Dude... you go hard. I've seen most of your posts and boy oh boy did you get bit by the biggest reefing bug ever. those are some mean fish and will most likely be too big for a 220. I do like your sense of humor and bravery for tackling new things, but this one should be a walk away for sure. I've only been doing this for 1.5 years so I am no expert in any regards. Can I ask you what is your dream tank setup like in your mind?
Yes, I do go hard. Thank you. And I speak publicly and write for a living, so humor is the best medicine for the heart I've found.
It all started over ten years ago when I was struggling to find my girlfriend (soon to be wife) and gift for Valentines Day. Another girl that I was friends with suggested a fish bowl (cute) (emphasis on the bowl part) (Note: a few years pervious I had kept a lizard in my college dorm, breaking the rules, he got out, nuff said. But originally this was the inception of my fascination with keeping captive animals, always loved dogs and cats growing up, had a beta bowl, etc.) Anyways, instead of a bowl, upped the ante and picked my sweetie up a sweet 5 gallon acrylic bow front starter kit from the ol' wally world and we were off and running (tetra style). "Thank...I think" she said. It was for me turns out, who knew! Following my V day folly, I followed up with a 40g petco special, canister filter, etc, etc, cichlid tank, etc, all dead, no knowledge of proper cycle, etc, etc.
Got married. On wedding night stayed up all night reading “Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies”. LOL over and over again. Started working at a fish store that was renting the little rooms at the front of wal-mart. Ya know? Was called Aquarium Aide, with a red band-aid cross in the middle. Legit. But not managed well. Turns out our whole filtration system was bananas backwards. Had a customer come in and show me how all our sumps were whack and was essentially running as a ticking time bomb. Loved selling fish though. Man, that was fun. I think because every person, young or old, is immediately drawn to a tank, no matter what is in there, it just speaks to peoples curiosity. Got fired. Store closed. Moved to Oklahoma for more college (2007). Gave fish tank stuff away. Shelved hobby. Didn’t really make time for hobbies until recently realizing the importance of having those things that one enjoys that have nothing to do with “work”. Also need to stay close to home with three kids, also need it to be indoors (cause weather in Colorado).
TBH as I sit here right now I can’t recall the inception thought that brought fish tanks back just a few short months ago. Was really into photography, but got sick of always being away from home chasing the weather, got a motorcycle, but it’s too dangerous, selling it. Strange…fish just came back, but I am glad they did.
Dream tank: open to suggestions. Sold on the 220 in the living room. Had a cookout Saturday and realized what a conversation starter it is. Seems like everyone, at one time or another, has kept fish. Seems to bring back positive memories for folks and everyone is fascinated by its size, even with it sitting there empty. For sure better than T.V. and will offer great educational opportunities for all the kids we have into the home (I am a pastor of a church).
Wanted to do the mean fish, but I am not digging how it seems like they enjoy re-arranging the rocks. Stop that on my soon to be freshly buffed acrylic tank! Also, the tank is located in a “high traffic” area with frequent changes in light and people, I worry that spooking fish a lot will be bad for their health long term. Also, not fair to my family to always expect them to walk on eggshells around the tank. Right now, my 65 is in our bedroom, so subdued behavior from them is a little more justified. Have a lot of homework to do here. Next up is bracing the floor, and building my stand…
TBH I’ve considered running it fresh with plants, or salt with many shoaling fish. To me, a great effect would be to sit back and watch them swim together in unison within such a large environment, or a few large saltwater fish with exotic coloring and “pet like” behavior would also be enjoyable. TBH, I could go either way.
I am also, hopefully, picking up my first aquaponics set-up shortly. Guy is giving it away (they don’t call me the craigslist Hawk for nothing). So I will be dabbling in that a bit as well…
Also picked up some free leftover building materials from a home remodel nearby and traded a guy for a sweet countertop vanity I plan on turning into a 55 AIO. Will post a pick of its progress. FREE (minus gas and time) Plan on going all white on stand, back, and overflow. Will look sick. Probably just sell it…(wishing I had a fish room, but thankful for what I have)
That’s all for now. Headed out of town for a week to the east coast for a little RnR (but taking R2R mobile so as I can keep learning) celebrating 10 yrs. of marriage together. Talked the neighbor into feeding my fish and doing my top offs (still a cheapskate) (ATO for Christmas)…
Best,
Jon
