After a long hiatus...

[Dom_P]

Hello Everyone

After being in the hobby for nearly 10 years, life got in the way of this amazing hobby and forced me to sell all equipment, LPS/SPS coral, critters and fish. Some 15 years later I have the time and resources to setup once again. Last I left the hobby "state of the art" looked different. But after researching for a few days much seems to be the same.

I'm looking at a 170G Reef tank from Innovative Marine as a starting point. I do expect to stock with LPS/SPS and a 3 or 4 fish (if they will behave). Now sadly, I used to have some amazing live rock so I would love some advice as to what people recommend. Should I invest again in live rock, or start with with something like Marco Rocks? Also skimmers were critical back in the day as was a refugium with some chaeto in it... still a good choice? I assume so if I will have fish. And what the heck is a fleece roller? j/k ... it looks kinda cool :)

Anyways, I've got a lot to research before pulling the trigger, do feel free to provide any advice you might have as I'd prefer to minimize mistakes.

Thanks!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hello Everyone

After being in the hobby for nearly 10 years, life got in the way of this amazing hobby and forced me to sell all equipment, LPS/SPS coral, critters and fish. Some 15 years later I have the time and resources to setup once again. Last I left the hobby "state of the art" looked different. But after researching for a few days much seems to be the same.

I'm looking at a 170G Reef tank from Innovative Marine as a starting point. I do expect to stock with LPS/SPS and a 3 or 4 fish (if they will behave). Now sadly, I used to have some amazing live rock so I would love some advice as to what people recommend. Should I invest again in live rock, or start with with something like Marco Rocks? Also skimmers were critical back in the day as was a refugium with some chaeto in it... still a good choice? I assume so if I will have fish. And what the heck is a fleece roller? j/k ... it looks kinda cool :)

Anyways, I've got a lot to research before pulling the trigger, do feel free to provide any advice you might have as I'd prefer to minimize mistakes.

Thanks!

Tampa Bay rock is the best ive seen

 

[FindinNemo]

Welcome back and welcome to R2R!

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

 

[phillyb614]

Yes, go with live rock if you can. Refugiums and skimmers are definitely a thing and are very beneficial.

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef and back to saltwater!

I have used the rock and sand from Tampa Bay Saltwater, and it's fantastic! I have even more on order for my next build. The ladies that run the show are active members here if you have questions for them:

Tampa Bay Saltwater - America's #1 Live Rock for Reef Aquariums

Tampa Bay Saltwater sustainably farms ocean aquacultured live rock and hand harvested sand. TBS Live Rock provides beneficial microorganisms, creates a less stressful environment for inhabitants and provides natural biofiltration by the lifeforms found in and on it. Healthy live rock, from our...

tbsaltwater.com

Good luck!

 

[Dom_P]

Tampa Bay rock is the best ive seen

thanks will check it out.

Is 1lb/gallon still the "norm"?

 

[vetteguy53081]

thanks will check it out.

Is 1lb/gallon still the "norm"?

Pretty close -yes

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome back, glad you are here!

 

[Dom_P]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

So, I'm gonna keep asking questions until you all get bored of me (also feel free to point me wherever and tell me to RTFM) :)

Back in the day, I had sand in my tank, then the advice at the time was to remove it to try to keep the detritus suspended in the water column to allow mechanical filtration to remove it. What's the consensus on this these days?

 

[Brisk]

Welcome back!

 

[Cichlid Dad]

 

[Just John]

 

[zheka757]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[Ocean_Queenie]

Hello & Welcome!

 

[RockRash]

 

[tharbin]

Welcome to R2R! Split decision on the sand/bare bottom call. Consensus seems to be easier to get going with sand/easier to maintain sans sand. Personal preference rules.