Hi All, Glad to be here ......

Tony F · Oct 11, 2011

My name is Tony, I'm an engineer living in north Florida. I've kept freshwater tanks on and off all my life, got back into it a couple years back. I currently have an 18" rimless cube with red cherry shrimp, a 36 gallon community tank, and a 120 gallon heavily planted Discuss tank. My wife and I stopped in a reef shop in Jacksonville a couple months back, and on a whim I walked out with a JBJ 28G LED (intermediate) nano. After building my stand (I've custom built all my stands) I've been set up for about a month with 25 lbs live rock. Letting it sit and cycle right now while I study up on what this is all about!

I'm reading Fenner's book The Conscientious Marine Aquarist along with several other books on reefs and corals, and reading several forums. I joined R2R last week and really like the warm, friendly and sincere attitude here, so this will most likely end up my home forum. I'll probably inundate you all with newbie questions over the next few months.

I'm taking this slow, just ordered a protein skimmer and another circulation pump last nite. I'm thinking of beginning to build a clean up crew in the next few weeks. Have no idea which way I'm going coral wise, so I don't want to make any purchases until I know a little more about it and what direction I'm heading.

So, That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. Thanks for having me, look forward to becoming an active member and maybe someday knowing enough to contribute something!

Tony

FishLipz · Oct 11, 2011

Welcome to the family. Sounds like you are off to a good start already. Don't be shy about firing off questions either. There are many experienced people who love sharing their experiences and knowledge.

swannyson7 · Oct 11, 2011

Welcome to R2R!!

Reed639 · Oct 11, 2011

Welcome To R2R!
As for the cleanup crew go to reefcleaners.org.

VegasRick · Oct 11, 2011

Hi and welcome to r2r

Dave3112 · Oct 11, 2011

Welcome to R2R!! Ask all the questions you want! There are many great people here that are more than willing to help!!

revhtree · Oct 11, 2011

Welcome to R2R! Great to have you here!

Sea MunnKey · Oct 11, 2011

Hey Tony,

First off Welcome to R2R!!

Your intro is a good start to this wonderful and patient hobby which you've shown right from the get go ... that's something we don't usually see from a freshwater to saltwater "converter" enthusiast. If possible invest in a good quality protein skimmer, RO/DI unit etc. Get the proper equipment/hardware and with the right "guidance" from a whole lot of experienced reefers on here ... you can't go wrong!! :angel:

Have Fun!!

Paul

skinz78 · Oct 11, 2011

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef!

Be sure to get your entry in to the monthly membership drive if you already haven't done so! https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/r2...2r-october-2011-membership-drive-contest.html

Tony F · Oct 11, 2011

Thanks for the warm welcome, and yes I did enter the contest.
Tried to upload a couple pics but couldn't, file to large, what is the recommended file size for uploading?

Tony

skinz78 · Oct 11, 2011

I think 600x 800 is the prefered size

Wy Renegade · Oct 11, 2011

Welcome to R2R, sounds like you're off to a great start. Once you're ready feel free to fire away with the questions.

Tony F · Oct 12, 2011

Couple of Pics

This is the stand I made, it's made from maple and trimmed with wenge. It follows the theme of most of the furniture I made for our home, design is very similar to the stock JBJ stand. The front panel is attached with rare earth magnets so it can be removed totally out of the way. All electric hookups are in the stand making wire management easier, only one cord from stand to outlet.

The tank is two weeks old, 25 lbs of Bali live rock. Not guaranteeing the layout will remain, I might add one more rock on pile if I can find the right size and shape. I have some underwater epoxy coming, It is fairly stable but still shaky in my opinion. Any and all comments and opinions on the layout are welcomed, I'm new at this and want to learn from your past experience.

Hope you enjoy, I'll be starting a build thread in a couple weeks. Tony