Finally returning to the hobby

Photovore · May 11, 2026

Hi All,

My name is Michael and I've been lurking here, on and off, for years. I broke down my first (and only) reef tank back in 2003 and have been tankless all this time.

I finally retired this year and now I can get back into reefing. Boy, have the prices and technology changed! I just pulled the trigger on a Cade 1800 S3 and it should be here in a few weeks. UPS is delivering new gadgets almost every day...

Reading everything I can on this site and trying not to get too overwhelmed. I keep telling myself that I did it in the "old days" and I can do it again!

I'm in the Summerfield/Ocala, FL area if anyone is local. Hope to meet some fellow reefers.

jsmkmavity · May 11, 2026

Tahoe61 · May 11, 2026

Welcome back to the hobby Michael.

Yup a lot has changed. Just take one component of the system at a time to research.
I too am recently retired and not the most mechanically and tech savvy individual but I find the wealth of new equipment and husbandry techniques fascinating.
Congratulations on your new tank, that's got to be very exciting.

AlyciaMarie · May 11, 2026

Photovore said:
Hi All,

My name is Michael and I've been lurking here, on and off, for years. I broke down my first (and only) reef tank back in 2003 and have been tankless all this time.

I finally retired this year and now I can get back into reefing. Boy, have the prices and technology changed! I just pulled the trigger on a Cade 1800 S3 and it should be here in a few weeks. UPS is delivering new gadgets almost every day...

Reading everything I can on this site and trying not to get too overwhelmed. I keep telling myself that I did it in the "old days" and I can do it again!

I'm in the Summerfield/Ocala, FL area if anyone is local. Hope to meet some fellow reefers.

Welcome back! And congratulations on your retirement! Can't wait to see it and all the gadgets you got going!