hello all!

Adele · Jul 5, 2018

saltlife26 said:
Can anyone assist with me getting a mesh cover for my tank? The stock lighting is getting way too hot and the tank was at 80 degrees yesterday. My plan is to get a customer mesh cover and use the AI HD Prime lights to go with it. Thanks

I bought the mesh at BRS and then a screen window kit at Home Depot. It was a snap to assemble and allows plenty of light and air.

Lovemyreef2015 · Jul 5, 2018

Welcome to R2R

reeferfoxx · Jul 5, 2018

Welcome to R2R! Can't wait to see the build thread

Reeferdood · Jul 5, 2018

Turbo's Aquatics · Jul 7, 2018

Welcome to R2R!

I'll chime in with my opinion on a few items on your list...keep in mind, just my opinion!!

saltlife26 said:
Hyrdrometer

Difficult to use, even for experienced hobbyists! A refractometer is the way to go. You can get a cheap one for under $30, or a Milwaukee Digital for about $100 (and that one is worth every penny)

saltlife26 said:
Clove Polyps

My wife loves the purple color, but many consider this invasive. They will spread everywhere, just a heads up!

saltlife26 said:
Fluval Gravelvac

If you come from freshwater, you'll be used to vacuuming gravel. I personally do not touch mine, ever. Some do, but only vacuum about 1/4 of the bed every couple weeks or month, if that. The substrate in reef aquariums can, over time, develop a whole world of biology, so I just leave it be. Sometimes disturbing it can actually cause issues.

saltlife26 · Jul 7, 2018

Floyd R Turbo said:
Welcome to R2R!

I'll chime in with my opinion on a few items on your list...keep in mind, just my opinion!!

Difficult to use, even for experienced hobbyists! A refractometer is the way to go. You can get a cheap one for under $30, or a Milwaukee Digital for about $100 (and that one is worth every penny)

My wife loves the purple color, but many consider this invasive. They will spread everywhere, just a heads up!

If you come from freshwater, you'll be used to vacuuming gravel. I personally do not touch mine, ever. Some do, but only vacuum about 1/4 of the bed every couple weeks or month, if that. The substrate in reef aquariums can, over time, develop a whole world of biology, so I just leave it be. Sometimes disturbing it can actually cause issues.

10-4. Thanks

Zeal · Jul 7, 2018

Get some Seachem Stability, great to use during the first week. I even use 5ml after a waterchange.

Also a RO/DI and TDS meter should be your next purchase. Being able to do your own waterchanges at home with your own salt will encourage you to do them more often.