New reefer from souther California

TheAvilasReef · Jan 30, 2023

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 · Jan 30, 2023

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

Just John · Jan 30, 2023

Glad you're here Jonathan!

dlsorensen · Jan 30, 2023

BamaCoastPyrat · Jan 30, 2023

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 · Jan 30, 2023

Welcome

!!

threebuoys · Jan 30, 2023

Phil Steel · Jan 30, 2023

Welcome! What lights do you have?

ZoaAddiction81 · Jan 30, 2023

Welcome To R2R !!!!

Gumbies R Us · Jan 30, 2023

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!!

Zach B · Jan 30, 2023

Welcome Jonathan

vetteguy53081 · Jan 30, 2023

jsker · Jan 30, 2023

shakacuz · Jan 30, 2023

welcome aboard the r2r board!

dstockwell · Jan 30, 2023

Welcome to the Reef

Fish Think Pink · Jan 30, 2023

TheAvilasReef said:
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:

Local Reef Club Discussion

Looking for some locals to share frags and info with? This is the place! Find a local club that meets in your area! If you want to add your club just contact us.

www.reef2reef.com

This is a good reference book type online article I still review:

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

This article was sponsored by @MarineDepot at www.marinedepot.com. Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is no...

www.reef2reef.com