Converting to Salt

Stoic · Nov 27, 2025

What’s up Reefers?

I began the aquarium hobby almost 2 years ago now with freshwater fish in a 40 gallon breeder. Over the time since I’ve setup and enjoyed two more tanks (a 20 gallon high and a 9 gallon long) all Aquascaped and stocked differently. I never would have imagined the joy, peace, and intrigue the hobby would bring me and at the constant peer pressure of a friend have decided to begin a saltwater build for my fourth tank. I will admit the mixed reef, macro algae, and FOWLR setups with the striking beauty of marine fish and inverts has gotten me very excited. All of that said, I am still brand new to this side of the hobby and am excited to learn as I undertake deconstructing and reconstructing my 125 gallon tank I’ve gotten second hand for this build. Advice, cautionary tales, and salutations are all welcome.

Pleased to meet you all!

revhtree · Nov 27, 2025

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

kevgib67 · Nov 27, 2025

Welcome, glad you are here and Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Day Waiting GIF by JustViral

vetteguy53081 · Nov 27, 2025

NanoSteam · Nov 27, 2025

Welcome! Sounds exciting, I'd say Saltwater is more lik peace with some chaos sprinkled in

EnterName · Nov 27, 2025

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

125gal is a great size to start. It's not so small that water parameters are unstable, but not too large that water changes, or manual removal of algae would become too much of a hassle.
Coming from freshwater you already know some stuff even though it might be a little bit different in reef tanks. However, you might want to make yourself familiar with "the ugly phase" before starting a reef tank, because that's where many people seem to panic and start messing with their tanks in ways that don't really help. After a reef tank is cycles (nitrogen cycle) it is still not completely ready and it can take a long time until actual stability settles in.

Enjoy the new hobby!

Reef Jedi · Nov 27, 2025

Welcome to Reef2Reef, the greatest community out of water!

The salty side is so much fun, and termoil, and a little chaos lol however the rewards are all worth it. It may take a little more of your time then fresh however what you put into it you’ll get out. It’s an amazing hobby and I wish you great success on your reefing journey!

The search bar on this forum is a very powerful tool. If you can’t find a close thread to your question, post a new one and we are all happy to help!

Waters · Nov 27, 2025

Welcome

!!

vetteguy53081 · Nov 27, 2025

Stoic said:
What’s up Reefers?

I began the aquarium hobby almost 2 years ago now with freshwater fish in a 40 gallon breeder. Over the time since I’ve setup and enjoyed two more tanks (a 20 gallon high and a 9 gallon long) all Aquascaped and stocked differently. I never would have imagined the joy, peace, and intrigue the hobby would bring me and at the constant peer pressure of a friend have decided to begin a saltwater build for my fourth tank. I will admit the mixed reef, macro algae, and FOWLR setups with the striking beauty of marine fish and inverts has gotten me very excited. All of that said, I am still brand new to this side of the hobby and am excited to learn as I undertake deconstructing and reconstructing my 125 gallon tank I’ve gotten second hand for this build. Advice, cautionary tales, and salutations are all welcome.

Pleased to meet you all!