Popeye_ali
New Member
Hi everyone,
I’m Alistair and I’m getting back into the hobby after a long break. I used to run a 5x2x2 SPS/LPS reef around 13 years ago — full halides, Dastaco reactor, Deltec skimmer, deep sand bed, the lot! I’ve always loved marine aquariums and I’m now planning a brand-new build to mark my 40th birthday in January.
This time around I want to do things smarter, simpler, and more stable — no chasing trends, just a peaceful, beautiful slice of reef in my living room. I’m looking at a 600mm (2ft cube-ish) tank, possibly going SPS dominant (mainly Acros) but I’m also drawn to the movement and colour of LPS and softies — I love it all really.
I’m enjoying all the new developments — ICP testing, dosing systems, roller mats, pre-seeded media — it’s exciting but also a bit overwhelming. I’m leaning toward methods like ATI or Zlements, and I’m following the evolution of the new CADE S3 series with interest.
What I’d really appreciate are any thoughts from fellow hobbyists running smaller SPS systems — especially around keeping things manageable long-term and avoiding the “bottle lab” effect. I want to enjoy the tank, not just constantly tweak it!
Anyway, thanks for having me — looking forward to learning loads and contributing when I can. Glad to be back!
— Alistair
I’m Alistair and I’m getting back into the hobby after a long break. I used to run a 5x2x2 SPS/LPS reef around 13 years ago — full halides, Dastaco reactor, Deltec skimmer, deep sand bed, the lot! I’ve always loved marine aquariums and I’m now planning a brand-new build to mark my 40th birthday in January.
This time around I want to do things smarter, simpler, and more stable — no chasing trends, just a peaceful, beautiful slice of reef in my living room. I’m looking at a 600mm (2ft cube-ish) tank, possibly going SPS dominant (mainly Acros) but I’m also drawn to the movement and colour of LPS and softies — I love it all really.
I’m enjoying all the new developments — ICP testing, dosing systems, roller mats, pre-seeded media — it’s exciting but also a bit overwhelming. I’m leaning toward methods like ATI or Zlements, and I’m following the evolution of the new CADE S3 series with interest.
What I’d really appreciate are any thoughts from fellow hobbyists running smaller SPS systems — especially around keeping things manageable long-term and avoiding the “bottle lab” effect. I want to enjoy the tank, not just constantly tweak it!
Anyway, thanks for having me — looking forward to learning loads and contributing when I can. Glad to be back!
— Alistair
