I'm taking this all in with an appropriate attitude, I think. Had freshwater tanks over the years, dropped out about 10 years ago. Been retired about 8 years and was looking for something besides woodworking. I guess I should add that I retired from the water and wastewater utility business so was intrigued by the central theme of the nitrogen cycle, something I used to deal with quite a bit. How difficult can this be? OK, get off the floor and stop laughing. Had some extra cash lying around and went to LFS. (See how advanced I am? I know an ACRONYM!). Contemplated for a week or so on 125 and went back and really liked the look of a 70 gallon Waterbox. Had been a demo at the national show so it was (I thought) a pretty good deal, really liked the sump that fit in the stand just right, had skimmer, Kissel light in the package. Paid the man to come set it up and was prepared to even pay for "servicing" if that seemed intimidating at first until I learned. AND THEN I STARTED READING HERE ON R2R. O. M. G. Like the proverbial deer caught in about 37 headlights. Those degrees in engineering and biology back in early 70's seem pretty useless NOW!
Anyway, having had my mortality virginity lost this morning (clown on the sand gasping) I feel ill prepared to deal with this. Mainly because in two days I'd already gotten attached to the little guys, who knew you love a fish? So anyway I'm loading up the cadaver and a water sample to go back to the man and see what he thinks.
So that's me. And FWIW I'm a big DIY, having built houses, furniture, etc and for me to just buy a setup like this not the normal me. I admire the many here who slowly and with care built their systems. I'm old, impatient now, and can afford to do a "what the heck? Let's just do this!) So I did. And NOW I have a lot to learn and hopefully can build the herd (slowly) from my start of 4 fish, a shrimp, and some small corals. And may I say there are some amazing threads here.
Anyway, having had my mortality virginity lost this morning (clown on the sand gasping) I feel ill prepared to deal with this. Mainly because in two days I'd already gotten attached to the little guys, who knew you love a fish? So anyway I'm loading up the cadaver and a water sample to go back to the man and see what he thinks.
So that's me. And FWIW I'm a big DIY, having built houses, furniture, etc and for me to just buy a setup like this not the normal me. I admire the many here who slowly and with care built their systems. I'm old, impatient now, and can afford to do a "what the heck? Let's just do this!) So I did. And NOW I have a lot to learn and hopefully can build the herd (slowly) from my start of 4 fish, a shrimp, and some small corals. And may I say there are some amazing threads here.
