Saltwater for autism

Tide pool · May 12, 2017

my son has autism and an intrest in aquariums. Remembered sitting talking with my dad in front of the fish.Joe dosnt speak but listens well so thought I'd give it a try. Lots of tanks very cheep used in our area. Started with a 36 bf to a 46 bf now and just bought a 90 gallon drilled tank for 40$. Way over my head here but it's helping not just my son but all who pass thru our doors. The 90 is going to sit for a while as no where near the funds for a skimmer or lights that be adaquate . What a journey and it's only been 3 months. I'll post pictures of the 90 when we start setting it up and here's the 46bf.

Tahoe61 · May 12, 2017

Welcome to R2R

A tank and reef keeping most definitely has a calming effect.

Look to your local craigslist and local reefing clubs for discounted equipment. To keep a basic live rock and fish only tank one does not need state of the art equipment by any means. Many soft corals do wonderfully under power compact lighting or cheaper T5 fixtures.

creas · May 12, 2017

That's great to hear and is really touching. I'm currently using a Reef Octopus 110SS and I'm in the process of upgrading tanks. I was going to try to sell the skimmer after I got it cleaned up. It would be a little small for a 90 in the long term but would definitely get you started. If you PM me your address I will happily send it to you free of charge in the hopes that it will help bring longtime joy to you and your family.

JaimeAdams · May 12, 2017

What area are you located in?

USMC 4 LIFE · May 12, 2017

I have about 15 lbs of Fiji pink sand. Sealed in its bag
A heater and some other misc equipment

serenade · May 12, 2017

Depending on the type of corals and fish and number of fish you dont have to have a skimmer. I'm currently running a 90 nem specific tank with a 35-40 sump/frag tank for mostly acans and chalice's. My other system is a 65 with a 25 sump/fuge it's filled with various euphillia (torch, hammer and frogspawn) along with rhodactus mushrooms, acans, chalice's, favia and gonipora.
I don't run skimmers, reactors, dosers or anything fancy except for my lights, but they are as much a toy as anything. I've got a 4 bulb power compact light with new bulbs your welcome to for tbe cost of shipping, for a smaller system I've got a cpr bacpack same deal, shipping costs only.