New to salt and R2R

[fishguypa]

Just ordered a Hello Reef kit against the lfs advice. I’m ok with a challenge and I see people have good luck with them. Any words of wisdom. I did order a Ato and a skimmer (mainly causes it was 50% off) I’ve been keeping freshwater for nearly 7years.

 

[Fish Fan]

Why would your LFS advise against that Hello Reef kit, because it's not something they sell? It's a fine way to get started, and a skimmer and ATO are solid add ons.

If I remember correctly, the Hello Reef kit advises you to use fish food as an ammonia source to initially cycle the tank, but I would use ammonium chloride or ammonia bicarbonate to add ammonia. Dr. Tim's bacteria is included with your kit, and Dr. Tim's ammonium chloride is a popular choice to get your cycle going.

I'd suggest adding a heater controller to help prevent a seafood boil in your tank, which happens frequently when a heater sticks in the "on" position. The InkBird controllers are inexpensive and popular.

If you're brand new to reef tanks, I would suggest checking out this guide and video series:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

Good luck!

 

[fishguypa]

Thank you it sounds like I’m headed for success. I was looking into the controller already. I use them on my 110 gallon cichlid tank. I’ll definitely check the link out. The lfs said nothing less than a 50gal tank at $2200 bucks. I thought to myself I’d rather try for $7-800 all in startup and learn a lesson.

 

[Fish Fan]

A larger tank can potentially be more stable, and in that way a bit easier to care for, but nothing wrong with starting out with the Hello Reef 15 gallon. Many people have that tank as their first (it's an Innovative Marine 15, I believe they include).

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome, glad you are here!

 

[B&CinB.C.]

Hi . Welcome to Reef 2 Reef

 

[fishguypa]

Hi . Welcome to Reef 2 Reef

Great to be here thank you

 

[DarthRaiderBob]

Welcome to the show!

 

[DarthRaiderBob]

Great to be here thank you

Your not incredibly far from me. I'm in Grove City. Been to Lernerville many times over the years.

 

[fishguypa]

Great to be here thank you

Your not incredibly far from me. I'm in Grove City. Been to Lernerville many times over the years.

That only about 5 min from me

 

[DarthRaiderBob]

That only about 5 min from me

What store do you go to?

 

[fishguypa]

Elmer’s aquarium great place

 

[DarthRaiderBob]

Elmer’s aquarium great place

The Reef Gallery in Zelionople is good and if you don't mind a bit of a drive Extreme Tropical Pets is Youngstown is great as well.

 

[fishguypa]

I just seen the gallery online yesterday I Mike make a trip.

 

[Sam7]

Welcome and Hello

 

[TJ42]

Welcome!!

 

[fishguypa]

Tank should be here tomorrow! I ended up killing some time . I built my new fry holding tank for the top of 110 Cichlid tank. Sets in the tank so I don’t have to set up another tank.
View attachment 20251230_163006_99A4E4A8-44D0-4285-A9AF-D7B4D60025A4.mov

 

[EnterName]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Any words of wisdom.

• read about the ugly phase (and nitrogen cycle) before adding anything living to the tank. Many people freak out when the sand turns brown or green hair algae starts to cover everything within the first 1 - 6 months. Diatoms, green hair algae, dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria, all those things people hate in established tanks are very common in new tanks and don't necessarily require you to take any action.
• use at least a little bit of live rock if you want to spare yourself some pain.
• be patient
• but most important: enjoy the hobby :)

 

[fishguypa]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Any words of wisdom.

• read about the ugly phase (and nitrogen cycle) before adding anything living to the tank. Many people freak out when the sand turns brown or green hair algae starts to cover everything within the first 1 - 6 months. Diatoms, green hair algae, dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria, all those things people hate in established tanks are very common in new tanks and don't necessarily require you to take any action.
• use at least a little bit of live rock if you want to spare yourself some pain.
• be patient
• but most important: enjoy the hobby :)

So I’m thinking on the realm of clown what do you think about clean up crew

 

[Wonkabar]

Welcome