Newcomer

[skully]

Hi folks- I'm brand new to this hobby (did the freshwater thing for awhile), and have been doing my research for the last year, and I'm getting ready to take the jump. I want to go with a 75 gal rr setup, but I don't think I'm ready to try I full-blown reef system. I'm thinking of starting with some live rock and perhaps some hardy inverts. I'm still confused on the lighting issue, because out of the hundred resources I've checked, I get about that many different suggestions. Can anyone give me some advice on this, as well as any other tips you might have for a beginner?

[Chris]

Hey Skully! Welcome to the group! :beer:

One thing about this hobby that you'll want to definate pay heed to would be to do your research FIRST. :read:

Lots of mistakes can be made which could result in the waste of a lot of money or having to get rid of some expensive product you never really needed in the first place.

Lighting is an issue that depends pretty much on what you'd like to keep. If you plan to keep corals some day, then DO NOT skimp on your lighting at the start unless you don't mind tossing away items that will be too weak for you later down the road. Normal Output (NO) lighting is popular with stores selling tank "kits" but they're really not going to allow you to keep much of any corals. Personally i'd suggest buying an IceCap 660 ballast and using VHO bulbs (PC's will work too) to start. Later on down the road you can easily add more bulbs or switch to Metal Halide lighting while still using the IceCap ballast.

I'm sure others can make some suggestions as well. You've entered an often times expensive hobby, so plan your steps and enjoy the show.

8)

[Derek B]

Solid advice Chris, I concur.

Skully, doing your research first is key, so you are on the right track. So many people get frustrated with, and ultimately quit, this hobby due to a simple lack of research. Research all purchases and ask others lots of questions. There is really no magic to it and there are many ways to set up a successful reef. I agree with Chris, go with the VHO bulbs first and then later metal halides for the stony corals. Before you set up, decide whether you want a sump or not and the type of filtration system your desired setup will require. Another very important step is to learn the water quality basics, a few of which are the importance of pH and alkalinity and how they differ and interact; the importance of calcium and magnesium and how they interact with each other; how calcium and alkalinity interact; and, the importance of trace elements and how to maintain a constant supply. There are many good articles out there. Check out www.wetwebmedia.com for some good info. In the beginning, I would recommend staying away from all the expensive gadgetry like calcium reactors, elaborate wavemakers, UV sterilizers etc until a better understanding and knowledge can be gained about their uses and usefullness. Many of these things are very expensive and somewhat advanced. Keep it simple. Get a good skimmer like a Remora, a few powerheads, some good live rock and sand and go from there. And, to steal a quote from many reefers out there, "nothing good happens fast". Welcome aboard and good luck!

[Chris]

I'd recommend checking out Chris's setup first as he's done a fine job with all the hardware and it's not up and running yet, very good indeed.

It halfway is! The water is in it... just waiting for the sand to clear up :-o

I have about 2" visibility. 8)

[TexasState]

I have about 2" visibility.

Did you use the trash bag method to add water to a sandbed?

[Chris]

Hehe... no... I was going to wait and add the sand after adding a few lbs. of LR with my base rock and then slowly add a 50lb bag at a time after a few days but Troy convinced me to just skip the hassle and add the sand right away.

I'm still working on a few little modifications to my stand so it's all good. I'm in no rush.

8)

[TexasState]

Troy is right. If I'm starting up a new tank, I would add All the sand in at one time. I would pre-mix the salt water to correct salinty b4 I add it in with the sand. Order some really, really Raw rock and put it in with your sand. Even with all the bacteria in my system, it would take several for my tank to clear out if I mess with my sand bed too much.

See you and Troy on Monday.

Back to Scully,
Your light needs depend on what kind of corals you want to keep. Do you have any ideas what type of corals you like soft(mushrooms, leather.) LPS (Frogspawn, Brain.) or SPS hard corals ( Montipora, Acropora, etc.)
Techgrad knows where to get the Borneman book for cheap, I would start out from there.
http://www.fishdomain.com/coralindex.php3