Hello Reefers - newbie here

[BonsaiDave]

Sure you can go that route, just make sure you give yourself room for your aquascape. I have rock on the way right now and my 150 is empty waiting for it. I plan on aquascaping for the first time. Then I'll cook it or maybe do it right in the tank?

Are you going live or dry rock? Read a bit about advantages/disadvantages, unsure where the collective wisdom points. Should hitchhikers be a major concern or are there reputable places to get rock that that isn’t much of a worry?

 

[BonsaiDave]

Sure you can go that route, just make sure you give yourself room for your aquascape. I have rock on the way right now and my 150 is empty waiting for it. I plan on aquascaping for the first time. Then I'll cook it or maybe do it right in the tank?

I guess you wouldn’t “cook” live rock, maybe that’s a newbie ignorant question above.

 

[flyfisher2]

I haven't gone live rock in over ten years. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. I find that dry rock works for me. I quarantine and dip corals prior to introducing to display tank. Thats not a guarantee but it helps. With live rock you got what you get and then deal with it. Aiptasia and other things just find their way in and you have to react. Would I go live rock? I doubt it. Just my .02 Good luck

 

[Billldg]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[Uncle99]

I guess you wouldn’t “cook” live rock, maybe that’s a newbie ignorant question above.

Cook….can be a couple of things but I was referring to the time your hard surfaces (mostly rock) are in contact with bacteria and the sequential build up of the good guys bacteria and the fight the bad guys have in the process.

The longer rock is allowed to do this (cooking) the better and faster you can bring your system online.

The basis of all we do starts with this super important step.

Bacteria’s will grow, populate, fight for a good six months but if you keep your nutrients in the low range, good guys win out say 7-12 months later and water chemistry is stable.

It’s at this time I can add Stoney corals and thrive, before, sometimes they lose out to pest algae’s or fluctuating water chemistry.

 

[BonsaiDave]

Cook….can be a couple of things but I was referring to the time your hard surfaces (mostly rock) are in contact with bacteria and the sequential build up of the good guys bacteria and the fight the bad guys have in the process.

The longer rock is allowed to do this (cooking) the better and faster you can bring your system online.

Thanks, appreciate the follow up, on the same page. Just got turned around for a minute with live and dry rock. :)

 

[KevPool]

Hey Dave welcome to R2R

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world Dave. You will also need to buy decent test kits. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

 

[BonsaiDave]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world Dave. You will also need to buy decent test kits. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

Thanks for the note on the test kits. Good plan. Am I getting ahead of myself thinking about RO/DI water at this point? Could probably just purchase in the beginning. Trying to make sure I have a good source so that I don’t slack on water changes.

 

[BonsaiDave]

BTW Thanks all - this forum is super responsive.

 

[stewie]

Welcome

 

[G Santana]

Welcome aboard the salt train!!!

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Thanks for the note on the test kits. Good plan. Am I getting ahead of myself thinking about RO/DI water at this point? Could probably just purchase in the beginning. Trying to make sure I have a good source so that I don’t slack on water changes.

Depends on how big tank is and how far lfs is. It’s the cost of their water plus fuel if you drive there. A good ro/di in the uk costs around £90. You can soon spend that buying water from lfs. So in the long run it’s worth the investment.

 

[lelandmarine]

WELCOME!
Here are some resources you may like

If you like to read
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.84/
If you prefer video’s. This video series is “5 minute guide”, good info. BRS TV has lots of different series.


Here’s a getting the most out of Reef2Reef link
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tips-for-getting-the-most-from-the-reef2reef-forum.542664/

 

[Salty Rambler]

Welcome to R2R! Looking forward to seeing what you create.

 

[MERKEY]

Hello and welcome to R2R!

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[flyfisher2]

Thanks for the note on the test kits. Good plan. Am I getting ahead of myself thinking about RO/DI water at this point? Could probably just purchase in the beginning. Trying to make sure I have a good source so that I don’t slack on water changes.

Would be a great opportunity to jump on the liquidation sale at Marine Depot. you'll never see 50% discounts like that. I ordered mine.

 

[DDenny]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

Welcome