New System Ideas

[Rooster450]

I apologize for the long post......I'm looking for some advice. I've been "in the hobby" for a long time, but don't have a lot of high-level experience. What I mean is that I've had reef tanks for 25 years or so. But always pretty low-tech and simple. I always had lots of fish and a few simple corals. I've never had a themed tank, like only SPS/LPS/softies etc. It's always been a simple mixed-reef with fish. And it's been the same method/approach with deep sand bed/live rock/skimmer set up for the entire time. I've never had any modern controllers or lighting systems. I've enjoyed a lot of success, with very few crashes/problems.

I'm hoping to re-boot my reef tank experience. I want to tear-down the system I have now, and start fresh. I'm thinking of another mixed-reef with fish system, probably less than 100 gallons, but I'm open to other ideas. There's the "lower cost" option of using tanks that I already have, such as several 75's (currently filled with water/fish/coral). I also have a 265 and 150 that were given to me by a friend. They were running/no leaks, then drained and stored very safely and very level for the past 2 years. I also have an interest in possibly starting over from scratch with a new all-in-one system like Red Sea or Waterbox. Very subjective, I know, but what's your advice on starting fresh with "old" tanks, or going with a brand new all-in-one system?

Second question: Any input on one "method" versus another? I'm a little out of touch with many of the new reefing methods, newer hardware/controllers, lighting systems, etc. I'm a bit unsure how they are different/similar to one another, and pros/cons. I'm assuming that the old-school deep sand bed and live rock systems are out-of-favor? I should say that I have a lot of really good live rock that I've obtained over the years, and lots of reef sand (both dry and currently being used in active systems).

Any advice/input would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Snowxcross]

I apologize for the long post......I'm looking for some advice. I've been "in the hobby" for a long time, but don't have a lot of high-level experience. What I mean is that I've had reef tanks for 25 years or so. But always pretty low-tech and simple. I always had lots of fish and a few simple corals. I've never had a themed tank, like only SPS/LPS/softies etc. It's always been a simple mixed-reef with fish. And it's been the same method/approach with deep sand bed/live rock/skimmer set up for the entire time. I've never had any modern controllers or lighting systems. I've enjoyed a lot of success, with very few crashes/problems.

I'm hoping to re-boot my reef tank experience. I want to tear-down the system I have now, and start fresh. I'm thinking of another mixed-reef with fish system, probably less than 100 gallons, but I'm open to other ideas. There's the "lower cost" option of using tanks that I already have, such as several 75's (currently filled with water/fish/coral). I also have a 265 and 150 that were given to me by a friend. They were running/no leaks, then drained and stored very safely and very level for the past 2 years. I also have an interest in possibly starting over from scratch with a new all-in-one system like Red Sea or Waterbox. Very subjective, I know, but what's your advice on starting fresh with "old" tanks, or going with a brand new all-in-one system?

Second question: Any input on one "method" versus another? I'm a little out of touch with many of the new reefing methods, newer hardware/controllers, lighting systems, etc. I'm a bit unsure how they are different/similar to one another, and pros/cons. I'm assuming that the old-school deep sand bed and live rock systems are out-of-favor? I should say that I have a lot of really good live rock that I've obtained over the years, and lots of reef sand (both dry and currently being used in active systems).

Any advice/input would be appreciated. Thanks

Hey Rooster -

I think you know what you're doing here, and just looking for some ideas? I kind of went through the same, but wanted to do something most reefers don't... One of the things i really enjoyed and took my time with was building my aquascape. You can search marketplace for some dry rock and chisel it into pieces and build a unique structure that isn't common like piling rocks on top of each other. The process is fun and as i said unique because it's very different from others. While you're building it, you can plan what type of fish to bring in later on. Obviously some like caves to hide, some need open spaces, and some fish don't need either, so build something for a variety. Also consider flow, have enough open areas to blow off detritus in those hard to reach areas, also think of coral placement while building it etc... Anyway just my thoughts on "rebooting".

Being you have a few larger tanks on hand, just go with what feels right, draw something on paper first and see how you like it. I dont think you need to fall into the hole around new tech either. The innovation is cool, if anything just invest a little into automation like testers (neptune), or good skimming - otherwise you can run a simple setup and still have an amazing reef system. I do agree though, mixed reefs are to me the coolest and challenging which keeps it motivating.

Good luck!

 

[Rooster450]

Hey Rooster -

I think you know what you're doing here, and just looking for some ideas? I kind of went through the same, but wanted to do something most reefers don't... One of the things i really enjoyed and took my time with was building my aquascape. You can search marketplace for some dry rock and chisel it into pieces and build a unique structure that isn't common like piling rocks on top of each other. The process is fun and as i said unique because it's very different from others. While you're building it, you can plan what type of fish to bring in later on. Obviously some like caves to hide, some need open spaces, and some fish don't need either, so build something for a variety. Also consider flow, have enough open areas to blow off detritus in those hard to reach areas, also think of coral placement while building it etc... Anyway just my thoughts on "rebooting".

Being you have a few larger tanks on hand, just go with what feels right, draw something on paper first and see how you like it. I dont think you need to fall into the hole around new tech either. The innovation is cool, if anything just invest a little into automation like testers (neptune), or good skimming - otherwise you can run a simple setup and still have an amazing reef system. I do agree though, mixed reefs are to me the coolest and challenging which keeps it motivating.

Good luck!

Reefing and racing motocross? Amen to that - I raced MX for many years, still ride with my son. Yeah, I'd say I do "know what I'm doing," I've just never had a high-level reef tank, and I'm probably 8 years behind the curve with new tech for the reefing hobby. So yes, just looking for ideas/advice. I'll update this thread when I decide which direction I'm going to go. Thanks

 

[Snowxcross]

Hey Rooster -

I think you know what you're doing here, and just looking for some ideas? I kind of went through the same, but wanted to do something most reefers don't... One of the things i really enjoyed and took my time with was building my aquascape. You can search marketplace for some dry rock and chisel it into pieces and build a unique structure that isn't common like piling rocks on top of each other. The process is fun and as i said unique because it's very different from others. While you're building it, you can plan what type of fish to bring in later on. Obviously some like caves to hide, some need open spaces, and some fish don't need either, so build something for a variety. Also consider flow, have enough open areas to blow off detritus in those hard to reach areas, also think of coral placement while building it etc... Anyway just my thoughts on "rebooting".

Being you have a few larger tanks on hand, just go with what feels right, draw something on paper first and see how you like it. I dont think you need to fall into the hole around new tech either. The innovation is cool, if anything just invest a little into automation like testers (neptune), or good skimming - otherwise you can run a simple setup and still have an amazing reef system. I do agree though, mixed reefs are to me the coolest and challenging which keeps it motivating.

Good luck!

Reefing and racing motocross? Amen to that - I raced MX for many years, still ride with my son. Yeah, I'd say I do "know what I'm doing," I've just never had a high-level reef tank, and I'm probably 8 years behind the curve with new tech for the reefing hobby. So yes, just looking for ideas/advice. I'll update this thread when I decide which direction I'm going to go. Thanks

It's my passion, but have to give it up. I shattered my hip requiring many surgeries and new metal.

 

[slogan315]

I apologize for the long post......I'm looking for some advice. I've been "in the hobby" for a long time, but don't have a lot of high-level experience. What I mean is that I've had reef tanks for 25 years or so. But always pretty low-tech and simple. I always had lots of fish and a few simple corals. I've never had a themed tank, like only SPS/LPS/softies etc. It's always been a simple mixed-reef with fish. And it's been the same method/approach with deep sand bed/live rock/skimmer set up for the entire time. I've never had any modern controllers or lighting systems. I've enjoyed a lot of success, with very few crashes/problems.

I'm hoping to re-boot my reef tank experience. I want to tear-down the system I have now, and start fresh. I'm thinking of another mixed-reef with fish system, probably less than 100 gallons, but I'm open to other ideas. There's the "lower cost" option of using tanks that I already have, such as several 75's (currently filled with water/fish/coral). I also have a 265 and 150 that were given to me by a friend. They were running/no leaks, then drained and stored very safely and very level for the past 2 years. I also have an interest in possibly starting over from scratch with a new all-in-one system like Red Sea or Waterbox. Very subjective, I know, but what's your advice on starting fresh with "old" tanks, or going with a brand new all-in-one system?

Second question: Any input on one "method" versus another? I'm a little out of touch with many of the new reefing methods, newer hardware/controllers, lighting systems, etc. I'm a bit unsure how they are different/similar to one another, and pros/cons. I'm assuming that the old-school deep sand bed and live rock systems are out-of-favor? I should say that I have a lot of really good live rock that I've obtained over the years, and lots of reef sand (both dry and currently being used in active systems).

Any advice/input would be appreciated. Thanks

You clearly have more experience than many people here, and have had lots of success. So the question I think starts at what are your new goals? Is your goal now to grow the most colorful acros ever, or have leathers the size of soccer balls, have the most aesthetically pleasing nature scene, lowest maintenance setup, have the same results using new approaches, or become a gear junky.

The new tank vs old tank, new lights vs old lights, shallow sand bed vs deep, etc. are just tools to get to your goals.

if you like the idea of bang for your buck and using your old systems, great! If you think going for new and clean will bring you more enjoyment, great!

 

[BryanM]

Using old tanks, I'd inspect carefully and leak test.

I'd stay away from redsea tanks.

I would absolutely start with live rock and sand..

 

[Rooster450]

It's my passion, but have to give it up. I shattered my hip requiring many surgeries and new metal.

Sorry to hear that. I've got a new "titanium ankle" as a result of missing a shift and coming up short on a big triple. I was in 2nd, should have been in 3rd, and the results were very bad. There's 2 seconds of my life I wish I could re-do!

 

[Rooster450]

You clearly have more experience than many people here, and have had lots of success. So the question I think starts at what are your new goals? Is your goal now to grow the most colorful acros ever, or have leathers the size of soccer balls, have the most aesthetically pleasing nature scene, lowest maintenance setup, have the same results using new approaches, or become a gear junky.

The new tank vs old tank, new lights vs old lights, shallow sand bed vs deep, etc. are just tools to get to your goals.

if you like the idea of bang for your buck and using your old systems, great! If you think going for new and clean will bring you more enjoyment, great!

The reality is a bit embarrassing, really. It's hard to say what my end-goal is!

I am drawn to the challenge of having lots of colorful acros/SPS. I've never tried that. And I've always been drawn to large mixed reef tanks with lots of fish. So setting up my 265 for this purpose is option #1.

My other idea is buying a smaller all-in-one system for my first attempt at an acro/SPS dominated setup. In this scenario, I think I'd also set up my 265, with all the rock and hardware that I already have, as a FOWLR tank with lots of fish.

One system, option 1, that covers it all seems like the way to go. I see beautiful systems like this online all the time, and wonder how hard that is? With careful maintenance and a bit of modern tech for monitoring and dosing, is it really no big deal? Or am I setting myself up for frustration and bankruptcy? Thanks

 

[Rooster450]

Using old tanks, I'd inspect carefully and leak test.

I'd stay away from redsea tanks.

I would absolutely start with live rock and sand..

I don't have experience with any of the new all-in-one systems. What would make you stay away from Red Sea? And are people still doing "deep" sand beds? I often see newer systems with just a thin layer of sand. Thanks

 

[twentyleagues]

I don't have experience with any of the new all-in-one systems. What would make you stay away from Red Sea? And are people still doing "deep" sand beds? I often see newer systems with just a thin layer of sand. Thanks

Red Sea have a bad tendency to blow out the front bottom seam, leaking all the contents on the floor. Google search red sea blow outs I'm sure you'll find enough to make a firm decision. Water box and innovative marine seem to make good tanks.