Scared I’m getting cold feet

[Michael v]

My story: About eight years ago I bought a 65 gallon tank with a sump. I built a stand but didn’t think I could afford saltwater water so I went with a ciclid tank. I had great success and enjoyed it. We moved to a house where we couldn’t have an aquarium. So I sold the fish put tank in storage. One year later I’ve rebuilt my stand. Spent the last six months learning all I can about reef tanks. I spent a lot of time and money getting ready to start my reef. My live sand and salt will be here buy the weekend. Not sure I can succeed and that scary. Am I crazy or is this normal? Any words of encouragement will be welcome. Thanks for your time

 

[JasonK84]

You've got a great community here for support and advice. There isn't an issue that someone here hasn't faced and can help you through. That is the whole purpose of this forum. You are not alone on the journey.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

My story: About eight years ago I bought a 65 gallon tank with a sump. I built a stand but didn’t think I could afford saltwater water so I went with a ciclid tank. I had great success and enjoyed it. We moved to a house where we couldn’t have an aquarium. So I sold the fish put tank in storage. One year later I’ve rebuilt my stand. Spent the last six months learning all I can about reef tanks. I spent a lot of time and money getting ready to start my reef. My live sand and salt will be here buy the weekend. Not sure I can succeed and that scary. Am I crazy or is this normal? Any words of encouragement will be welcome. Thanks for your time

You'll be fine, just remember, key to success , the patience of Job. You'll see.

 

[Jmas4]

Welcome to the reefing community! Yes things are scary and overwhelming at first, and my advice will be take things slow. Ask a lot of questions. R2R is by far the nicest and most helpful forum out there.

Good luck and Happy Reefing!

 

[JumboShrimp]

Someone once said, “Remember— you’re managing water, not fish.” I think that’s a helpful mindset. I also heard, “There’s a fine line between managing your tank, and your tank managing you!” I took that to mean ‘don’t get too neurotic, chasing test kit numbers, all the latest gadgets, etc.’ So, personally, I’m trying go slowly, chill, and enjoy things. Also, proper quarantining teaches extreme patience! Best wishes...

 

[Michael v]

Welcome to the reefing community! Yes things are scary and overwhelming at first, and my advice will be take things slow. Ask a lot of questions. R2R is by far the nicest and most helpful forum out there.

Good luck and Happy Reefing!

Thanks for your reply it really helps

 

[Michael v]

Someone once said, “Remember— you’re managing water, not fish.” I think that’s a helpful mindset. I also heard, “There’s a fine line between managing your tank, and your tank managing you!” I took that to mean ‘don’t get too neurotic, chasing test kit numbers, all the latest gadgets, etc.’ So, personally, I’m trying go slowly, chill, and enjoy things. Also, proper quarantining teaches extreme patience! Best wishes...

Thanks

 

[hdsoftail1065]

I think at some point everyone has that little bit of uncertainty and doubt in the back of their mind. You are in a place with a very strong support system, family orientated and tons of knowledge. Personally I have never seen anyone get shamed by asking any type of question. Remember we all started at the same level you are starting. I think you will do fine.

 

[Geebs19]

I remember first starting out and being a little uncertain of what I have gotten myself into. That was only a 20 gallon tank! This forum has been a huge help with my most recent build and I couldn’t have done it without everyone here. Patience is key!

 

[Weedy Sea Dragon]

In less than two years my girlfriend went from knowing nothing about reef keeping to maintaining two successful nano tanks so I'm certain you can also succeed!

As long as you have realistic expectations you'll be fine. Plus this forum has a wealth of information and plenty of great people who can provide support and advice so don't second guess yourself. You got this!

 

[Unskilled Reefer]

Hi and welcome to R2R! Don’t be afraid to take the voyage. I just started the hobby myself and this forum and people within have helped me tons already.

 

[reef lover]

Welcome to r2r!!

 

[Captain Quint]

Michael v you are ready more so than you think. All the research you've done. AND you have a great big ole family here to advise when an obstacle presents itself.

You can do this.

 

[jgvergo]

If it was easy, it would not be nearly as fun. If it was easy, there wouldn't be this great community to help each other. If it was easy, it wouldn't be so satisfying. When you look at your tank in a couple of years, you won't only see fish and corals, you will remember a rich journey of learning and friendship. GO FOR IT!!!

 

[ruth howard]

Welcome to Reef2Reef! You are at the best place for information and help. I think we have all felt the same as you. Just take it slow, research everything then research it again, and ask tons of questions. The people on this forum are the greatest. You will be fine. Patience is really the key.

 

[Sailingeric]

Take it slow. Start with a couple fish then slowly add corals. Start with everyone's favorite- a couple of clowns. They are fun to watch and fairly hardy. Then start with some easy corals, mushrooms or toadstools. I have been at it over a year and everything has gone good for me and still get nervous when I add a new coral or fish.

 

[Super Fly]

Don't fear, u'll be fine if u did well w. ciclids. Just be very patient and take it slow. To me, the biggest diff between keeping ciclids and saltwater was that u can't add livestock too quickly. Have to add them slowly (only few at a time) then wait few weeks prior to adding more livestock. GL

 

[cvrle1]

Listen to Shia. He speaks the truth

 

[Michael v]

Don't fear, u'll be fine if u did well w. ciclids. Just be very patient and take it slow. To me, the biggest diff between keeping ciclids and saltwater was that u can't add livestock too quickly. Have to add them slowly (only few at a time) then wait few weeks prior to adding more livestock. GL

Thanks for the advice

 

[Reef-junky]

My story: About eight years ago I bought a 65 gallon tank with a sump. I built a stand but didn’t think I could afford saltwater water so I went with a ciclid tank. I had great success and enjoyed it. We moved to a house where we couldn’t have an aquarium. So I sold the fish put tank in storage. One year later I’ve rebuilt my stand. Spent the last six months learning all I can about reef tanks. I spent a lot of time and money getting ready to start my reef. My live sand and salt will be here buy the weekend. Not sure I can succeed and that scary. Am I crazy or is this normal? Any words of encouragement will be welcome. Thanks for your time

Take your time and ask lots of questions. You’ll be fine. Your in the right place. We all start out not knowing what we’re doing.