[hosser]

Hi all, I am a complete newbile, and with the help of several of my friends and a great LFS, I have a begginners grasp and cant wait for my tank to settle and be ready to introduce a couple more fish.
I have a 30 gal. with an over the wall filter, I have 25lbs of live rock that shows good growth after 1 week. I have a three stripe damsel and a yellow tail damsel that I put in the day after I set up the tank, they are vibrant energetic and love their surroundings.
Im using this as a learning curve while I build my cabinet and filter system for what I hope to be a 150-200 gal. . Everyone seems so helpful here and I would like to show my appreciation. As soon as my wife arrives homw I will get pictures posted.

[Uvajed]

Originally Posted by hosser

Hi all, I am a complete newbile, and with the help of several of my friends and a great LFS, I have a begginners grasp and cant wait for my tank to settle and be ready to introduce a couple more fish.
I have a 30 gal. with an over the wall filter, I have 25lbs of live rock that shows good growth after 1 week. I have a three stripe damsel and a yellow tail damsel that I put in the day after I set up the tank, they are vibrant energetic and love their surroundings.
Im using this as a learning curve while I build my cabinet and filter system for what I hope to be a 150-200 gal. . Everyone seems so helpful here and I would like to show my appreciation. As soon as my wife arrives homw I will get pictures posted.

Hi Hosser! I'm new here too! Welcome aboard, everyone is so helpful, and knowledgeable. I just got my tank last week, and today, I added the rocks. Keep me posted, we can struggle through this together!

Uva

[hosser]

Lets hope for more success than struggle. Congrats on your tank. I do know one thing good rock helps alot, even though I run a filter for a 60 gal I was told that with the amount of rock I have and the sand with just the two fish I dont need to worry yet if the power goes out for a few hours..... batterey back up is a little beyond what I need yet but Im sure sooner or later the bug will get me there too.

[Uvajed]

I have a 75 gallon tank. Perhaps you might have read my thread prior to yours Howdy everyone!. I just added 50 pounds of rock today, at about 4.29 a pound from my LFS. Now, it's wait and see. The rock seems in good shape, what do I know? I was out looking today at more gizmos, and the next step is sand and powerheads. I've read about the Koralia brand powerheads, and the nano stuff, but, so many options, so many opinions, so confusing....... I'm at the KISS point. Add on as I grow.

My filter is good for 100 gallons. I've tried to stay above the guidelines. It's costly, but in the long run, I won't have to buy for two systems. I thought of going smaller, but....I know I'd be unhappy with a smaller system in the end. Plus, I've been researching this for 4 years now. I finally took the plunge. The rocks and sand are going to be the most expensive.

[hosser]

My setup went basically like this. Fri- mixed water and salt in tank.... after complete disolving of salt I added my 30lbs of sand......after a little more clearing up maybe an hour or so I added my fiji live rock about 15lbs. The next day I decided to go purchase a little more live rock and the gentlemen at the store offered me his fiji rock from his personal reef tank which was a 210 gal. I bought 10 more lbs at 2.99 a lb. He didnt feel right selling me "used" rock but this rock is what has taken off the best. I then on Sun added my damsels. In about two weeks I will be adding a clown with an anenome and maybe a carpet anenome as well. I want a Certaihn anenome that doesnt attract clows but I thin it will add some character as well. Im at the same time adding several of differant kinds of crabs all safe and ready for the tank. The LFS I refer to handles all the big resteraunts tanks around here and he gaurantees all fish to stay healthy or he buys them back. He even tests the water for you if you are uncomfortable to do so. I feel lucky to have such a great LFS. Good Luck Pics to be posted soon

[holiday]

Slow down Hosser. It takes time and your tank will go thru a cycle. You would kick yourself if you bought a clown and an anemone and they croaked because you pushed it too fast - $$$$ down the drain. Damsels are very hardy but they are wicked agressive and after time most people want them out of their tank.

Patience is something that we all needed to learn the hard way. Me included. It will all come together.

Noel

[hosser]

The damsels are going in a buddys new reef in about three weeks, which is when I am going with the clown and a couple anenomes. Im not going to get more than opne clown and one anenome though at that time. Im basically doing my first cycle with these damsels and then putting those to better use in another tank getting it ready then adding my clown and one anenome..... I am deffinatly not in a posotion to waste money which is why Im relying heavily on my LFS. Thanks for the warning though, I would have been one who rushed it if I didnt ask enough questions.
I probably went to the LFS about 20 times before him and I felt I was ready to go ... he is coaching me along nicely. Patience is the key and I am loving watching and waiting to see what develops.

[Uvajed]

Originally Posted by hosser

My setup went basically like this. Fri- mixed water and salt in tank.... after complete disolving of salt I added my 30lbs of sand......after a little more clearing up maybe an hour or so I added my fiji live rock about 15lbs. The next day I decided to go purchase a little more live rock and the gentlemen at the store offered me his fiji rock from his personal reef tank which was a 210 gal. I bought 10 more lbs at 2.99 a lb. He didnt feel right selling me "used" rock but this rock is what has taken off the best. I then on Sun added my damsels. In about two weeks I will be adding a clown with an anenome and maybe a carpet anenome as well. I want a Certaihn anenome that doesnt attract clows but I thin it will add some character as well. Im at the same time adding several of differant kinds of crabs all safe and ready for the tank. The LFS I refer to handles all the big resteraunts tanks around here and he gaurantees all fish to stay healthy or he buys them back. He even tests the water for you if you are uncomfortable to do so. I feel lucky to have such a great LFS. Good Luck Pics to be posted soon

I have a really great LFS as well. I bought the testing kit they use, so if I have any issues, we can compare our results. The folks there have been so helpful, and this forum, I'm sure I won't make a single mistake ...... LOL!

You seem to be farther ahead than I am, but, I'm taking the slowpoke's method. Even though I bought 'good rock', I'm willing to wait and test and wait and test, then add sand, then wait and test and wait and test, then the sand critters and wait and test....... There is a local club that I should join, but, to post, you have to pay. I'll wait for awhile for that. I hate joining pay first sites before you know what they are about.

I've always heard damsels are a good starter fish, get only 2, I've been told. My LFS is way less pricey than what I've seen in Milwaukee, or the local chains (petco, is so expensive, they sell medium Fiji live rock for $17.99 a pound!.....not a typo). I thought the Milwaukee store was outrageous at $9.99 a pound. I guess if your kid wants a "Nemo", you'll pay for it.)

Also, beware of sites offering LR for $1.99 a pound, with shipping, they are no better than other sites. I've gone through all the 'enter your credit card info' on many of these sites, and did a price per pound with shipping. It's pretty much a wash, give or take. I opted for LR from my LFS for about 4.29. I know, pricey, but, considering shipping costs of up to $150, the overall price per pound is comparable. Plus, they're into customer service. I think this store is good. They'll not come out and say, check the internet, but they have steered me in different directions without compromising their business. (they are trying to make a buck too) I want my initial tank to be quality, not "oh, look what I did" and six months later have a complete dead mess.

Rambling, but, it's great to talk to a noob like you as well, Uva

[Uvajed]

Originally Posted by holiday

Slow down Hosser. It takes time and your tank will go thru a cycle. You would kick yourself if you bought a clown and an anemone and they croaked because you pushed it too fast - $$$$ down the drain. Damsels are very hardy but they are wicked agressive and after time most people want them out of their tank.

Patience is something that we all needed to learn the hard way. Me included. It will all come together.

Noel

Noob and all, I didn't want to be rude, glad you oldtimes chime in!

OK, are you Noel because you are a Christmas baby, hence your screenname holiday? I was going to be named Noel if I was born on December 25th, I came 3 days later.

[hosser]

4.99 a lb doesnt sound bad thats the price I paid for my original rock. I got a deal cause I bought his personal rock from his tank he had at home. Yeah I only did my tank this way because this guy has a reputation for quick succesful setups. Basically he quickly gets fish in (starters only) and then patience starts. He made sure I would have a good tank from the get go.
On the other hand my buddy that is taking the damsels is doing it a completely difeerant way...he is mixing water but using only half of the rock as live rock and not using live sand he is taking a start from scratch approach. He has had several beautiful tanks and this is his new project. I could have never done it that way.

[jimw369]

Originally Posted by hosser

My setup went basically like this. Fri- mixed water and salt in tank.... after complete disolving of salt I added my 30lbs of sand......after a little more clearing up maybe an hour or so I added my fiji live rock about 15lbs. The next day I decided to go purchase a little more live rock and the gentlemen at the store offered me his fiji rock from his personal reef tank which was a 210 gal. I bought 10 more lbs at 2.99 a lb. He didnt feel right selling me "used" rock but this rock is what has taken off the best. I then on Sun added my damsels. In about two weeks I will be adding a clown with an anenome and maybe a carpet anenome as well. I want a Certaihn anenome that doesnt attract clows but I thin it will add some character as well. Im at the same time adding several of differant kinds of crabs all safe and ready for the tank. The LFS I refer to handles all the big resteraunts tanks around here and he gaurantees all fish to stay healthy or he buys them back. He even tests the water for you if you are uncomfortable to do so. I feel lucky to have such a great LFS. Good Luck Pics to be posted soon

Sounds to me like you got it all figured out. So why are you here?

Good luck with your new tank mates.

If you are gonna stick around I would like to see some pics.

I feel sorry for the carpet you buy. Magnificent animals.

[hosser]

Why all the hate.... I came here for some suggestions and some info on things popping up in my tank. Feel sorry for what exactly? If my tank isnt ready by then it wont go in... like I said Im basing all my knowledge and set up on a guy with over 20 yrs experience and one who handles over 300 local tanks most of which are seen by hundreds of people a day. Im not at all saying I know anything about this thus the whole Im a nubile..... thanks for the kind words though you were a great help ...to those who actually offer words of encouragement and teaching I thank you

[jimw369]

Originally Posted by hosser

Why all the hate.... I came here for some suggestions and some info on things popping up in my tank. Feel sorry for what exactly? If my tank isnt ready by then it wont go in... like I said Im basing all my knowledge and set up on a guy with over 20 yrs experience and one who handles over 300 local tanks most of which are seen by hundreds of people a day. Im not at all saying I know anything about this thus the whole Im a nubile..... thanks for the kind words though you were a great help ...to those who actually offer words of encouragement and teaching I thank you

Your tank is not ready for anemones of any kind. But then again if the guy selling you the critters says it ok well then it must be. I have an affinity for the carpets as they can be a hundred years old or older when collected and do require a few special considerations.

Its only my opinion. Most people will only tell you what you want to hear.

You might not realise it but these are words of encouragement.

I hope you do well with your tank and stay plugged in here at RB.

[hosser]

Thanks for the restatement, I would never attempt or contemplate harming something living by rushing into it. If Im told its ready great if its not by then , I wont rush it and he will lead me in the direction to make sure it gets there. Thanks though for the concern and Im sure your knowledge will help me along the way.

[holiday]

Yep, I am a X-mas baby born on the 29th. Hooser where are you in Sunny Fla? I am near Tampa.

I tried to rush it a little in the beginning and had to slow down. I only have 15 months experience and I have never started a tank from scratch. Both of my tanks were bought used from someone else. One was in great condition and the other was a project to get all the parameters correct and the tank settled so it could thrive.

I am passing on some advice that was given to me from several people - from RB and friends and family. I also found out that most LFS don't know what they are talking about and are just trying to make a sale. Many here on RB will agree with me on that statement. Which is very unfortunate. So if you found one of the good stores you are one step ahead of the rest. Do your homework on fish and compatibility and how they are with corals before purchasing don't just take their work for it.

Read until you can't read anymore and then read again. Ask questions and search around on the forums and read other peoples questions. You will learn so much that your head will hurt because of information overload.

The most help I got was from a perfect stranger. I was looking at tanks on Ebay and found this gorgeous 125 gallon tank that a guy was selling due to a new baby and a move. He wrote 3 pages worth of stuff about his tank. I figured this guy really cared about his little piece of paradise. So I emailed him and said his tank was awesome and wished he lived closer because I wanted it but instead would he be willing to share some experience with a newbie. He wrote back a few days later and we chatted thru email for about 4 months until the new baby came and now he just doesn't have the time to yack.

Best of luck. This adventure is addicting. Noel

[jimw369]

Cool beans! Sorry for jumping on your post so hard.

[hosser]

I love the enthusiasm and the watching out for marine life. I understand the passion somewhat even though Im new and thats why I came here and to every other place I could find. I chose this site after seeing many others and I chose my LFS after hearing watching and exploring how they treated their animals and customers. I hope to have a great beautiful tank one that I hope to have for many many years. Jump on my back anytime I sound like Im making a mistake thanks. No hard feelings

[holiday]

Where are you in Florida? There are dozens of us here from around the state. Just thought if any of us were local we could get together and share in our own adventures.

[Jason L]

miami here

[hosser]

Sarasota area just south of there

[DEWAYNE]

I'm from Houston,TX. does that count.............hello, anyone there. hey guy's just reading some of the post(s) and it got a bit heated for a moment, any newbies reading this, listen to these guys, the LFS would sell thier own mother for a profit...LOL seriously, I have had a saltwater tank for 10yrs+ and I have learned alot in the short time of being an RB member, trust me, if it swam in the ocean, chances are I have killed it...... many$$$$$$$$$$$$$ later I found this site and am almost ready to setup a reef tank, instead of fish only (boring) just be paitent and you will have a great time with this hobby.......good luck to vets. and newbies.

[hosser]

Again just to clear anything up. I want to say I came here in search of info and see that everyone offering advice is very knowledgable. I will NOT get impatient and I thank everyone for the reassurance of being patient.

[RyanG]

Welcome to RB Justin!

[hosser]

Thanks all!! Ryan, im still pondering those might be zoo's Ive looked everywhere for pics resembling that and I cant find any, hope I can find out before they grow cause Id like to learn about whatever it is.

[aquasalt]

Originally Posted by DEWAYNE

I'm from Houston,TX. does that count.............hello, anyone there. hey guy's just reading some of the post(s) and it got a bit heated for a moment, any newbies reading this, listen to these guys, the LFS would sell thier own mother for a profit...LOL seriously, I have had a saltwater tank for 10yrs+ and I have learned alot in the short time of being an RB member, trust me, if it swam in the ocean, chances are I have killed it...... many$$$$$$$$$$$$$ later I found this site and am almost ready to setup a reef tank, instead of fish only (boring) just be paitent and you will have a great time with this hobby.......good luck to vets. and newbies.

Originally Posted by holiday

Where are you in Florida? There are dozens of us here from around the state. Just thought if any of us were local we could get together and share in our own adventures.

As you already know, I am in the Tampa Bay area as well. I wonder how many fanatics we could get together?