Starting soon any advice

[fishguypa]

I’m new to saltwater and decided to that the dive. I know bigger is better but i decided to start with the Hello Reef . Any words of wisdom. I did by a ATO and skimmer for this as well.

 

[lapin]

Hide your credit card

 

[fishguypa]

Hide your credit card

I can see how it could get out of control quickly. I also struggle with ocd and add so I get hyper focused on things like this. Trouble is a swipe away.

 

[tymo92]

Make changes slowly and be patient, “nothing good ever happens fast” applies to so many things in reefing and it’s some of the hardest advice to follow.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

if you are new to reefing and want to keep coral, at strongly advise you to start with at least 40 g. You will just end up going bigger anyway

 

[fishguypa]

Make changes slowly and be patient, “nothing good ever happens fast” applies to so many things in reefing and it’s some of the hardest advice to follow.

I plan on the slow and steady race on this one.

 

[fishguypa]

if you are new to reefing and want to keep coral, at strongly advise you to start with at least 40 g. You will just end up going bigger anyway

I’m not 100% sure the clown fish seem cool for now. Though I guess that could change. Once I see what it takes to be successful. I like the fact you can pick up a clown for $20 and that to me I reasonably priced to get into things. I should be fun I’m going to get my kids involved as well.

 

[Damage12]

Research, research and more research. Don’t take any one person’s opinion as the only way to do it. Do what works right for you.

 

[fishguypa]

Research, research and more research. Don’t take any one person’s opinion as the only way to do it. Do what works right for you.

I my doing my legwork for sure. I’ve always wanted to do a saltwater setup.

 

[fishface NJ]

Go slow. Welcome to R2R!

 

[Sam7]

Welcome.....Im sure you will enjoy the hobby like we do. Keep us posted and share some photos of your tank as you get going. Maybe even start your own tank build thread

 

[EnterName]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!
• Familiarize yourself with the ugly phase before adding anything to the tank.
• Take it from someone who starts with 100% dry rock and sand: Use at least a bit of live rock and live sand. It will make things easier and you need less patience.
• Take it slow. Read about stuff first, before taking action.
• No one is safe from false information. You will make mistakes (as we all do), but when you did your homework of learning as much as you can beforehand, those mistakes won't be fatal.
• Maybe set up a build thread so the community can follow your progress and help you along the way.
• Last but not least: Enjoy what you do :)

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome, good luck with the new adventure!

 

[fishguypa]

• Familiarize yourself with the ugly phase before adding anything to the tank.
• Take it from someone who starts with 100% dry rock and sand: Use at least a bit of live rock and live sand. It will make things easier and you need less patience.
• Take it slow. Read about stuff first, before taking action.
• No one is safe from false information. You will make mistakes (as we all do), but when you did your homework of learning as much as you can beforehand, those mistakes won't be fatal.
• Maybe set up a build thread so the community can follow your progress and help you along the way.
• Last but not least: Enjoy what you do :)

I think I might do the build thread. I was even thinking of doing something on YouTube. I was looking for stories on These tanks I only see setups and unboxing not long term progress.

 

[EnterName]

• Familiarize yourself with the ugly phase before adding anything to the tank.
• Take it from someone who starts with 100% dry rock and sand: Use at least a bit of live rock and live sand. It will make things easier and you need less patience.
• Take it slow. Read about stuff first, before taking action.
• No one is safe from false information. You will make mistakes (as we all do), but when you did your homework of learning as much as you can beforehand, those mistakes won't be fatal.
• Maybe set up a build thread so the community can follow your progress and help you along the way.
• Last but not least: Enjoy what you do :)

I think I might do the build thread. I was even thinking of doing something on YouTube. I was looking for stories on These tanks I only see setups and unboxing not long term progress.

Build threads are a lot of work and most people prefer to show their tanks when they are beautiful and not when they are currently dealing with the ugly phase or have a temporary algae outbreak. I get why most of them stop at some point.

I would suggest you simply do what brings you joy. If you want to make videos for a while, then do it. It doesn't matter if you lose interest after a while. The only important thing is that you always find new ways to enjoy the hobby. Some people share their tanks, some start selling coral frags, others start diving into the science behind reef keeping, or optimize their tanks with different DIY projects.

It's up to you :)

 

[Cthulukelele]

Plan to your desired level of consistent effort. If you know you tend to want something easy long term in your hobbies design your tank with that in mind. If you like infinite complexity and big energy in/big reward out plan for that. Reefing won't change who you are, so build a reef around you and not the other way around (it's impossible and a path of major disappointment)

 

[Damage12]

I my doing my legwork for sure. I’ve always wanted to do a saltwater setup.

It’s addicting, no doubt.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Highly recommend reading this thread!

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[higher99]

I can see how it could get out of control quickly. I also struggle with ocd and add so I get hyper focused on things like this. Trouble is a swipe away.

IMO spend money on quality equipment so you don't need to replace cheap ones months into the future. Think of it like an initial deposit but it gradually pays off on the long run. If it's on the back of your mind, get it, cause impluse will get to you later anyways.

Live rocks are a must btw, the dry rock cycle takes ages and in my experience, once the first fish is it, your tank is already 70% done.

 

[fishguypa]

I can see how it could get out of control quickly. I also struggle with ocd and add so I get hyper focused on things like this. Trouble is a swipe away.

IMO spend money on quality equipment so you don't need to replace cheap ones months into the future. Think of it like an initial deposit but it gradually pays off on the long run. If it's on the back of your mind, get it, cause impluse will get to you later anyways.

Live rocks are a must btw, the dry rock cycle takes ages and in my experience, once the first fish is it, your tank is already 70% done.

That’s was what I was doing I started looking on Amazon and quickly switched gears