Hey Reef2Reefers!
After a decade of lurking in the shadows, binge-watching YouTube tutorials, and diving headfirst into the endless ocean of forum posts, I’ve finally decided to take the plunge and set up my very first saltwater tank! That’s right – after 10 years of research, analysis paralysis, and more fishy dreams than I care to admit, it’s go time.
I feel like I’ve been gearing up for this moment like it’s my own personal Thunderdome. “Two clowns enter, one clown leaves”… wait does that make me a clown? Who knew the toughest opponents in this journey would be indecision and a growing obsession with all things reef?
So, grab some popcorn (or maybe some algae wafers), and join me as I embark on this epic saltwater adventure. Will it be a triumph of aquascaping genius, or will it crash and burn like an untested DIY algae scrubber? Only time will tell!
Stay tuned for the ups, downs, and all the salty shenanigans in between. Welcome to the show and remember: no matter where you go, there you are. Let’s do this!
Equipment
Nyos Opus 440 G2 with Pro-Line Cabinet
Aquatic Life T5 Hybrid-36 inch
ATI Blue+ x 2
Korallen-Zucht Coral Light x 2 (10,000k)
Jebao MDP-10000 Return Pump
Jebao SLW-30 Compact Wavemaker X 2
Nyos Opus Sump
Eheim Jager 150w x 2 on an Inkbird 306A Controller
IOAOI Protein Skimmer
Red Sea ATO
I received my tank a few months ago but life got in the way and a home remodel put everything on hold. I’ve waited 10 years, what’s a few more months.
Back when I was still in the planning stages I had in my head the rough shape I wanted the rockwork. I decided to roll the dice and make my own. The rock was molded around a pvc frame that had holes drilled throughout and was filled with crushed coral. I then soaked the rock for about four months, with frequent fresh water changes until it stopped increasing the ph. Then I soaked it some more. It has been in water for about seven months. The remodel kinda forced me to be patient.
I also placed an order with Tampa Bay Saltwater to receive 3lbs of live rock and 9 lbs of sand to supplement what I have. That won’t be here until mid January.
I’ll cycle the tank with Dr. Tim’s while I wait. Once cycled, I’ve thought about adding corals and my clean up crew and then waiting (basically going fallow) to add fish. I know I would have to feed the CUC. Is that a terrible idea? It wouldn’t be the first time I have had a bad idea (please don’t tell my wife).
My plan for this is all softies, all the time. That sounded better in my head. Anyway, no LPS and no SPS. None. I’m lazy. Don’t make me work. Besides, I liked the look of the softies the best. Then I found out they were less work. Winner winner chicken dinner.
So with the novel out of the way, today is day one. I have my salinity a little low at the moment and I’ll keep the lights off for at least a month. What could go wrong? No really, please tell me what could go wrong. I take constructive criticism very well. Also, I guess I should really start thinking about where to place corals. I’m open to suggestions. Thanks for taking the time to read or stopping by to say TLDR. Either way, howdy neighbor.
After a decade of lurking in the shadows, binge-watching YouTube tutorials, and diving headfirst into the endless ocean of forum posts, I’ve finally decided to take the plunge and set up my very first saltwater tank! That’s right – after 10 years of research, analysis paralysis, and more fishy dreams than I care to admit, it’s go time.
I feel like I’ve been gearing up for this moment like it’s my own personal Thunderdome. “Two clowns enter, one clown leaves”… wait does that make me a clown? Who knew the toughest opponents in this journey would be indecision and a growing obsession with all things reef?
So, grab some popcorn (or maybe some algae wafers), and join me as I embark on this epic saltwater adventure. Will it be a triumph of aquascaping genius, or will it crash and burn like an untested DIY algae scrubber? Only time will tell!
Stay tuned for the ups, downs, and all the salty shenanigans in between. Welcome to the show and remember: no matter where you go, there you are. Let’s do this!
Equipment
Nyos Opus 440 G2 with Pro-Line Cabinet
Aquatic Life T5 Hybrid-36 inch
ATI Blue+ x 2
Korallen-Zucht Coral Light x 2 (10,000k)
Jebao MDP-10000 Return Pump
Jebao SLW-30 Compact Wavemaker X 2
Nyos Opus Sump
Eheim Jager 150w x 2 on an Inkbird 306A Controller
IOAOI Protein Skimmer
Red Sea ATO
I received my tank a few months ago but life got in the way and a home remodel put everything on hold. I’ve waited 10 years, what’s a few more months.
Back when I was still in the planning stages I had in my head the rough shape I wanted the rockwork. I decided to roll the dice and make my own. The rock was molded around a pvc frame that had holes drilled throughout and was filled with crushed coral. I then soaked the rock for about four months, with frequent fresh water changes until it stopped increasing the ph. Then I soaked it some more. It has been in water for about seven months. The remodel kinda forced me to be patient.
I also placed an order with Tampa Bay Saltwater to receive 3lbs of live rock and 9 lbs of sand to supplement what I have. That won’t be here until mid January.
I’ll cycle the tank with Dr. Tim’s while I wait. Once cycled, I’ve thought about adding corals and my clean up crew and then waiting (basically going fallow) to add fish. I know I would have to feed the CUC. Is that a terrible idea? It wouldn’t be the first time I have had a bad idea (please don’t tell my wife).
My plan for this is all softies, all the time. That sounded better in my head. Anyway, no LPS and no SPS. None. I’m lazy. Don’t make me work. Besides, I liked the look of the softies the best. Then I found out they were less work. Winner winner chicken dinner.
So with the novel out of the way, today is day one. I have my salinity a little low at the moment and I’ll keep the lights off for at least a month. What could go wrong? No really, please tell me what could go wrong. I take constructive criticism very well. Also, I guess I should really start thinking about where to place corals. I’m open to suggestions. Thanks for taking the time to read or stopping by to say TLDR. Either way, howdy neighbor.
