Hats off to all you reefers!!!

Ken Diedenhofer · Sep 5, 2015

Wow wanting to start a 90 gallon and finding out the cost !!! These guys must be rich 250-500 Gallon tanks full of corals !!!! I'm slowly gathering equipment up and finding out wow this is a costly hobby before you know it you can have 5000.00 to 10,000.00 dollar in a system !!! So hats off to all of you that have achieved all these awesome coral tanks !!! Look up to you and all your hard work !!! It's great how you all help the newbies to this world !!!
God know I'll be needing to soon !!!

well just wanted to say happy reefing and thxs for this site for all us newbies reefer to come !!!

steve&mari · Sep 5, 2015

We're glad you're here and always willing to help whenever possible. We all have our limits and can learn from each other. There's always something to learn or tip to make something easier or look better.

Cody P. · Sep 5, 2015

Welcome to the world of reefing

Just slowly collect everything you need and buy frags! Growing a coral to a full colony is the best feeling. And knowing the value of the colony you grew is always nice too

Shep · Sep 5, 2015

Just go slow! Small tanks look great too!

Ken Diedenhofer · Sep 5, 2015

Thanks guessing your referring to somewhat like a fresh water tank to buying a small fish and watching it grow big except I'm finding out corals are going to be much harder !!! Like your saying tho the reward will be worth it knowing you started out with this and now have that !!! Just hoping my that is bigger and alive !!

Ken Diedenhofer · Sep 5, 2015

Awesome site thanks all !!!

Cody P. · Sep 6, 2015

What filtration are you running on the 90?

ReefMadScientist · Sep 6, 2015

Ugh dont remind me of the cost

Cody P. · Sep 6, 2015

ImageUploadedByREEF2REEF1441512165.928169.jpg

Started with a 3gal tank... I'm currently at an 85gal bow front.

steve&mari · Sep 6, 2015

Wait till you are wanting a frag tank lol I've had up to 14 tanks running throughout the house good thing the wife's reef addiction allows it lol. Helps with support from the family otherwise it can be a cause for some shall we say not so happy looks when you're sitting here for 12-24 hours checking in during a live sale spending money lol.

Ken Diedenhofer · Sep 6, 2015

Lol meaning ?
I have a trigger system 36s
And bought 25 pounds of this stuff call ecosystem miracle mud
But stuck on what type of skimmer to use and that will fit I'm hearing vertex but the footprint I seen online a new skimmer out called nyos quantum 160 and the footprint is smaller I don't know what to go with new to this world but wanting the best for my application

Ken Diedenhofer · Sep 6, 2015

Sweet see that's what I'm looking for when can you deliver it ???

Very nice tank !!!

steve&mari · Sep 6, 2015

Or when you look at a coral and say 500 ain't bad for that lol it's not for the faint of heart. I don't keep a total of money invested it's like MasterCard commercial the enjoyment and family bonding over it at home and going to swaps the friends you make is priceless.

Ken Diedenhofer · Sep 6, 2015

Yea I was looking at the pictures of the macna going on right now and saw a coral go for 2000.00 wow I'd poop myself if that died !!

FlyinBryan · Sep 6, 2015

Miracle Mudd turned my tank around! Put in as much as you can!

Ken Diedenhofer · Sep 6, 2015

I have a trigger ruby 36s and I have 25 pounds that be enough or will I need more ?

Ken Diedenhofer · Sep 6, 2015

This stuffs called ecosystem miracle mud

KJ · Sep 6, 2015

Ken Diedenhofer said:
Wow wanting to start a 90 gallon and finding out the cost !!! These guys must be rich 250-500 Gallon tanks full of corals !!!! I'm slowly gathering equipment up and finding out wow this is a costly hobby before you know it you can have 5000.00 to 10,000.00 dollar in a system !!! So hats off to all of you that have achieved all these awesome coral tanks !!! Look up to you and all your hard work !!! It's great how you all help the newbies to this world !!!
God know I'll be needing to soon !!! well just wanted to say happy reefing and thxs for this site for all us newbies reefer to come !!!

Patient is the key to success

jasonb87 · Sep 6, 2015

Cody P. said:
Started with a 3gal tank... I'm currently at an 85gal bow front.

Nice bow front!
To the OP
I started with a used/established 55g FWLRO with hang on the back filters and converted it into a mixed reef. I just now upgraded to a drilled 72G bow front mixed reef!
Bought all my coral as frags and slowly growing them out over the years.

Harold Green · Sep 6, 2015

There are ways to reduce costs. Building some of your own equipment helps. An old tank can be turned into a great sump for no more than a few dollars. You can find used lights for less although I'd just buy some of the black box lights, they can be replaced later if you want. Shopping around can turn up some low cost skimmers, reactors. You can buy salt in bulk. An ro filter will produce a lot of water. If you have the tools build your own stand. It's likely to be cheaper, sturdier, and a better match for your home than the store bought ones. You don't need every thing up front. Start with the basics. Good live rock, sand if you desire. Sufficient lighting for what you intend to grow. A good sump with plenty of water flow back to the tank. Plenty of circulation in the tank. A heater. Later you can add a skimmer, reactors, ato as you can afford. You can even start off with minimal lighting and add more later. I would start off with a good set of test kits though. It's critically important to be able to test your water frequently until you have more experience.