Returning reefer, old reefer, feel like a newbie reefer (sometimes).

TJ42

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Hi All,

Returning reefer here. Been out of it after many years. I have a couple of tanks back up again. A 40 and a 20 I used to start learning on again. Now an Innovative Marine 100ext to get going again.
My history in reefing goes back to the 90's when we were still trying to use undergravel filters, making our own protein filters out of pvc, and buying real pieces of reefs from the lfs's. Did this for many years. Sometimes successfully sometimes not. Looking back i know those pieces of rock had to come from somewhere and I feel better about how rock is sold nowadays. Culture your own or buy an aquaculture bit from FL.
I'll make more detailed posts in the future on my journey coming back into this. I am fairly established with the 100ext right now (for a brand new tank anyways). I have cultured rock in it. All cycled for about a couple months or so. Nothing alive in it except bacteria and pods, so far.
I did order some cleanup crew from Dr Reef. I also ordered some rock from Tampa Bay Saltwater. Going to go pick that up from the airport tomorrow. Looking forward to that.
My attitude in this hobby is very much some of the old school reefers in the hobby and build base, build bacteria, support natural health.
I am now culturing white worms (thanks @Paul B, love your book!), copepod culture, and phytoplankton culture.
I have been on this site for a bit chewing up this new knowledge. I feel like a complete n00b again and loving the new journey and hobby.
Thank you all for being so free with info!
-TJ
 
Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D
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Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

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Hi All,

Returning reefer here. Been out of it after many years. I have a couple of tanks back up again. A 40 and a 20 I used to start learning on again. Now an Innovative Marine 100ext to get going again.
My history in reefing goes back to the 90's when we were still trying to use undergravel filters, making our own protein filters out of pvc, and buying real pieces of reefs from the lfs's. Did this for many years. Sometimes successfully sometimes not. Looking back i know those pieces of rock had to come from somewhere and I feel better about how rock is sold nowadays. Culture your own or buy an aquaculture bit from FL.
I'll make more detailed posts in the future on my journey coming back into this. I am fairly established with the 100ext right now (for a brand new tank anyways). I have cultured rock in it. All cycled for about a couple months or so. Nothing alive in it except bacteria and pods, so far.
I did order some cleanup crew from Dr Reef. I also ordered some rock from Tampa Bay Saltwater. Going to go pick that up from the airport tomorrow. Looking forward to that.
My attitude in this hobby is very much some of the old school reefers in the hobby and build base, build bacteria, support natural health.
I am now culturing white worms (thanks @Paul B, love your book!), copepod culture, and phytoplankton culture.
I have been on this site for a bit chewing up this new knowledge. I feel like a complete n00b again and loving the new journey and hobby.
Thank you all for being so free with info!
-TJ
Welcome to the forums and back to the hobby!
 

WHEN REEFING GETS TOUGH, WHAT KEEPS YOU MOST INVESTED?

  • My livestock depends on me, so I keep showing up for them

    Votes: 17 54.8%
  • I look for small signs that things are improving

    Votes: 3 9.7%
  • I want to figure out what’s going wrong

    Votes: 1 3.2%
  • I remind myself that rough stretches will pass...just keep reefing

    Votes: 6 19.4%
  • I lean on other reefers for advice or encouragement

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • I simplify, step back from tinkering, and give the tank time

    Votes: 2 6.5%
  • Honestly, sometimes I wonder if I want to keep going

    Votes: 2 6.5%
  • Other (Post in the comments)

    Votes: 0 0.0%
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