New reefer from souther California

[TheAvilasReef]

Hello everyone my name is Jonathan. I’m new to the hobby , and currently trying to build a tank my daughter has been wanting very much .

I picked up a red sea max 250 , currently got the sand, rock , and filled her up today . Pumps seem to be working ok , but know they will need to be replaced soon. Skimmer turns on but I currently turned it off for startup . My main concern is the lighting , two of the bulbs don’t work and I’ve read those lights need upgrading due to the high heat output . Any recommendations would be appreciated . Also wondering if anyone has experience with the timer and schedule . My l Fs recommended I start the cycle process with the lights off .

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

 

[Just John]

Glad you're here Jonathan!

 

[dlsorensen]

 

[BamaCoastPyrat]

Welcome! How old is your daughter? My kids love our tiny reef. I agree with the LFS about leaving the lights off, it will save you some headache on dealing with algae.

 

[Waters]

Welcome :):)!!

 

[threebuoys]

 

[Phil Steel]

Welcome! What lights do you have?

 

[ZoaAddiction81]

Welcome To R2R !!!!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!!

 

[Zach B]

Welcome Jonathan :)

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[jsker]

 

[shakacuz]

welcome aboard the r2r board!

 

[dstockwell]

Welcome to the Reef

 

[Fish Think Pink]

Hello everyone my name is Jonathan. I’m new to the hobby , and currently trying to build a tank my daughter has been wanting very much .

I picked up a red sea max 250 , currently got the sand, rock , and filled her up today . Pumps seem to be working ok , but know they will need to be replaced soon. Skimmer turns on but I currently turned it off for startup . My main concern is the lighting , two of the bulbs don’t work and I’ve read those lights need upgrading due to the high heat output . Any recommendations would be appreciated . Also wondering if anyone has experience with the timer and schedule . My l Fs recommended I start the cycle process with the lights off .

Welcome! Glad you joined. Patience is the magic in this hobby, and many will suggest cycling without lights... takes self control too LOL

Have you considered starting your build thread? I found its a great place to document my tank's evolution for myself. I started tank first then joined, so I'm still finding myself going back collecting pictures & updating historically as well as current state. Once you create your first post in your thread under Forum > Member Aquariums and link it to your account, they will give you build badge (look left, under my ID)

This might help you find people local to you in Perris:
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/local-reef-club-discussion.516/
This is a good reference book type online article I still review:
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.84/

 

[FreshSaltH2o]

 

[JC1977]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[JZ199]

Welcome!! Setting up and running a tank with your child is a great experience! Enjoy!!

 

[Jimbhoy13]

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