New to Saltwater, Rather Large Tank...

[EbbTide]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the group, and I just wanted to introduce myself. I live in San Antonio out towards Leon Springs. I've had a 55 gallon and a 5 gallon fresh tank for about a year now, and I want to make the jump to a reef tank.

I was at Alamo Aquatic talking to the staff about getting a big tank for saltwater, and I said that the only way you can really get a good price on a big tank was to find someone who was moving and had to get rid of their system. Well, of course they knew somebody, and long story short, I'm now the proud owner of a 220 gallon tank with the associated equipment.

The previous owner had saltwater fish, but no reef. I've been browsing the site trying to learn as much as I can. Can anyone point me in the right direction for good, current literature on reef building? I know I'm going to have to make some changes to the equipment, and I want to plan everything out before I start this project. I want to do this right the first time, especially since I have such a large tank.

Also, I must say the community looks very friendly, and I'm glad to be getting into it. I'll definitely be at the November meeting at sea world, and I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Cheers,
EbbTide

[dwdenny]

first off Welcome to MAAST

Read Read Read and then Read some more also research what you might be interested in before ever buying equipment or livestock.

Edit: Get yourself some really good books of reef systems. From Scott Paletta, Anthony Calfo, Eric Boreman(spelling). Find out what you might want to keep and then research thier needs as far as lighting, water flow, water quality, etc. HTH

[EbbTide]

yes, definitely. with my prior tank experience I've learned your mistakes will haunt you, especially with livestock. It's not like you're just going to get rid of your fish if you decide you don't want them, and what you already have affects what you will be able to get in the future. Any recommendations on what to read first?

[abe77901]

Welcome to Maast and remember don't be afraid to ask a question, only unasked questions are dumb questions.

[msn711]

I really like reefindex.com; you can find articles about pretty much any topic there.

[Thunderkat]

Welcome to Maast!

You are in the right place for learning about reefs! There are many good books available at local fish stores, check them out and see what suits you, after you have read them feel free to ask any questions you want on the boards. Congrats on your system, that is a good enough size to get just about any fish you may want. The larger your tank too the easier it will be for you to take care of salt water system! You are starting off on the right foot that much is certain!

[Reef69]

WELCOME TO MAAST!..The most important thing you need is patience, SW is a slow process but a VERY rewarding one, dont expect things to happen as fast as they do in freshwater. Most people here in MAAST are very knowledagble and some of us are good at many different things. We have for example, people like GaryP who is our inhouse chemestry specialist, TexasTodd and Greenmako, who in my opinion are 2 of the most knowledgable SPS coral people we have. CD who is an over all wise reefer and of course, our president ~Pete~, he's just cool (jk..lol). Feel free to ask ANY questions you may have, answering is what we do best!..

[don-n-sa]

Any recommendations on what to read first?


In my opinion the best first book to read is

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Bob Fenner...it will get you started for sure.

here is a link

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1890087025/102-6226864-3300123?v=glance


Oh and welcome to MAAST!!!

[LoneStar]

I'll have to agree, The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Fenner is a great book for getting started into Saltwater Systems. LOTS of good photos and information. I picked up Ultimate Marine Aquariums by Paletta and started thumbing through that one too.

[Reef69]

One thing i forgot to mention is..In my opinion, your best friend is gonna be "common sense"..alot of people dont use it and end up crashing their systems over something dumb. When you encounter a problem, common sense will help out alot.

[cbianco]

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/

You won't be dissapointed!

Christopher

[dwdenny]

How did I forget Fenner man I am lossing it already. LOL

[MikeyBoy]

Anyother GREAT way to get your head around what you want to do is to go on a tank tour.
There are about a dozen people here in SA that have systems similar to yours.

I found this to be a GREAT help when setting up my 400g system.

some that come to mind.........
~Pete~
Gary P
NaCL02
Me
Scuba Steveo
Green Mako..........
Texas Todd


and there are certainly others........
You will certainly find this group more than willling to help..


Best wishes and Welcome to MAAST.........................at your service!!

Welcome to Masst

[EbbTide]

I'd LOVE a tank tour. I am hoping to meet and greet at the November meeting, introduce myself, and hopefully get a chance to follow up by seeing some other people's tanks. Really, I was telling my girlfriend last night what fun it would be just to go and see other people's tanks.

I'm a software architect by trade, so I like to plan my systems and take some time before I jump straight into development. A lot of the programmers I work with are fish buffs, and I think its related to our dealing with systems for a living. There's something captivating about a self contained organic system and being involved in shaping that system to perform at its peak.

Although I'd like to start the process soon, I'm definitely not in a hurry, and I want to do it right. I want to plan this out well, buy the base stuff I need and work towards more equipment as I slowly build my reef. I'm not expecting a full blown reef over night.

Regarding Fenner's book, I went and looked on Amazon and what do you know, the "Better Together" section says: "Buy this book with The New Marine Aquarium: Step-By-Step Setup [and Stocking Guide] by Michael S. Paletta today!" I'll definitely order both, and have them read before the November meeting with Mr Paletta.

Thanks again everyone for the warm welcome,
EbbTide

[lhoy]

Welcome to MAAST. There are a lot of very helpful folks and they share readily. Of the many "forums" for reefs, this is my favorite by far.

Lee

[don-n-sa]

I'd LOVE a tank tour. EbbTide

even though I am not on "mikeyboy's list" <_<

you are more than welcome to come by and see my set up.

I have a different kind of reef.... ;)

[MikeyBoy]

crap...........I knew I would do tha (leave someone out)...................AND YOU SHOULD SEE DON'S SYSTEM>>>>>>>>>>>>


HIS SYSTEM IS AWESOME!!!!! with the only rolling Chaetomorpha ball I know of in San Antonio!!!!! and its a big mo fo!!
You should start with his as a matter of fact...........

Or come to my house, and then Ill take you to Don's.........personally!!!

[NaCl_H2O]

Or come to my house, and then Ill take you to Don's.........personally!!!
Nice save :roll

Welcome EbbTide!

[Darth-Tater]

You forgot Carl's preditpr tank. It defies all of the laws of nature. :P Sorry Carl I had to say it.


Welcome to MAAST

Darth Tater

[EbbTide]

Or come to my house, and then Ill take you to Don's.........personally!!!

Heh, I'll take you up on that.


I got this 220g on tuesday night. It was already a saltwater tank which had been running for twelve years straight, but it was fish only. I brought the sand inside in a big tub full of the water from the tank, and kept the wet dry system covered over in my back room. I finally got the tank into my living room tonight, and I've just filled it back up with water. Since it's got such a strong biological base I figured I'd try and keep the system going until I decide how to proceed. Once the water is stabilized I'll hook the wet dry back up, then a day or two later go and get a few damsel fish to keep the tank going.

Anyway, I'd be very interested in taking you up on your tour offer Mikey Boy & Dan.

[LoneStar]

Well if you give the equipment list of what you have now and what you plan on in the future, I am sure we can chime in on commenting on whats good and bad. That could help you out in making 'large purchases' and prevent any bad ones.

[EbbTide]

I'll look at everything tonight, put a list together, and try and take some pictures. Thanks again for all the help everyone!

EbbTide

[Sherri]

Wecome to MAAST EbbTide! They have said it all. There is great help to be found here so remember, no question is a stupid question. ;) And glad to hear you'll be at the Paletta Sea World event in November...looking forward to meeting you.

[TheOtherGuy]

Welcome!

Yes-Take pics lots of pics and post in the Photography Forum. And then take more pics and even more pics - post post post! ;)

[dwdenny]

Welcome!

Yes-Take pics lots of pics and post in the Photography Forum. And then take more pics and even more pics - post post post! ;)

If you cannot already tell we like pics. ;)

[EbbTide]

If you cannot already tell we like pics. ;)

Heh, I'll be sure to take some pics tonight (If I can get the digital camera to work. It started acting up the other day, so I'm going to have to do a little fiddling.)

I just ordered Fenner's book on Amazon, along with Palleta's. Now it's hurry up and wait.

[scuba_steveo]

<------- gives tank tour for beer

[C.Mydas]

A tank tour would be super easy to plan...Pete, Steve (NaCl), CarlinSA, and us (GreenMako and I) live in the same neighborhood...and I think everbody else is on the NW side too. I cant speak for everyone else but your more than welcome to stop by anytime! :lol

Donnies tank is a must see...he's got the coolest predator reef...Im so jealous. ;)

[MikeyBoy]

Ebbtide.............we could do it Sat or Sunday afternoon.................I am not much of a morning person!!!!! ;) ;) ;)
I usually hit it pretty hard on Fri and Sat night!!!


What part of town do you live in??

[LoneStar]

I usually hit it pretty hard on Fri and Sat night!!!


You and me both!!!

You need to find a drinkin' buddy who works for a Whiskey distillery MikeyBoy. lol You got the Coke, he's got the Jack. :P

[MikeyBoy]

I'd prefer Crown!!! :)~

[hobogato]

now your talkin

[LoneStar]

Yes so do I but it just gets so expensive when you down it quick ;)

[satx-94integraLS]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the group, and I just wanted to introduce myself. I live in San Antonio out towards Leon Springs. I've had a 55 gallon and a 5 gallon fresh tank for about a year now, and I want to make the jump to a reef tank.

I was at Alamo Aquatic talking to the staff about getting a big tank for saltwater, and I said that the only way you can really get a good price on a big tank was to find someone who was moving and had to get rid of their system. Well, of course they knew somebody, and long story short, I'm now the proud owner of a 220 gallon tank with the associated equipment.
Cheers,
EbbTide

welcome to MAAST. all i can say is READ READ and MORE READING! i waited a year before i actually took the plunge into salt, but im glad i did. much more rewarding, IMO, than fresh ever was.

hope your tank turns out well

-rmc

ps - stay away from alamo aquatics like its the plague.

[gjuarez]

Welcome to Maast ebbtide, I know its a little late but better late than never. Your lucky, you get to start with a huge tank. Most of us dream of having a tank that size, but a lot of us dont have the space, or money. Good luck with it.

BTW, I prefer Chivas or Buchanan. I like it with club soda and a little lemon juice.

[CD]

EbbTide-
Welcome to MAAST!!!
Look forward to meeting you at the November event. ;)

W.

[EbbTide]

Ebbtide.............we could do it Sat or Sunday afternoon.................I am not much of a morning person!!!!! ;) ;) ;)
I usually hit it pretty hard on Fri and Sat night!!!


What part of town do you live in??

I live on the northwest side out I10 past Rudy's @ Boerne Stage Rd. I went out to Hondo this weekend to a cornfield maze with the kids. Tons of fun, anyone with a family might look into it.

Anyway, anytime would be great.

I went out today and picked up a dozen damzel fish to try and get the bacteria restarted in the wet dry. I took some pictures of my setup and I'll try to get them up as soon as possible. I'm reinstalling the OS on my main system, so that's taking up some of my time.

EbbTide

[EbbTide]

EbbTide-
Welcome to MAAST!!!
Look forward to meeting you at the November event. ;)


Thanks! Don't worry, I'll be there. I got Paletta's book in the mail today, as well as Fenner's. Plenty of reading for the week, I've already dug into Paletta's book and am enjoying it very much. I hope my girlfriend isn't expecting a lot of conversation for the next few days :P

I've taken some pictures and downloaded them onto my computer, but I'm not sure how to add my own gallery to the gallery here...