Greetings from Maryland

Spendley · Sep 4, 2013

Hey guys,

Just started a biocube 29 in early May. Have been reading this site for a couple months prior to that, finally taking the time to introduce myself! Growing up, we had a 125g freshwater tank in my basement, so when one of my friends moved back from school with a pimped out 75g reef tank, I knew the hobby was about to grab me and not let go. Seems like Maryland isn't a hot spot for reefers, any of you guys out there?!?!?

So far in the cube I've got two clowns and a royal gramma,a few peppermint shrimp, along with a few pieces of assorted coral / CUC. Four months in, I can't get enough of my tank. You guys all sit at work and daydream about it right, and all the crazy upgrades you can do to your tank?

Question:
What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of reef keeping?

I'm not even sure I know my answer to this question...i love the interaction between species, and can't wait to get a symbiotic relationship in my tank (YWG / Pistol....eventually maybe anemone once my tank has been up longer).

Duffam3434 · Sep 4, 2013

Welcome to R2R!! I Really enjoy watching your Small frags grow into Healthy Colonies!! And the YWG/Pistol is an Amazing pair to watch!! Its really a completely different world down there!!

patrickreef · Sep 4, 2013

Greetings from a fellow Maryland Reefer. The hobby does kind of take over. You are always thinking about what can you do next what new coral can you get can you go bigger and what equipment you would like to have. I enjoy watching everything grow, starting with a small frag and seeing it grow into large colony. One of my first frags a orange Monti Cap is now about 2 ft by 18 in. I like the vast colors and choices there are out there. What local stores do you purchase from in MD?

Qube · Sep 4, 2013

Fellow Maryland reefer here! Hagerstown to be exact, and I agree, not a lot of choices around unfortunately...

mike007 · Sep 4, 2013

Welcome

143gadgets · Sep 4, 2013

Welcome!!!!!

Spendley · Sep 4, 2013

I'm from around Columbia, between Baltimore / DC. Not a lot of LFS options, recently went to Rick's in Frederick, as well as Today's Pet in Columbia (much better than I anticipated actually, good selection and knowledgeable staff), and also went to another which I forget the name it was in Silver Spring.

Thanks for the warm welcome guys, look forward to sharing some experiences with you!

patrickreef · Sep 4, 2013

Over by You. You should try King of Corals in Rockville. I have checked out most LFS that carry corals in about 100 mile radius of my house and of those on the westernshore I liked their selection and apparent quality the best. The best store in quality and selection in MD is Pacific East Aquaculture in Mardela Springs would be a drive for you but well worth it on a free Saturday. In Fredrick there is Mr. Coral which I want to visit but have yet to but appears to priced decently and he does auctions on Ebay. I would stay away from the House of Tropics especially for fish as they are about quanity and not quality but they have a good sized store.

Spendley · Sep 4, 2013

King of Corals in Rockville and Mr. Coral in Frederick added to the list, thanks!

Been meaning to check out Pacific East Aquaculture, but any time it would be convenient for me (returning from Ocean City) they've been closed (Sundays)!! I'll make the trip one day.

Good to see some MD reefers, I got worried when I checked the local club section and MD was a ghost town.

VB68 · Sep 4, 2013

Welcome to Reef2Reef

SeahorseKeeper · Sep 4, 2013

Welcome to R2R!! I think the most rewarding part of reef keeping is having my own slice of the ocean in my living room. I love the diversity and the conversation that it generates.

Qube · Sep 4, 2013

Hate to burst your bubble, but Mr Coral closed at the beginning of this year unfortunately. A real shame to, as they had a new owner (Adam) of the retail store and it really showed promise...

nitro'sreef · Sep 4, 2013

welcome

FishLipz · Sep 4, 2013

Always glad to see another reefer from MD

Squishie89 · Sep 4, 2013

Agreed, love seeing people from MD in here. You have to come further south for the good store! Aquarium One in Rockville, Quantum Reefs in Virginia and Marine Scene in Virginia.

patrickreef · Sep 5, 2013

So MR Coral is now just an online store and selling through Ebay?

Spendley · Sep 5, 2013

I do believe so, he also sells off of his website. Said can do local pickups in Frederick on Mondays and Wednesdays, probably worth it just to save on s&h. He's got some great deals.