Looking for a reefing mentor

[saltysailor]

Hi All,

I have been keeping a saltwater tank for a year and I have been trying my best to do my best. I feel like I am not getting to where I want to be with the tank. I have had algae issues, despite not feeding much, which someone told me my light was too low. I want to be able to do something really cool. If anyone could help me that has experience and we could message back and forth I would be love it. I’d be happy to pay someone if need be I really want this to happen.

 

[Kingsley_Reef]

pm me happy to help where/when I can , no payment needed

 

[skiergd011013]

Maybe start a group chat with those who agree. You can include me. Ive been doing SW/reef tanks for about 15 years. Ill respond when able

 

[gbroadbridge]

Hi All,

I have been keeping a saltwater tank for a year and I have been trying my best to do my best. I feel like I am not getting to where I want to be with the tank. I have had algae issues, despite not feeding much, which someone told me my light was too low. I want to be able to do something really cool. If anyone could help me that has experience and we could message back and forth I would be love it. I’d be happy to pay someone if need be I really want this to happen.

You have many folks on these forums who are experienced and successful reefers.

Don't be shy, just ask questions and look for answers from folks who have been around for a while.

That'll beat hands down any one on one advice which may not be accurate or reflect current understanding of processes occurring in the artificial environment of an enclosed system.

 

[VintageReefer]

Hi All,

I have been keeping a saltwater tank for a year and I have been trying my best to do my best. I feel like I am not getting to where I want to be with the tank. I have had algae issues, despite not feeding much, which someone told me my light was too low. I want to be able to do something really cool. If anyone could help me that has experience and we could message back and forth I would be love it. I’d be happy to pay someone if need be I really want this to happen.

I’ve seen way worse. Looks like you got a decent cube setup with nice lighting. We can get you on track

 

[newbreefr]

If you start a group chat can I join? I’m new to the hobby and can use the support.
Also, what tank size and light model is that?

 

[saltysailor]

IM Nuvo 15 gal
RO water and Saltwater from LFS
Just purchased RODI system so will be using that
Set up tank in Feb
Dealt with swinging phos levels that still change quite a bit
Weekly water changes of 2 gallons
Feeding mysis and shrinking pellets
Have 12 hermit crabs all snails I put in there die
I have gotten the tank tested and I will attach the results from last month

 

[saltysailor]

If you start a group chat can I join? I’m new to the hobby and can use the support.
Also, what tank size and light model is that?

The light is a 360WE and the tank is IM 15

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Where are you located? It might be better to find someone local that is experienced.

Not to say it can't be done via text or PM but I find it better to be in the same room as the tank to get a good idea of what you're working with.

 

[saltysailor]

Where are you located? It might be better to find someone local that is experienced.

Not to say it can't be done via text or PM but I find it better to be in the same room as the tank to get a good idea of what you're working with.

I’m in West Hollywood, my LFS said that I’m doing everything I’m supposed to but not getting the results I want and the tank is too small for them to consider maintenancing it.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I’m in West Hollywood, my LFS said that I’m doing everything I’m supposed to but not getting the results I want and the tank is too small for them to consider maintenancing it.

You're in the mecca for reef aquariums. Have you reached out to local clubs?

I lived in Ventura for a while and was traveling all over the place. San Franando Valley, Long Beach, L.A., Santa Barbara as well as a very active geoupnin Ventura... I even had a friend that lives in the Hollywood Hills with a farily large reef tank.

I personally would suggest reaching out and getting involved in San Fernando Valley Reef Club (SFVR). There is a wealth of information there with tons of laid back hobbyists. Plus, the great thing about Southern California is that nost people are extremely generous.

 

[littlefoxx]

Welcome :) no need to pay anyone here, we are apart of the forms to help others and share experiance

 

[saltysailor]

Going to try to reach out to a reef club

 

[ErikVR]

I think setting up small group chats with 5-15 people could be a great idea. Just to go through day to day reef stuff/questions.

 

[Jimbo327]

You should join the local reef clubs or forums. San Fernando club meeting regularly at a LFS, and they announce it on the local reef forums as well. Lots of knowledgeable SoCal reefers willing to help. A smaller tank like 15g is actually much tougher to keep stable. And having an AIO without a sump is difficult to maintain as you are limited in the equipment you can use. But you can make lot of changes to improve a 15g.

 

[Big E]

You have many folks on these forums who are experienced and successful reefers.

Don't be shy, just ask questions and look for answers from folks who have been around for a while.

That'll beat hands down any one on one advice which may not be accurate or reflect current understanding of processes occurring in the artificial environment of an enclosed system.

I agree with focusing on people that have had success, but there are so many different comments on forums, podcasts, ect. that a lot of people pick up the wrong messages or just get confused.

I've helped people all over the world in pm's......... it can take months to work through things...........it's hard to get all the facts. You need to flesh out everything that's going on and that takes time and commitment from mentor and the reefer in a one on one situation. This is just to start out............even if successful there will be follow up questions.

To the OP............I think is a very good idea, but it's best to just contact an experienced reefer in privacy and ask if he/she will help..... If local all the better.

Kingsley Reef is openly offering to help you one on one..........seems like an opportunity to me.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

I also think finding someone local would be great. They don't even have to be an expert, just a few months ahead of you. Us "experts", many times are able to take shortcuts that are available to us that a new reefer may not have access to. That being said, I used to keep a bunch of small nano/picos. They are difficult, AIO's are even more difficult. Changes come quick, you have to stay on top of it daily. But, if you can master a nano, a larger tank will be much easier because you will have a greater understanding of what it takes to keep a reef tank. Patience is the key, it takes a bit to fully cycle a reef tank, the cycle does not end at full nitrification. All of your rock that you have in your tank has to cycle to create biome. Learning how to reef is not easy, there is no silver bullet. The ability to observe and tune in to your specific needs is they key. Right now I am running four independent nano systems, I do the same water changes to each every week using the same water, feed the same, run similar lighting schedules, etc. but each tank has its own specific needs. You would think that they would be all exactly the same but they are far from it.
I live close to you, but not L.A. close to you (southbay) I would be willing to help out if you wanted. Ideally you need to find someone that shares what your goal is in reefing and follow them. Read about their tank threads and set ups. Mind you your goals for your IM 15g and Polo Reef are not and can not be the same. So find someone with a similar tank size and goals. Maybe look up Mathew from Hello Reef on YouTube. His earlier stuff "my first fish tank". While his stuff is not completely accurate, his trials and tribulation’s are. Hello Reef may be helpful because it is the same tank as yours, but it does have a commercial underlying tone.

 

[Digimes]

My first question is, what is you supplement schedule? I have run bigger tanks. But currently have a 5g and a 13g. I see you have a very big water change routine but I have gone the other route and water change about every month or two. I use minimal additives and try to just top off with the r/o water.

 

[saltysailor]

My first question is, what is you supplement schedule? I have run bigger tanks. But currently have a 5g and a 13g. I see you have a very big water change routine but I have gone the other route and water change about every month or two. I use minimal additives and try to just top off with the r/o water.

What do you mean by supplement schedule? I feed the fish and do weekly water change of 2g.

 

[saltysailor]

I also think finding someone local would be great. They don't even have to be an expert, just a few months ahead of you. Us "experts", many times are able to take shortcuts that are available to us that a new reefer may not have access to. That being said, I used to keep a bunch of small nano/picos. They are difficult, AIO's are even more difficult. Changes come quick, you have to stay on top of it daily. But, if you can master a nano, a larger tank will be much easier because you will have a greater understanding of what it takes to keep a reef tank. Patience is the key, it takes a bit to fully cycle a reef tank, the cycle does not end at full nitrification. All of your rock that you have in your tank has to cycle to create biome. Learning how to reef is not easy, there is no silver bullet. The ability to observe and tune in to your specific needs is they key. Right now I am running four independent nano systems, I do the same water changes to each every week using the same water, feed the same, run similar lighting schedules, etc. but each tank has its own specific needs. You would think that they would be all exactly the same but they are far from it.
I live close to you, but not L.A. close to you (southbay) I would be willing to help out if you wanted. Ideally you need to find someone that shares what your goal is in reefing and follow them. Read about their tank threads and set ups. Mind you your goals for your IM 15g and Polo Reef are not and can not be the same. So find someone with a similar tank size and goals. Maybe look up Mathew from Hello Reef on YouTube. His earlier stuff "my first fish tank". While his stuff is not completely accurate, his trials and tribulation’s are. Hello Reef may be helpful because it is the same tank as yours, but it does have a commercial underlying tone.

Thank you I think this is great advice. I appreciate it. I have def taken some people up on their advice to help! I appreciate your comment. Will look into the YouTube aspect. I appreciate it!