Any saltwater aquarium people here

[bmatrow]

Been considering setting up a reef system for freaking YEARS now. Even already have a 75 gallon aquarium and about 80% of the equipment and supplies I need to get it going. Why haven't I finished a project I started years ago you may ask. Well honestly, I don't know. Been considering it more and more recently since I do have $$$$ worth of equipment laying around I might as well!

 

Do any of you also have a fascination with these colorful little sea critters? If so what kind of setup do you have? Pictures would be great!

[Zoom]

I came close about five or six years ago. I read extensively on the subject and went to some of the local hobbyist meetings. In the end, my research lead me to the unwanted conclusion that it wasn't the right hobby for me at that time. I was living in an apartment, and didn't have air conditioning. The equipment and metal halide lights would add a great deal of heat to the apartment, and in order to keep the aquarium at the right temperature, I would need to purchase a chiller - which would take the heat out of the water and add it to the apartment. I would also need a backup generator in case the power went out.

 

I decided that I didn't want a hobby that was so dependent on electricity and equipment, and that it didn't make sense for me to do it while living in my apartment. I put it on the "maybe someday" list.

 

But I still love saltwater aquariums and all the fascinating life forms that live within them.

[fmcgraw]

I have a 120 gal tank.

[bmatrow]

Yea I think it was similar reasons that I had decided to not mess with it after all the time in research and money I already had in it. But a friend of mine recently set his up again and re-sparked my interest. The reefs are so amazing. New things pop up out of nowhere all the time. There's always something new to look at. I haven't looked at a chiller as I am planning on running a berlin sump and that is supposed to help to keep your temp lower. Figure I can decide weather I'd need such a piece of equipment when I cycle the tank.

 

fmcgraw I'd love to see what your setup looks like to get some ideas on mine. Besides I love reef pictures almost as much as I love bird pictures!

[GT_Jacket]

I recently tore down my reef setup after 10+ years (90 Gal). I decided I wanted to dedicate my free $$$ and time to my new CAG. Amazingly, I don't miss it at all. I had great success with fish, shrimp, crabs, star fish, etc. Moderate success with corals.

 

Two things I would stess getting due to stability being the key -

1) Really really good skimmer

2) Dosing pumps for Calcium and Alkalinity additions

 

Bulk Reef Supply was one of my fav online stores -

 

Brett

Brett

[Malikah]

I have had a 75 gallon reef for 9 years now. I went the cheap route and only have soft corals. I have a Remora protein skimmer, 2 Fluval 205's for circulation only, and T5 lights. My pride and joy is my Potter's Angel.

[bmatrow]

Thanks for the pointers Bret. I have a decent enough coralife skimmer designed for a 125gallon so I figured it would work well enough on a 75. Have considered a calcium reactor in my sump as well. Also looking into buying a decent RO/DI filter rather then packing home gallon after gallon of store bought water from a pet shop. Ill check out that website too thanks a lot!

 

Beautiful angel Malikah! I have considered going the soft coral rout due to the price of the proper lighting. As they are one of the last pieces of equipment I have yet to purchase its still in the air as it is also one of the most expensive depending on the rout you go. Been considering going with one of the LED models to reduce heat but they are not super cheap either.

[Vumes]

I used to have a 135 gallon reef tank. I had purchased all of my live rock from a company that aqua-cultured it out of the Gulf of Mexico. Pricey, but it was really nice rock. I do miss the hobby, but at the time I was REALLY busy and I decided that I had to give it up for now. Maybe one day it will be again.... lol