Getting Back in the Game

[shimps1]

After being out of the hobby for about 10 years, I finally have time and two small kids interested in tanks, so I'm getting back in.

Just for a sanity check, I want to run my set up list by everyone, to see what I am missing. It's been so long I am not sure what the technological advances are, or what the new "must have" pieces of equipment are.

I've previously had a BioCube, Innovative Marine Nuvo 16, and a couple pico tanks. Generally successful, I've been able to keep SPS, clams, all sorts of LPS and softies. Only crash I ever experienced was a heater failure.

My tank this go around is going on the kitchen counter. Planning a mixed reef with inverts, possibly a couple neon gobys or something similar.

List so far:

• Reef Casa Pico Tank Mark II
• AI Prime 16 HD with rigid mounting arm
• Ceramic 25W heater
• Refugium light and refugium box for second chamber of AIO sump
• ATO system with reservoir
• Jecod ELW-3M wavemaker
• Refractometer with calibration fluid
• Salifert KH, Ca, Mg, NO3 and PO4 test kits
• Turbostart 900 bacteria and ammonia
• Aquaforest Hybrid Pro salt

To buy:

• Live sand
• Dry rock
• Live rock rubble from a local established tank

What am I missing? I think I covered most of my bases, but I'm hoping for a second opinion on this list to help out, since it's been so long away from the hobby. Given the size and location of the tank, I wanted to go with a refugium in the sump instead of a skimmer, for aesthetic reasons.

Previous tank at it's peak is below, just for fun. Biggest lesson I learned is to never introduce Xenia, ever.

 

[Reef Jedi]

Nice list!

Yes, never put in xyena unless you want it to spread like every zombie apocalypse movie you’ve ever seen. I learned that lesson a long time ago.

I think the initial list is great. Covers all the basics and as you get it set up and going I’m sure you’ll discover more of what you need. Being such a small tank, what type of salt are you going to use? You may not need to dose as long as your changing water weekly.

 

[shimps1]

Nice list!

Yes, never put in xyena unless you want it to spread like every zombie apocalypse movie you’ve ever seen. I learned that lesson a long time ago.

I think the initial list is great. Covers all the basics and as you get it set up and going I’m sure you’ll discover more of what you need. Being such a small tank, what type of salt are you going to use? You may not need to dose as long as your changing water weekly.

Aquaforest Hybrid Pro. Got a 148 gallon bucket, will probably last more than a year.

No idea about salt technology these days, but it seems like it has been well reviewed. Previously I was using Red Sea Coral Pro.

 

[Sam7]

Welcome back to the hobby. Thats a cool looking tank on your list and you previous was very nice. Can't wait to see your new build. You just have to be very careful with Xenia....i have 3 diferent types but all isolated to separate rocks.

 

[shimps1]

Welcome back to the hobby. Thats a cool looking tank on your list and you previous was very nice. Can't wait to see your new build. You just have to be very careful with Xenia....i have 3 diferent types but all isolated to separate rocks.

Thank you!

 

[BryanM]

Looks like a solid start, welcome back!

 

[kevgib67]

Very nice, well done, glad you are back!

 

[shimps1]

Quick change already.

Did some logistics on the counter location and mounting the Prime, ended up thinking a stand is going to be better. I ordered a stand, and then also messaged Reef Casa to ask to switch to a Studio 12 tank, which they were nice enough to do. Also increased my heater wattage, and changed the related refugium and media baskets.

Same L x W as the Pico, but it's 4" taller and 5 more total gallons of volume. Loses the lagoon look a bit, but gives more flexibility for livestock. Since my kids are younger, I think a clownfish or two is mandatory for their first saltwater tank. I don't think that would have been doable in the Pico 6. I'll need to rethink my aquascape idea, but I think I can still take advantage of the width and depth of the tank.

 

[X-37B]

Any update?

 

[MikeReefs]

Welcome back

 

[shimps1]

Yep, see here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reef-casa-studio-12-build.1139775/

 

[mozes2315]

After being out of the hobby for about 10 years, I finally have time and two small kids interested in tanks, so I'm getting back in.

Just for a sanity check, I want to run my set up list by everyone, to see what I am missing. It's been so long I am not sure what the technological advances are, or what the new "must have" pieces of equipment are.

I've previously had a BioCube, Innovative Marine Nuvo 16, and a couple pico tanks. Generally successful, I've been able to keep SPS, clams, all sorts of LPS and softies. Only crash I ever experienced was a heater failure.

My tank this go around is going on the kitchen counter. Planning a mixed reef with inverts, possibly a couple neon gobys or something similar.

List so far:

• Reef Casa Pico Tank Mark II
• AI Prime 16 HD with rigid mounting arm
• Ceramic 25W heater
• Refugium light and refugium box for second chamber of AIO sump
• ATO system with reservoir
• Jecod ELW-3M wavemaker
• Refractometer with calibration fluid
• Salifert KH, Ca, Mg, NO3 and PO4 test kits
• Turbostart 900 bacteria and ammonia
• Aquaforest Hybrid Pro salt

To buy:

• Live sand
• Dry rock
• Live rock rubble from a local established tank

What am I missing? I think I covered most of my bases, but I'm hoping for a second opinion on this list to help out, since it's been so long away from the hobby. Given the size and location of the tank, I wanted to go with a refugium in the sump instead of a skimmer, for aesthetic reasons.

Previous tank at it's peak is below, just for fun. Biggest lesson I learned is to never introduce Xenia, ever.

Getting back into the game after a break can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when trying to find something fun and reliable online. Lately, I’ve been exploring different platforms and stumbled upon mrfortune casino - it’s surprisingly smooth, and the game selection is solid. The site makes it easy to jump in without wasting time figuring things out, and the bonuses actually make trying new games more exciting. Honestly, it’s been a nice way to unwind and rediscover the thrill without the hassle of complicated setups or slow loading. Definitely worth giving it a shot if you’re looking for something fresh.

I’d just make sure you have a temp alarm or some kind of backup for the heater—never want a repeat of that crash.