At first everything was so difficult...

[Tbone2u]

Welcome and it is overwhelming at first but after you kick it's butt you'll never look back! Like riding a bike!

The feeling of being overwhelmed has dissipated since I became a member! Really.
I'm enjoying every minute of it now. Thanks for the welcome :D

 

[Tbone2u]

Welcome to R2R it’s great to have you with us!

Thanks for the welcome SPR. Have found everybody is very helpful and that's gonna help reduce the learning curve. I almost feel like I'm cheating!

 

[Tbone2u]

!!! Welcome to R2R !!!

Thanks Spyder, I'm enjoying being here

 

[C-Reefer]

Welcome to R2R! It's an awesome place, with tons of knowledge. It definitely seems overwhelming when you start, and even now there's still subjects I will run into that I'm overwhelmed with and have to spend time researching, but it definitely pays off. All I can say is research research research. The more you read, watch, ect, it just sinks in and you end up having far more knowledge then you think. Basics are actaully not that hard, and the great thing is you can make this hobby as complicated or easy as you like!

 

[Tbone2u]

Welcome to R2R! It's an awesome place, with tons of knowledge. It definitely seems overwhelming when you start, and even now there's still subjects I will run into that I'm overwhelmed with and have to spend time researching, but it definitely pays off. All I can say is research research research. The more you read, watch, ect, it just sinks in and you end up having far more knowledge then you think. Basics are actaully not that hard, and the great thing is you can make this hobby as complicated or easy as you like!

I'm a good one for making things complicated... my redemption is my patience. I'm retired. Have no time line and will be so proud and fulfilled once this first tank is up and running.
Can you help me with a question? If you were to list setting up a system in steps what things and order would you list them in?
I don't want you to spend a lot of time on this. I'm capable of rooting things out eventually so don't feel like I'm sitting on my butt waiting for an answer.
I realize each part is critical, with some being more critical than others.
My tank stand's built (well), tanks on it (weighs a ton!) & I hooked up the sump yesterday.
Figured I'd ask around for what substrate might be a good starter.
Any help is appreciated. & Thanks for the welcome :)

 

[C-Reefer]

I'm a good one for making things complicated... my redemption is my patience. I'm retired. Have no time line and will be so proud and fulfilled once this first tank is up and running.
Can you help me with a question? If you were to list setting up a system in steps what things and order would you list them in?
I don't want you to spend a lot of time on this. I'm capable of rooting things out eventually so don't feel like I'm sitting on my butt waiting for an answer.
I realize each part is critical, with some being more critical than others.
My tank stand's built (well), tanks on it (weighs a ton!) & I hooked up the sump yesterday.
Figured I'd ask around for what substrate might be a good starter.
Any help is appreciated. & Thanks for the welcome :)

Yeah sure no problem! I tend to like to make my tanks complicated, more then they should be hahaha.

I'd probably get my tank and sump plumbed and setup first. Then I'd do a leak test. Just fill it with freshwater and make sure your sumps working good, return line, ect. Check what happens when the power goes out (unplug everything) and make sure the sump doesn't overflow. Then I'd put on lights and pumps/powerheads, heaters and check that water flow is what you want. Then I'd get my rocks (live or dry, your choice), and scape them in the tank on the barebottom, the fill the sand in around them. Either fill it up with saltwater you mixed in a Brute or buckets, or fill it with RODI and then mix the salt in the tank. I'd suggest premixing. Put in 2 ppm of ammonia and let it start cycling!