SeaMonkey
New Member
I started this tank November 2011. I bought a used 75 gallon Oceanic tank and stand. I had to sand, stain, and polyurethane the cabinet. I came with an Oceanic model 2, 30 gallon sump. It also came with 48" Coralfe Power Compacts (two 10,000 K white, two 460 aconite, and 4 moonlight leds). I bought new sand at my LFS but found used live rock from a local person breaking down a marine tank. The catch with the live rock was that i had to take the two fish in the tank, a hippo tang and a gold stripped maroon clownfish. Since I had not started cycling my tank I was nervous. Sone forum members advised me to give the fish to my LFS or find another person with an established tank to take them. I set up a 20 gallon tank to hold them in. It didn't take long to become attached to the darn fish, they have such personalities (especially the hippo tang, its like a puppy following me demanding attention)!
I started out with an AquaC skimmer but eventually purchased a Diablo 160. I must sway I am pleased with the purchase. I works great.
Well, I am happy to say that they are alive and doing well after just about six months. I've added a few fish to my tank but not much. It has been an experience that has taken time but I have not regretted it yet!
I am enjoying this so much that I found a used 55 gallon tank to add to my existing system. Still working on that project...
I want to start my hand at corals in May of 2012. I purchased the Red Sea test kits and supplements to get my water ready and stable for coral. I don't want to spend all this money on coral and then have them die on me.
I am now looking at my lighting. I would like LEDs and am starting my research on those. MH use to much energy and add to much heat. I want to avoid using a chiller.
I am always open to comments, advice, and constructive criticism. If you have any, please send them my way. Thanks!
