Advise?

[Freakyyfort]

So being I am relatively new to saltwater aquariums I would like to know what many reefers would consider some good advise for someone that wants to learn more about the hobby.

What are some good articles or threads to read, maybe some good books.
I am following along with the BRS 160 series and also have watched a lot of Thier videos along with numerous others.

I try and follow along with some of the chemistry fourms but some of it becomes an off topic ordeal and I get lost reading other people's "thoughts" instead of actual testing done.
I've looked on the net for the "basics" of reef keeping cause you need to know them as they are the foundation of the hobby.... maybe I need to dig deeper and find out more.

I know most are gonna say paitence. I already know paitence is key.

 

[Freakyyfort]

Also what are some of the tests that need to be done more or a test schedule as I know little about that. Due to me breaking phones a lot phone apps not a good idea.

 

[143MPCo]

[HASHTAG]#reefsquad[/HASHTAG]

 

[dbl]

Personally I would start here: http://reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

There is a link in the first post that takes you to a load of information, along with the comments in the thread itself. It's a great start. You've already found one of your best resources, and that's the great many people here on R2R to help along the way.

As to testing, at the start, you'll test for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, along with temperature and salinity. As you progress, other tests will follow (Alkalinity, Calcium and Magnesium) to name a few.

Yes, patience is key, as slow and steady wins the saltwater race, at least in my opinion.

 

[Downbeach]

Here are four good articles that are worth reading/keeping for reference:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/rhf/index.php
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/rhf/index.php

 

[Davesgt]

I would say with the high tech world of today, videos, videos, videos lol. There is so much knowledge out there that can help get you started. Check out Mark Callahan he is MrSaltwaterTank tv on youtube and if you want he has several books on how to keep an aquarium, algae control, tips and secrets. The BRS and Marine Depot videos also help a lot with setting equipment up and with new products. As far as testing make a schedule you are happy with, for instance test every Monday and Thursday spreads it out and not a lot of swings within that time. The stuff to test is Alkalinity which in my opinion is the most important! Calcium, Nitrate, phosphate, magnesium, and salinity are things I try to keep a check on. Plus if you need any help make a thread and one of us will happily help, or if you rather PM that's fine also.

 

[Sabellafella]

Welcome! It basically comes down to alot of readings, especially on the forums, a months worth of readin can give you a sharp understanding of what goes on. If you need any help with anything specific, you could shoot me or anyone in the squad a message. Also ive ben watching the brs tank, and its acually very helpfull as they dig deep into some things that youll deffinitly need to consider. As for books, theres a few, ive acually never read a aquarium book but its funny because i was talkin to my gf last night about wanting to read one. Assuming youll have a reef, i would test alkalinity ATLEAST 3 times a week. Calc and mag usually fall inline very well with the addition of waterchanges, i usually test them both once a week. Also test phosphate and nitrate once a week
Also just to make this clear, dont use any elements you arent testing for. Its a disaster awaiting to happen. Make sure you top off evaporated water and buy something reliable to measure temp + salinity

 

[Diesel]

Good point @Freakyyfort .
There's so much out there to read and for us to post as it will take me a day or two to make you happy with the right info.
Now days we have a lot of new members here on R2R that been reading in the background for months at time before they even get their tank wet or buy a tank.
They are going from one topic to the other and asking a lot of questions.
Three things you need to know before you start this hobby,

1) Goal, what kind of tank would you like, size, livestock, learning tank for a later upgrade.

2) Budget, many ppl will go over their budget to soon as they don't have any good feedback for what to do.
If you plan on having $2000 as your budget put an extra 40% on top of that ($800) or set your budget at $1400 if $2000 is all you have.
Reason is your tank is all setup and running and you forgot about your test kits or the pump is working silently, you need livestock and corals, more rock, more salt and RODI filter backup etc etc.
Many things comes to mind after you spend all your budget.

3) Last but not least as many of us have experience that, "Happy wife/partner/girlfriend is happy hobby"

You made the right decision and that is planning a game plan as that makes your work in this hobby a lot easier.

 

[Chrisfish]

Welcome, even though next month will be a year since i started my first SW tank i still consider myself new as well. There are very knowledgeable and helpful people here, so ask lots of questions, read and YouTube videos are a great source for information. Looking forward to following your thread. :)

 

[120reefkeeper]

Advice you say???? Hmmmm . Well first of all you made the best choice a would be reefer can make. Being part of this community and asking the question. There is never enough information out there and it's always good to get second and even third opinions. I hope you don't expect to know it all because none of us do, we are all still learning.

There is always more than one way to skin a cat. Patience is key. Water quality is where it all starts, it's the foundation of everything we do.

Nothing happens fast in this hobby and fast things always go bad.

Enjoy the learning aspect of it all! Read READ READ! Learn from others mistakes and triumph's.

 

[Freakyyfort]

I have a 20 long in the bedroom that's been doing well. Just switched 2 of my t5s to blue plus from ati. I think it's doing well for the time it's been up. I have some of the basic knowledge and common sense to visually see if there may be a problem. It's more less of stepping back from the technology and learning. I have a 75 with 40 breeder sump that'll I'll put a controller on eventually but when the cycle is done I don't wanna hook up controller and let that do the work for me. If a probleman rises I'd like to know why and how it happened and the know how to fix it. I don't want to be the one who comes on and says I have a problem fix it for me and I get no knowledge for future mishaps. I think having the accessibility to all this technology has made it easier for ppl to just spend money and not know anything nor wanna further Thier education in it. " well it looks nice so I got one"... I want to learn about as much as I can from all of this I do enjoy it thus far as I haven't had any major problems. Thanks for the links and advise will be reading up on more and looking deeper into this. I do believe r2r is the best online community for saltwater. It has provided many answered questions and a huge welcoming. Thank you all!

 

[CodyRVA]

Welcome! +1 to most of what was already said. I would also recommend you to take some advice with a grain of salt. I've found it quite common for hobbyists to have one experience and assume that is the only experience possible, then proceed to tout that singular experience as the norm across the forums. Your best bet is to obtain insight from many reefers and decipher a common voice as a strategy to resolve issues and learn new tricks in the hobby. There are also many experienced folks out there that won't lead you astray. :D

 

[Freakyyfort]

I have become friends with a guy from here that has taught me a lot.. really what I know thus far. But to be that bother with constant questions and concerns has made me out source for more learning material. That way I don't have to be that bother. I want to show more accomplishments from actually learning and have the know how.

 

[reefwiser]

One thing I always recommend is finding a local club. http://redrivervalleyreefers.com/ is a club in North Dakota.
There is nothing like having someone right there with you and the problem you are having. They can see things that you will not see. Which can make answering a question here on a forum harder because you might not be describing accurately the at hand.
The Reef Aquarium, Vol. 3: Science, Art, and Technology by Julian Sprung and Charles Delbeek
http://www.amazon.com/Reef-Aquarium-Vol-Science-Technology/dp/1883693144
is a great book there are three of them and this is the newest one.

 

[Freakyyfort]

Joined rrvr..
No activity
My first post on there is the most recent.. that was March.
Haha i then found R2R

 

[zemuss]

It all comes down to two, patience and time.

 

[Freakyyfort]

Patience and time I've got that haha. Thank you all again. Really appreciate the time you guys put into all this. One day I wanna be able to give feedback not just read it.

 

[120reefkeeper]

I have become friends with a guy from here that has taught me a lot.. really what I know thus far. But to be that bother with constant questions and concerns has made me out source for more learning material. That way I don't have to be that bother. I want to show more accomplishments from actually learning and have the know how.

Well I agree with most of what you said and in saying it you won't be a bother. Educating yourself is important on the forum and elsewhere. The old saying of " the only stupid question is the one not asked" does apply. I have never seen anyone on this forum belittle anyone for asking an honest question. I can't say the same for other forums. So I for one encourage you to ask away. Always be as detailed as you can and post pictures if possible.

I understand your stance, but believe me you or anyone else on here is never a bother! [emoji16]

Happy Reefing!

 

[Kungpaoshizi]

After you read everything you can, and watch videos, and then start thinking to yourself, "I've only read/seen this info about 50 times in other places" then you're halfway there. :)

 

[Freakyyfort]

Isn't that about the truth. Haha seems like you can only reread the same thing so many times but no you can't cause every outcome may be just a little bit diffrent and/or you missed something you thought was not important.. when every step along the way is just as important as the one just taken and thereafter..