William from Columbus Ohio

NyteRyder1

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Hi, I’m William, a hobbyist from Columbus, Ohio returning to the aquarium hobby after a two-year break. My 65-gallon freshwater tank ran for seven years before springing a leak in spring 2024.

I’m back now with a 6-gallon Fluval betta setup and currently building out a 29-gallon betta community aquarium. But my real focus is on what comes next: a saltwater reef.

I’m a methodical researcher by nature. I’m currently on episode 42 of BRStv’s 52 Weeks of Reefing series, taking detailed notes as I go and using Claude AI to compile a comprehensive build document that will guide me through setting up a 40-gallon AIO reef… hopefully beginning sometime in 2028.

What draws me to reefing is the combination of challenge and visual spectacle. I love the idea of creating a living ecosystem that rewards patience, discipline, and attention to detail. Long term, my dream is to buy a home with a basement and build a wall-spanning aquarium into the living room… glass-fronted, wood-framed, with all equipment and plumbing hidden in a dedicated basement sump room.

For now I’m learning everything I can before spending a dollar on saltwater equipment. Looking forward to connecting with experienced reefers and soaking up the vast store of knowledge this community has to offer.
 

revhtree

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Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D
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vetteguy53081

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NyteRyder1

NyteRyder1

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A couple great places to get fish and coral is Matt's Fish and Coral in Gahanna and if you're willing to drive Great Lake's Fish and Corals in Macedonia ( I exclusively get my fish there ) and Tidal Gardens in Copley.
Thanks! I knew about Tidal Gardens from my research so far and was planning to setup a visit there. My mom lives in NE Ohio so I drive past that area on my way there. The only LFS I’ve been to is Aquarium Adventure. I heard of a Rivers to Reefs in Gahanna but not Matt’s. I’ll have to check it out. There’s also a Reef Systems Coral Farm in New Albany. Do you have any experience with them?
 

kevgib67

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Grove City. Are you local?
No, I’m in the Youngstown area about an hour from Cleveland and an hour from Pittsburgh but my wife and I graduated from a small college in Columbus, perhaps you’ve heard of it, Ohio State University? We try to make it to a game every year if we can. I’ve been to Tidal Gardens many times and you’ll love it. Corals.Com is much closer to me but it’s curbside pickup only.
 

kevgib67

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I drive by Youngstown too. My mom is in Ashtabula county so I 76 > 80 > 11
I’m in Canfield Ashtabula is 50 miles north of me. I’ve camped there and caught a ton of walleye out of Ashtabula!
 

gabelex14

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A couple great places to get fish and coral is Matt's Fish and Coral in Gahanna and if you're willing to drive Great Lake's Fish and Corals in Macedonia ( I exclusively get my fish there ) and Tidal Gardens in Copley.
Thanks! I knew about Tidal Gardens from my research so far and was planning to setup a visit there. My mom lives in NE Ohio so I drive past that area on my way there. The only LFS I’ve been to is Aquarium Adventure. I heard of a Rivers to Reefs in Gahanna but not Matt’s. I’ll have to check it out. There’s also a Reef Systems Coral Farm in New Albany. Do you have any experience with them?
I personally wasn't impressed with rivers to reefs. I have seen good things though posted online. I have not been to Reef Systems but plan on checking them out in the near future
 

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