Returning to the Hobby!

sykospark · Jan 26, 2026

Hi All,
I'm Sarah and I'm returning to the hobby after 15 years. I was very active on nano-reef.com for a long time and specialized in nano and macro algae tanks.

I got myself a 30g Innovative Marine starfire tank (used) and am currently getting caught up to speed on all the awesome advances in tech, and having to repurchase everything (even the darn RODI unit arghh).

I live in the inland empire in California. Excited to be here and nervous to get started again. <3

revhtree · Jan 26, 2026

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D

vetteguy53081 · Jan 26, 2026

fishface NJ · Jan 26, 2026

Welcome to R2R!

Gumbies R Us · Jan 26, 2026

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

kevgib67 · Jan 26, 2026

Welcome, glad you are here!

Rocks reef · Jan 26, 2026

Welcome to R2R!! Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

FrugalReeferJon · Jan 26, 2026

Dom · Jan 26, 2026

sykospark said:
Hi All,
I'm Sarah and I'm returning to the hobby after 15 years. I was very active on nano-reef.com for a long time and specialized in nano and macro algae tanks.

I got myself a 30g Innovative Marine starfire tank (used) and am currently getting caught up to speed on all the awesome advances in tech, and having to repurchase everything (even the darn RODI unit arghh).

I live in the inland empire in California. Excited to be here and nervous to get started again. <3

Nervous? Why?

Ruben's Reef · Jan 26, 2026

Welcome to R2R Sarah !!!

Fish Fan · Jan 26, 2026

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

JonoH · Jan 26, 2026

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Peace River · Jan 26, 2026

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

sykospark · Jan 26, 2026

Dom said:
Nervous? Why?

I've been out for so long! I'm super excited about the advancements (Yay for LEDs vs MH!) but just a lot to catch up on. There is always that tense moment during cycling and then adding in from there. I'll feel better once my tank is fully cycled and has some happy stock thriving in it.

But for now, I'm hunting for an RODI unit. I'm so annoyed I sold mine.

Dom · Jan 26, 2026

sykospark said:
I've been out for so long! I'm super excited about the advancements (Yay for LEDs vs MH!) but just a lot to catch up on. There is always that tense moment during cycling and then adding in from there. I'll feel better once my tank is fully cycled and has some happy stock thriving in it.

But for now, I'm hunting for an RODI unit. I'm so annoyed I sold mine.

Get a piece of live rock from a well established tank and use that to seed your tank with nitrifying bacteria and skip the cycle.