New... yup, that's me!

[neogenix]

Hey Guys!

I'm new, and well, green as can be with salt water tanks. I've had FW tanks for years, and currently have a 100gal from Alamo Aquatics that has a pair of Red Ear Sliders (Tim and Tayter). I've been reading, and reading and reading, and have been to about every LFS that I could find bar one or two in SA... I'm ready to start working towards taking the plunge...so... here I come!!

On a side note, Gabe's was hugely helpful, as was Texas Tropical and Marine! Thanks to both of you!! My plan was to start with the NC HQI, but after reading through the for-sale on here, there's no reason to actually do that, when there are great deals all over the place... So expect to see some silly questions, and at least a few ... doh moments :)

[greatwhite@AlamoAquatics]

welcome to maast and this great hobby , patience is number one. good luck ..and always feel free to ask questions...

[marcusgonzales210]

welcome dude! Let me just tell you this group isn't the same unless you have a charter membership. You are given a TON more privilages and discounts at stores and meetings. Plus doorprizes like free coral and fragging tools. It's worth it. :) And I second what greatwhite said. Happy reefing!

[neogenix]

Thanks for the welcome, oddly, I was actually trying to work out what a Charter Membership gives you? Is there somewhere that this is listed out?

[marcusgonzales210]

yup it's right here just click this link. http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?p=381046#post381046

[Kristy]

Welcome neo! I can tell you that you are light years ahead of us, and of many others, in that you have already found MAAST - this is where my newbie learning curve got a sharp incline... so maybe we can help spare you some of the newbie mistakes that we made! ;)

Tell us about the system that you are planning... what have you got already or what are you planning to keep?

Also, by the way, you can find more details about Charter Membership on the link in the left hand column called "Membership." It doesn't break down the benefits as specifically as it should (something we are working on actually, so thanks for the nudge that we need to get it done!) but there are several local sponsors that give a nice discount to MAAST charter members, among lots of other benefits within the site / club itself.

Ask lots of questions, don't worry about them sounding dumb... we have all asked them before!

[neogenix]

yup it's right here just click this link. http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?p=381046#post381046

Wow, thanks, that was quick ;) !! I'm going to give it a look over shortly! Although, from the quick scan i gave it, I'll be needing to ship a cheque, as paypal is refusing to let me transfer my account to the US :(

[marcusgonzales210]

oh that's not good. :( The way I did it was wait until a maast meeting and showed up. You can just pay Kristy or one of the event coordinators there. They allow both members and guests to show up and participate. Of course members get better deals. Like our meeting on sunday. For charter members, there was a mystery frag pool where everyone put in some coral and we took turns randomly and blindly picking up bags of coral. Wow I've only been to two meetings and I already feel close to everyone there! I love all the people in charge of planning the meetings.

[neogenix]

Welcome neo! I can tell you that you are light years ahead of us, and of many others, in that you have already found MAAST - this is where my newbie learning curve got a sharp incline... so maybe we can help spare you some of the newbie mistakes that we made! ;)


We can only hope, although I'm sure I'll find a plethora of new mistakes to make ;) You guys do seem like an awfully nice bunch so far!



Tell us about the system that you are planning... what have you got already or what are you planning to keep?


I'm actually looking to convince txmike to let me go look at his extra 55G RR show that he has, and is selling. Then with any luck, it'll become my starter SW tank.

As for livestock, all I really know so far is that I love the personality of Tangs, mostly the common yellow ones I've seen so far at many LFS, and home tanks. Outside of that, corals, a pretty clam or two, and slowly build up to have a nice looking reef tank :) (with of course a load of tinkering, I like tinkering)


Also, by the way, you can find more details about Charter Membership on the link in the left hand column called "Membership." It doesn't break down the benefits as specifically as it should (something we are working on actually, so thanks for the nudge that we need to get it done!) but there are several local sponsors that give a nice discount to MAAST charter members, among lots of other benefits within the site / club itself.

Ask lots of questions, don't worry about them sounding dumb... we have all asked them before!

I have to say so far I've found it a bit overwhelming the mass of information, and the strange gap between 'beginner', and 'expert' that seems to exist in the documentation everyone has (not just here).... :wub: I've had to look up a lot of things so far... and I'm far from done...

[neogenix]

oh that's not good. :( The way I did it was wait until a maast meeting and showed up. You can just pay Kristy or one of the event coordinators there. They allow both members and guests to show up and participate. Of course members get better deals. Like our meeting on sunday. For charter members, there was a mystery frag pool where everyone put in some coral and we took turns randomly and blindly picking up bags of coral. Wow I've only been to two meetings and I already feel close to everyone there! I love all the people in charge of planning the meetings.

That actually does sound like fun, I'll see what I can do! When's the next meeting planned for?

[Kristy]

You can find the meeting info in the Announcements forums, or keep an eye on the 2010 calendar as we are filling it in as quickly as we can:
http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=57471

The next meeting will be the Zoo Event on April 10.

[Pennies2Cents]

Hey Neo,


Welcome! :) Cant wait to see pix of your setup when you get it going... If you need anything feel free to ask here on MAAST. :)

[neogenix]

You can find the meeting info in the Announcements forums, or keep an eye on the 2010 calendar as we are filling it in as quickly as we can:
http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=57471

The next meeting will be the Zoo Event on April 10.

That sounds like fun. I'll see if i can make a stop by :)

[neogenix]

Hey Neo,


Welcome! :) Cant wait to see pix of your setup when you get it going... If you need anything feel free to ask here on MAAST. :)

Hey Pennies2Cents,

I'm eager to get going :) and be careful what you wich for!! Love your 240! and especially what you did with the fuge on the sump!

[hobogato]

welcome to maast neo :)

[Europhyllia]

Hello! :)

[neogenix]

Thanks guys!!

[Mr Cob]

Hey neo...glad to have you here. Thanks for joining, can't wait to see some pics of your setup and look forward to meeting you at one of the meetings.