help for future reefer

luis carreiro · Jan 12, 2017

Hi,
I am looking for any advice on how to prepare for upcoming (in 2-3 yrs when we move) 150-180 gal reef tank, I suspect mostly LPS and softie reef tank. I have been researching for the last year and have meet with two LFS to help design and install. I have read most of the articles on R2R and have been reading your comments and threads for the last year. Yes I am a lurker. Love reading about all your builds. I have read the 3 books- The Reef Aquarium by Delbeck and Sprung. I have collected and printed many review articles. I now have quite a collection.
Current dilemma questions include- live (Tampa Saltwater 2.1 live rock) v non live rock. I am a biologist turned MD thus, I love the biodiversity of live rock but am afraid of hitchhikers.
Triton V Aquaforest v Zeo philosophies.
Still have plenty of time.
Appreciate reading all your comments.

AllSignsPointToFish · Jan 12, 2017

Preparation and education are key! Don't be afraid of hitchhikers...while there are some bad apples, most are very cool additions to the biodiversity of a captive reef.

I bought aquacultured live rock like you are considering. There were lots of hitchhikers, but the only ones I had to remove were the aiptasia.

MaiReef · Jan 12, 2017

I think it depends upon what you want to create. Live rock is fun, but if you are afraid of hitchhikers start early and cure some Texas Holey Rock.

AllSignsPointToFish · Jan 12, 2017

You know, the one thing about hitchhikers is that they are an ever-present possibility as you add animals to your tank, even if you start with dry rock. I just deal with them as they come, and take precautions where I can, and remove all the ones that are potential troublemakers.

luis carreiro · Jan 12, 2017

Thanks Allsigns... and Maireef. I am leaning towards live rock. I have been on the Tampa Saltwater live site and have read many threads on this topic. Really enjoy their rock.
I hope to create a LPS, softie tank with a lot of movement- not a big SPS guy right now but I do love the colors- truly amazing.
My must have fish is a mandarin but will have to wait some time and planning on having a setup to support this spcecies (ie Refugium)

luis carreiro · Jan 12, 2017

Any reefers in Central Mass. I would love to have a mentor- no I am not a stalker

AllSignsPointToFish · Jan 12, 2017

Keep in mind that most LPS and softies don't like a lot of current. High flow is more commonly needed for SPS, not LPS or softies.

luis carreiro · Jan 12, 2017

Good point. Thanks Allsigns...
Any other books or references that you recommend. Knowledge is power.

MaiReef · Jan 12, 2017

The #BRS160 52 Weeks of Reefing is a good knowledgebase

luis carreiro · Jan 12, 2017

Thanks MaiReef. I will look into those.

Invader_Moose · Jan 12, 2017

Why not have the best of both worlds? If you're planning on quarantining your fish later on why not start by quarantining your live rock. a 40 gallon tank would hold a significant amount of live rock. You could then observe and remove pests. Allow animals that require advanced feeding techniques, specialty food or just simply won't survive the move to die off in that tank. After a month you should have a good idea of what will be going in your display and then fill the empty gaps with dry rock. I know this method would add a bit of cost but it could help limit unwanted hitchhikers while giving the bio diversity. Plus you'll have a prepped tank to start qt'ing your first reef friends.
Sounds like a fun build good luck with it!