come to find out my disgruntled sister was adding Ammonium Chloride to it every time I wasn't home. She has since been kicked out and I think I'm finally ready to start a new tank. I scored a free 160 gallon tank and a $25 40 gallon for a sump. I hope nobody else has to go through what I did. If anyone has any recommendations for the setup of the new tank I would appreciate them all. I have a pretty good idea of what I need but can use some help picking between brands.

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!! I'm sorry to hear about your challenges and glad to here that you are trying again.

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[tharbin]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[Mikey-D]

Nice score on the tank!

Take your time and plan accordingly. Dry fit your plumbing, but remember once you glue the dry fit isn't going to be the same measurement because the glue will allow it to push in farther. Plan your wire management and best of all enjoy it!!

One thing I wish I did was buy extra regents for my Hanna checkers. The first month went by fast cause I was testing and cycling. It's been less frequent now that it's settled but it would have been nice to stock up on.

 

[Zach B]

Welcome

 

[Blazedragon]

Nice score on the tank!

Take your time and plan accordingly. Dry fit your plumbing, but remember once you glue the dry fit isn't going to be the same measurement because the glue will allow it to push in farther. Plan your wire management and best of all enjoy it!!

One thing I wish I did was buy extra regents for my Hanna checkers. The first month went by fast cause I was testing and cycling. It's been less frequent now that it's settled but it would have been nice to stock up on.

Thank you for the advice on plumbing I didn't know that. I wish I had Hanna checkers but sadly only the budget tests for me.

 

[JZ199]

Welcome!! And welcome back to the hobby! Sorry to hear about your last tank, looking forward to seeing your progress on this one!

 

[dlsorensen]

 

[shakacuz]

welcome aboard the r2r board!

 

[jsker]

 

[CoralB]

Welcome!!!

 

[fishguy242]

hi, welcome to the reef...

 

[Adolfo]

 

[SPR1968]

Hi and welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[Fishy888]

Hi and welcome! I’m sorry that you had to go through all that but I’m glad you’re starting a new tank. As you’re seeing people here are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Hopefully you’ll start a build thread so we can see your reef as it progresses.

 

[Fish Think Pink]

About a year ago I picked up a 9 gal Frag Tank on Facebook marketplace. The tank ran fine for the first 7 months then suddenly started having ammonia issues out of the blue. I tried everything I could to fight it but nothing seemed to work. After 3 months of fighting all the fish and coral had passed. Come to find out my disgruntled sister was adding Ammonium Chloride to it every time I wasn't home. She has since been kicked out and I think I'm finally ready to start a new tank. I scored a free 160 gallon tank and a $25 40 gallon for a sump. I hope nobody else has to go through what I did. If anyone has any recommendations for the setup of the new tank I would appreciate them all. I have a pretty good idea of what I need but can use some help picking between brands.

Welcome! Glad you joined. OH MY GOSH - I can't imagine what you must have gone thru emotionally when you found out root cause. Hopefully she is getting mental health care somewhere. Years ago my very young niece 'punished' my sister's fish, killing them... but she was so young don't think she understood she was committing murder instead. I am SO sorry for your losses. I applaud your BBA - Bounce Back Ability. It is great for this hobby, and a wonderful life skill. You are a very strong person!

Have you considered starting your build thread? I found its a great place to document my tank's evolution for myself. I started tank first then joined, so I'm still finding myself going back collecting pictures & updating historically as well as current state. Once you create your first post in your thread under Forum > Member Aquariums and link it to your account, they will give you build badge (look left, under my ID)

This might help you find people local to you in Ovideo:

Local Reef Club Discussion

Looking for some locals to share frags and info with? This is the place! Find a local club that meets in your area! If you want to add your club just contact us.

www.reef2reef.com

This is a good reference book type online article I still review:

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

This article was sponsored by @MarineDepot at www.marinedepot.com. Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is no...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

 

[G Santana]

Wow what an intro story!!!
Glad you are sticking with the hobby inspite of your initial misfortune.

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world. What a terrible thing your sister did. If there was not a medical reason for her acting that way I think she deserved the elbow. Wishing you success with the new venture. Take things slowly. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.