New member

[crotalus1972]

Hey all, I live in O'Fallon MO just outside of St Louis MO. I have had fish for most of my life and still have several tanks. I started my first reef tank about two and a half years ago and just upgraded from my original 60 cube to a 120. Initially plumbed the 60 into the basement with a big sump and equipment suitable for the tank upgrade. So far so good. I'm a tactile learner so I built most of the plumbing, acrylic, etc. So I have made many mistakes but learned a lot along the way. I also have three tanks in the basement plumbed to a central sump. These are for the critters; eels, octopus, and aggressive fish. I also have freshwater but am phasing them out. More due to time and resources I have been putting into the reef and salt stuff. I'm also a former police canine handler. My partner retired last December due to illness. I'm still on the job but like to meet handlers past a present. I'm a trader and a bargain hunter so if your nearby I'm always open to trades. Trying to get this reef thing down, but I'm quickly learning there is no such thing as having it down.

 

[SalinFL]

Welcome to R2R! Plenty of answers here!

 

[crotalus1972]

Forgot to add that I was out of the saltwater side since around 1999. I used to work for a wholesaler and service company in the 90s. Wow things have changed! Of all the tanks we serviced we had two reef tanks, and this was in SOCAL. Most if not all were FOWLR and dead coral. The nice part was some of my first saltwater fish were things like an Achilles tang and a majestic angel. The tang only lasted about six months but was cheap enough for me to purchase on my crappy salary.

 

[dbl]

Welcome to R2R. Originally from St. Louis and very familiar with O'Fallon. Welcome to the community.

 

[kschweer]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[I'm a natural blue]

Welcome! You found a great community here at R2R. Like you, I got back in to the hobby about two years ago after 20+ years and yes, a lot has changed! The good news is how all of the new equiptment at our disposal has changed the longevity of keeping a thriving reef tank. You can pretty much find answers to just about every question you may have. One thing I will say though is be prepared to do your research and make decisions based on what you feel is best for your individual system. The answers you get will vary as much as each persons tank in some situations. Best wishes and happy reefing!

 

[4FordFamily]

Welcome home, you will love it here!

1) we need some tank/setup pics!!

2) show us your canine!

 

[crotalus1972]

I need to get some loaded to a host, probably this weekend. My partner was a German Shepherd from the Czech I got in 2010. He was a dual purpose; detection and patrol canine. He was such a great dog to have with me at work. Social and friendly and when it was time to go into work mode it was like a switch. He had to retire last December because of cancer and passed away in May.

 

[SalinFL]

Ohmygoodness how awful, I'm so sorry about your bestest buddy. I had to put my golden down in March after 12 years of amazing love & companionship. Not a day goes by I don't miss her.

 

[Fin]