Returning to saltwater after 40 years

[yateveo]

Hi All,

I’ve been researching for a new BioCube 32 build and came across R2R. Pretty impressed.

I had several freshwater tanks as a kid In the 70’s And several others since, including an automated Cichlid tank.

I started my first of three saltwater tanks in 1980, In my dorm room, pictured below. Pacific coast tidal critters I caught myself. Please don’t do that now as it’s not legal anymore. In spite of what appears to be primitive equipment, these tanks thrived. I even had a series of octopus’ thrive. When one got to big, he went back and was replaced with a new smaller one.

This tank was vintage even in 1980

10 gallon metal frame With incandescent bulb
Crushed coral substrate
Under gravel filter driven by air stones
Real seawater, plants/kelp/algae?, fish, anemones, hermits, snails, crabs, octopus (not all home in this picture)
No heater

 

[fishguy242]

hi welcome to the reef going to love it here!!
lots of fun/info/fun/help/fun....

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Hi All,

I’ve been researching for a new BioCube 32 build and came across R2R. Pretty impressed.

I had several freshwater tanks as a kid In the 70’s And several others since, including an automated Cichlid tank.

I started my first of three saltwater tanks in 1980, In my dorm room, pictured below. Pacific coast tidal critters I caught myself. Please don’t do that now as it’s not legal anymore. In spite of what appears to be primitive equipment, these tanks thrived. I even had a series of octopus’ thrive. When one got to big, he went back and was replaced with a new smaller one.

This tank was vintage even in 1980

10 gallon metal frame With incandescent bulb
Crushed coral substrate
Under gravel filter driven by air stones
Real seawater, plants/kelp/algae?, fish, anemones, hermits, snails, crabs, octopus (not all home in this picture)
No heater

Thanks for sharing.

 

[BlennyTime]

Welcome :)

 

[Fred2482]

Welcome!

 

[Gernader]

Welcome to R2R!!

 

[iambes]

Welcome to r2r!

 

[Billldg]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[harley32907]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[jeffrey750750]

oh my, just like my first freshwater tank when I was a kid had a metal chrome frame around it...awsome! And welcome

 

[vetteguy53081]

That’s quite the break !!
Welcome back and to the R2R community !

 

[FlexingFishSticks]

Welcome to R2R!!

 

[CookieRdReef]

Welcome! Not much has changed. Everyone uses undergravel filters still. Whatever light from the hardware store is fine. Lol jk. BRSTV videos on Youtube, including their 5 minute guides, are a good way to learn or catch up on some of the newer stuff.

 

[Jilly92]

Hi All,

I’ve been researching for a new BioCube 32 build and came across R2R. Pretty impressed.

I had several freshwater tanks as a kid In the 70’s And several others since, including an automated Cichlid tank.

I started my first of three saltwater tanks in 1980, In my dorm room, pictured below. Pacific coast tidal critters I caught myself. Please don’t do that now as it’s not legal anymore. In spite of what appears to be primitive equipment, these tanks thrived. I even had a series of octopus’ thrive. When one got to big, he went back and was replaced with a new smaller one.

This tank was vintage even in 1980

10 gallon metal frame With incandescent bulb
Crushed coral substrate
Under gravel filter driven by air stones
Real seawater, plants/kelp/algae?, fish, anemones, hermits, snails, crabs, octopus (not all home in this picture)
No heater

Love this! And how you have your substrate. So cool to see memories in time

 

[KingTideCorals]

Hi All,

I’ve been researching for a new BioCube 32 build and came across R2R. Pretty impressed.

I had several freshwater tanks as a kid In the 70’s And several others since, including an automated Cichlid tank.

I started my first of three saltwater tanks in 1980, In my dorm room, pictured below. Pacific coast tidal critters I caught myself. Please don’t do that now as it’s not legal anymore. In spite of what appears to be primitive equipment, these tanks thrived. I even had a series of octopus’ thrive. When one got to big, he went back and was replaced with a new smaller one.

This tank was vintage even in 1980

10 gallon metal frame With incandescent bulb
Crushed coral substrate
Under gravel filter driven by air stones
Real seawater, plants/kelp/algae?, fish, anemones, hermits, snails, crabs, octopus (not all home in this picture)
No heater

This is so awesome... love this and the photo I am sure does not even do this tank justice for all of its awesome stages of life.

 

[PTXReef]

That's so cool!

Welcome to R2R and happy reefing!

 

[SPR1968]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[BeltedCoyote]

Welcome to R2R!! And welcome back to the salty side!

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R. Interesting look back at how things were. I too had a metal frame homemade freshwater tank many years ago. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.