Hello.

[AM3]

I wanted to say hello to everyone and introduce myself. I am just getting started with my first SW tank, I really appreciate all the info on the site.

[pilot_bell777]

Hello....and WELCOME TO MAAST!

[::pete::]

http://www.offthereef.org/images/welcome%20gif.gif

[LoneStar]

Where are you located at? And let the addiction begin. :angel

[GaryP]

Welcome to MAAST AM. We will be looking forward to meeting you. Please jump in and ask away as your questions come on your new tank.

[bigdscobra]

And let the addiction begin. :angel

LOL Welcome to MAAST.

[C.Mydas]

Addiction? LOL...Lonestar you sound like you're already in recovery...you've recognized you have a problem. Now me on the other hand Im in full blown denial...LOL.

AM3- Welcome!! This is a great site...feel free to ask any question no matter how simple it may seem. ;)

[AM3]

Thanks guys. This place is great. I feel the addiction forming already! I've been shopping around for a few weeks now; hopefully I'll have all my stuff together very soon.

I think I'll be starting with a 75G tank.

I wanted to start with a 150G+ tank (bc I found a good deal on one) but I'm currently in a third floor apt and I do not want to make things difficult when its time to move next Mar/Apr.

I def want some corals and inverts, anyone have any recommendations for someone who understands most of the basic concepts but is just getting started?

[C.Mydas]

Patience. Seriously. After you get it going waiting for the 'cycle' is torture!! But rushing it will end up costing you and any livesotck you put in there in the future.

Also, dont skimp on the liverock. It is literally your best friend as far as filtration goes. Also, (speaking from experience, we set up a 100g on a 2nd story apartment...then a 37g...then an 18g...you get the point lol) if you get uncured liverock and plan on curing it yourself your apartment is gonna' smell like the inside of a ...well... it will smell really really bad.

Personally Id go for the 150. After moving our tanks Ive learned..size doesn't matter..its all a PITA. Since you're moving in awhile, you might want to consider going barebottom. This way you dont have to move a sandbed...which is truly the killer part...on yourself and maybe even your system if you're not super careful.

-Christina

[CD]

Welcome to MAAST, AM3!!

I'll have to agree with C.Mydas on the idea of going barebottom in your tank for now (even though I love sandbeds, and they help denitrification in your tank) it will be a PITA to move it...especially noting that you are only going to be in your apt. for about another six months. Best thing you can do at this point is read as much as you can (if you haven't already)...The Conscientious Marine Aquarist is a great book that I think you would enjoy, and it gives many options on setting up and maintaining your tank. ;)

W. :)

[lhoy]

Welcome, this group has helped me tremendously and I am a new member myself.

Lee

[Reef69]

WELCOME!!!!

[Sherri]

Welcome AM3....look forward to meeting you at one of our monthly meetings? :)

[Dozer]

Welcome!

Don't suppose there is any chance you'd consider spending the next 6-8 months researching/learning/planning and then getting and setting up your system once you've already moved? Not only would this save you a lot of pain come moving time, but you also can pick out everything to really go with your new house. Size and shape of tank, size and shape of stand, canopy, color of finish, remote sump/fuge vs. under tank, etc.

All that being said I don't know if I could wait either, so take it for what it's worth :D

[MikeyBoy]

Welcome................I think the best piece of beggining information is to find someone on here that you can trust, and there are tons.
and sit down and plan your system, piece by piece before you ever make a purchase.
I have LITERALLY almost bought EVERYTHING on my system once or twice because I didnt make the right purchase to begin with.

A 75 gallon system should be relatively easy plan, but OH SO important to do so!
And dont skimp up front, you will just pay for it in dead fish and coral in the long run!
I believe you pay for what you get in this hobby.

Welcome,

Mike

[NaCl_H2O]

Welcome to MAAST, and I agree you will be much happier with a 150g in the long run, but a 75g is a good size to learn with. Just remember, you WILL eventually want a bigger tanks.

Also, please remember that everything you read here isn't actually fact, there are lots of "opinion" and you have to weed it out. For example:


I'll have to agree with C.Mydas on the idea of going bare bottom
I think we all know that running around without any underwear really doesn't make for a better reef tank :lol

[C.Mydas]

What??!! Brian said it would help the tanks!! :angry

:P

[LoneStar]

:pics

[::pete::]

:lol

[NaCl_H2O]

What??!! Brian said it would help the tanks!! :angry
Well, he is the expert :innocent But I thought Brian was the one with the bare bottom :sick ... now I get it ... snookums ;)

[AM3]

Thanks again for all the advice. I've been researching/shopping around for around a month now. I've read as much as I can on MAAST, Reefcentral, Reefkeeping and just about any other link I could find. I've also bugged many a worker at different stores in my area.

Here's a list of what I am considering: (and prices I've found @LFS)

75G tank - (going to buy used, 150.00 - 350.00)

48" double aqualight lunar - 269.99

Eheim 1260 Pump - 139.99

Proclear 150 protein skimmer - 139.99

req stuff- instant ocean, hydrometer, heater, therm, test kit, timer - 164.50

I know I need plenty of live rock, what is a good amount for 75G?

If I am missing anything (like I feel I am) please tell me.

As for live sand, would moving it really be that difficult?

I was thinking when it's time to move I can just get a really long hose (that will only be used for this purpose) and siphon or pump the tank water down to a tank in the bed of a truck. Would that work?

[C.Mydas]

Im no expert on equipment, Im sure some of the others will pipe in with some advise. Regarding the hose, it has to be a 'fish tank' hose like a python because the inside of garden hoses are treated with an anti-bacteria coating.

Moving sand beds are a pita. We had to do it for a 100g and it took us approximately 8 hours to wash all of it before we could put it in the new tank. If your dead set on having one then I would make sure you keep it super clean with weekly vacuumings. That way when you move you might avoid having to wash it. You usually have to wash the sand because your releasing all the bacteria and gunk that settles at different levels in a sand bed...not good for a system.

Pumping the water to a tank in the truck is possible but it will have to have a lid or it will all splash out as you drive...no matter how carefully you drive. MikeyBoy, here on MAAST, has a large closed container though that he has offered up to anyone moving tanks...so that shouldnt be a problem.

Hope that helps.

[AM3]

Sure does help, thanks. Something I forgot to mention in my last post- I know I need a sump but I'm very confused in this department. I have seen many many different options but I am not sure what to look for as far as what type, brand or even the right diameter for the bulkhead and other plumbing.

Should I make that a whole other post?