Total newbie

[Mark-Stover]

Hello,

I like many others have had freshwater aquariums since I was a kid, but never thought I could have a saltwater aquarium (price, complexity etc). I've finally convinced my wife that now is the time to go for it, so I've been doing A LOT...ok, a little obsessive amount of reading and watching videos (BRS 52 weeks, was outstanding) to help me understand how all this hardware works and how to try to be more successful. The plan for me is to start buying all the needed gear slowly then in about a year take the plunge on a 120 or so gallon system. Starting by building a saltwater mixing station....then on and upward. I'm looking forward to getting lots of great advice here.

Thanks

 

[mfinn]

Welcome to R2R. I like your avatar.
A 120 gallon ( 4') tank is a awesome size to start out with.
Big enough so you don't have growing pains inside the first 6 months. lol
It's nice that you are giving yourself that much planning and research time.
You can research equipment without having to jump on bargain basement deals. Figure what actually is better in the long run, vs what seems like a good deal at the time.

 

[dbl]

Welcome to R2R and thanks for signing up. There is nothing wrong with taking your time in this hobby.

 

[RyanCSGO]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[kschweer]

Welcome!!!

 

[DeniseAndy]

Welcome. One thing to keep in mind with research, there are so many ways to do something and each person will have ideas that seem contrary. Just go with what makes sense to you and your lifestyle. This will help a lot to keep the pressure and info overload down.

First thing I did when planning my 210g (took 2 years by the way) was figure out what animals I really wanted to keep. Then the equipment helped evolve from this. Granted, I changed the whole system after 4 years, but that is another story.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!

 

[120reefkeeper]

Taking your time is a smart move. Even after you get started never loose sight of that! [emoji6]

 

[Salty1962]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[tupes]

Welcome to R2R addiction. You'll find lots of great advise here. Don't hesitate to ask questions. All of us had been in your shoes at one time or another. Be sure to utilize the search function of the forum. Just type a word or two and lots of info will pop up. Lots of DIY to save a few $$$ and lots of pre setup things that are plug and play.

 

[Vincent100]

Welcome to R2R

 

[Young@Heart]

Welcome to R2R!!!! Glad to see you are taking your time with this it will Help a lot! PRPP (Patience, Research, Plan, Patience).

 

[4FordFamily]

Welcome home, you will love it here!

Please keep us posted on your build with tons of photos!

 

[Mark-Stover]

Welcome to R2R. I like your avatar.
A 120 gallon ( 4') tank is a awesome size to start out with.
Big enough so you don't have growing pains inside the first 6 months. lol
It's nice that you are giving yourself that much planning and research time.
You can research equipment without having to jump on bargain basement deals. Figure what actually is better in the long run, vs what seems like a good deal at the time.

Thanks for the kind welcome. I actually grew up in Hoquiam out on the coast of Washington and went to the UW. After spending many years in the USAF I ended up living in North Bend and working back in the Seattle area doing dot com era jobs till that died out. I then went to NASA in Huntsville Al for a few years before coming back to Colorado. Even with all that I'll always be a Seahawks and Mariners fan. I still get back there a couple times a year to visit my family who are all still in Hoquiam. I do miss the place, but not all the dreary winter days.

I spent time last night reading your posts on your large tank build. That looks extremely impressive! I didn't realize any companies in Wash State built such beautiful tanks. Thanks for posting the bad parts too...it really makes me realize that I am not expected to be perfect and that anyone can screw up from time to time. I'm so looking forward to diving head first into this hobby. You all are very inspirational.

Where would you recommend getting my tank from? I've looked at Red Sea and CAD lights, but neither have a true 48" x 24" x 24" tanks....not that its mandatory but it seemed like a good size.

Thanks!

Mark Stover
Monument Colorado

 

[Mark-Stover]

Taking your time is a smart move. Even after you get started never loose sight of that! [emoji6]

Thanks for the kind welcome. I'll try to remember your words of wisdom as I go along....I learned while in the USAF to always listen to the advice of the Marines.

 

[Mark-Stover]

Welcome home, you will love it here!

Please keep us posted on your build with tons of photos!

Thanks for the kind welcome....I'll do exactly that! The only thing I have so far is a couple small powereads for QT tanks and an empty spot for my mixing station and for the tank. Not much to photograph, but some day soon!

 

[120reefkeeper]

Thanks for the kind welcome. I'll try to remember your words of wisdom as I go along....I learned while in the USAF to always listen to the advice of the Marines.

I'd also like to thank you for your service! [emoji4]

If you follow that then you'll have lots of success! [emoji6]

 

[red13]

Welcome to R2R and thank you foe your service. To answer your question about the tank, there are alot of tank builders out there who will make the tank the dimensions you want. Reef Savy, AGE, Crystal Dynamics to name a few. Check with any local clubs they might know a local builder. Get the dimensions you want, its not worth regretting it later.

 

[mfinn]

Thanks for the kind welcome. I actually grew up in Hoquiam out on the coast of Washington and went to the UW. After spending many years in the USAF I ended up living in North Bend and working back in the Seattle area doing dot com era jobs till that died out. I then went to NASA in Huntsville Al for a few years before coming back to Colorado. Even with all that I'll always be a Seahawks and Mariners fan. I still get back there a couple times a year to visit my family who are all still in Hoquiam. I do miss the place, but not all the dreary winter days.

I spent time last night reading your posts on your large tank build. That looks extremely impressive! I didn't realize any companies in Wash State built such beautiful tanks. Thanks for posting the bad parts too...it really makes me realize that I am not expected to be perfect and that anyone can screw up from time to time. I'm so looking forward to diving head first into this hobby. You all are very inspirational.

Where would you recommend getting my tank from? I've looked at Red Sea and CAD lights, but neither have a true 48" x 24" x 24" tanks....not that its mandatory but it seemed like a good size.

Thanks!

Mark Stover
Monument Colorado

I recognized the avatar immediately.

Yeah, I wrote a few chapters in the book on what not to do.

Oceans By Design made my tank. I think the operate under the name Crystal Reef in Bellingham Wa.
I'm sure they ship.
I would stay away from the discount tank builders.


FWIW, it hasn't rained more than a couple 100ths of a inch in months and months.
I'm starting to miss those rains.

 

[4FordFamily]

Thanks for the kind welcome....I'll do exactly that! The only thing I have so far is a couple small powereads for QT tanks and an empty spot for my mixing station and for the tank. Not much to photograph, but some day soon!

You're quite welcome. No problem, this photos are still welcome! Make a build thread for us to follow!