Re-entering reefkeeping after hiatus

RichReef · Aug 10, 2022

Welcome back!

Fish Think Pink · Aug 26, 2022

brettonw said:
Hi Folks,

I kept a variety of reef tanks in while living on the left coast during the late 1900s to early 2000s (including an acrylic 120g show tank with a 40 gallon sump), but sold all my gear to focus on family. Now I'm on the right coast, and jumping back in the deep end of the pool.

When I started reefing, I joined a message board run by Albert Thiel. This was about the time PAR was just starting to be explored for lighting reef aquariums. Did anybody ever figure out how to count a mole of photons? It's been especially interesting to see what's changed for the better (big changes: LED lights instead of metal halide or CFL, DC pumps instead of AC, affordable computer controllers, etc.), what hasn't (skimmers are improving but are substantially the same idea, natural ecosystem "filtration" vs. machinery, etc.) and what seems to have been lost (all the small vendors have been bought up into one big company). FWIW, I still have my copy of John H. Tullock's "Natural Reef Aquariums" from 1997, and I think it mostly holds up.

I'm looking forward to getting my new tank up and running with help from the internet, starting with some magic mud from IPSF (I think their website hasn't changed in 20 years either - LOL).

Welcome! Glad you joined. I'm in Texas these days, but my first apartment was in Baltimore near triple bridges/SSA. Its worth the drive out to Pacific East Aquaculture, but they are mostly wholesaler so call first - I was out in your neck of the woods this past November and made this video of them - learned so much from Dr Mac - WOW:

CONGRATULATIONS on already having your Build Thread Badge - YOU ARE ROCKING IT !!!

Its interesting you mention Miracle Mud for your upcoming build. I wasn't familiar with them, but they were just a guest speaker for our local hobby club:

This might help you find more people local to you in Baltimore:

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