Looking to start a Reef Aquarium

[gmavrom]

I am looking to start a saltwater aquarium. I have had a freshwater aquarium but not salt, which looks more complicated—looking at the Innovative Marine SR 80. It may be easier to use than having a sump underneath and a have leak disaster. I am still looking, though. I live in south Tampa Bay and was thinking of using some live sand and a couple of rocks to populate several live dead rocks from my seawall that I have soaked in bleach water. I don't know if sand and a rock or two from the bay would be safe because of pollution, especially after the hurricanes and floods. I can also get seawater from offshore with our boat when going 60 miles offshore. Do you have any opinions on that?

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Welcome

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to saltwater tanks!

I would caution against collecting rocks yourself. As you mentioned, there would be a real concern about pollution or contaminants, and in most places it's against the law.

If you're in the area, get some to all of your rock from:
https://tbsaltwater.com/
Good luck!

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R!
Check your local laws as taking stuff from the beaches and ocean may be against the law.

 

[KrisReef]

I’m a huge believer in collecting my own stuff from the environment especially if a storm tossed hunks of coral and reef onto the beach. It’s not always legal to collect stuff but Biden and I would pardon you just this once.

Welcome to Reef2Reef.

 

[gnarlydudecory]

Welcome!

 

[tharbin]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome, glad you are here!

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world. Take things slowly. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

 

[Brisk]

Welcome!

 

[zheka757]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[shakacuz]

welcome aboard the r2r board. hello from PA!

 

[1112-425XL]

 

[gmavrom]

Welcome to saltwater tanks!

I would caution against collecting rocks yourself. As you mentioned, there would be a real concern about pollution or contaminants, and in most places it's against the law.

If you're in the area, get some to all of your rock from:
https://tbsaltwater.com/
Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. Once I start it up, I may buy a starter kit and pick it up. Where is TBS located in TB?

 

[Fish Fan]

Thanks for the advice. Once I start it up, I may buy a starter kit and pick it up. Where is TBS located in TB?

They are in the area, but contact them as they did recently relocate after this year's storms. But their rock and sand is awesome stuff, it comes loaded with life, microbes and larger critters. They are active here on R2R if you have questions too.

 

[edsbeaker]

Hello and welcome!

 

[ieatbugman]

Hello!
and welcome to the tank mafia

 

[RockRash]