Finally Making my Dreams a Reality

[Zacccore]

Hi everyone! As the title says, I’ve been dreaming about getting into reefing for years—but I always found the hobby a bit intimidating and kept putting it off.

Recently, life gave me a serious wake-up call. My mom was in a terrible car accident and, truthfully, she’s lucky to be alive. Thanks to some amazing surgeons, she’s been recovering well, and I’m incredibly grateful to still have her in my life.

That whole experience really shifted my perspective. It reminded me that life is short and there’s no better time than now to pursue the things we’re passionate about. For me, that means finally diving into reefing.

I just ordered a Red Sea Reefer 200 G2+ Deluxe, an RO/DI system, and all the gear I need to get started. I'm beyond excited to get the tank cycling and start this journey. I’m also looking forward to connecting with other reefers here—any advice, encouragement, or even just friendly chat is more than welcome!

 

[revhtree]

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

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[edsbeaker]

Hello and welcome! So happy that your mom is recovering!

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[fishface NJ]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[Zacccore]

Thanks for the warm welcomes. I just received my RODI system in the mail. Still no tank yet, but I’m bubbling with excitement over finally getting the first piece to my reefing journey. :face-with-hand-over-mouth:

 

[MoeStachio]

Welcome! Congratulations!

Sorry to hear about your mom tho!

 

[B&CinB.C.]

Hi Zac . Welcome to Reef 2 Reef . Hoping your mom recovers fully

 

[Goaway]

Welcome to r2r. I pray your mom recovers well..

Dont try to make an instagram tank in your first month. Most of us know, they're all doctored up.

I hope you can enjoy the hobby. The first year can be absolute warfare. But, it's not. There are so many phases are tanks go through.

 

[mmorrison55]

Welcome.

For advice, I’ll try to impart, but I know it’s easier said than done in this hobby.

Take it slow, don’t be in a rush. Leave your lights off for at least two months while you cycle your tank and add your 1st few fish, especially if cycling with dry rock.if using live rock, you may be able to speed up the timeline by a few weeks.

QT everything if possible. I learned this the hard way and just dealt with losing 90% of my fish and basically having to start over.

Don’t get discouraged. Issues will happen, it’s just a matter of when not if, so if you go in knowing you will have set backs, they hopefully will not discourage you to the point of wanting to get out.

There are a lot of good people here who can help you with whatever comes up, but try not to get overwhelmed by information overload.

 

[zheka757]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[parclife]

Sorry to hear about your mum, certainly puts things back into perspective.

Good luck on the tank build, can feel your excitement which is what it’s all about! Have fun and enjoy it!

 

[tharbin]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[Brisk]

Welcome!

 

[Just John]

 

[Gumbies R Us]

So sorry to hear about your mom, glad she is recovering!

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[1112-425XL]

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

Welcome to Reef2Reef !