Good Afternoon Everyone,
I am fairly new to the area and this is my first saltwater tank but I have been doing a lot of research and reading the past couple weeks. First off, I would like my tank to be relatively simple/easy to care fish, inverts and and mainly bright colorful corals (not SPS or claims as I’ve head they are more difficult).
So far I have purchased the following things:
-55 gallon, 48’’ long tank with stand
-Penguin 330 filtration unit: (came with the tank and after some advice from others this sounds like it should be fine as long as my live rock system is up to par. Also not going to include the bio wheels as it sounds like they are not necessary for reef tanks – maybe going to add some live rock to the unit for more filtration?)
-Hydor 425 Circulation Pump 425gph. (Eventually going to purchase a couple more)
-40# of sand, going to get about 15 more or so.
120 watt Bridgelux Value LED Fixture (also going to purchase a second one in the future)
-Hydor heaters (2x), thermometer
-RO/DI sytem
From everything I have read it sounds like best way to cycle a new tank is to add a little bit of live rock to the dead rock to get it going. Also I have read it is best to get a piece of live rock (or live sand) from someone you know with an established tank. Since I am new to the area I was wondering if someone could help me out or point me to a good LFS to get my tank started. Also I am in Dover and the closest fish store I’m aware of is in Bear. Thanks in advanced and I look forward to posting here!
Souns to me like you’re on the right track, diong your research and asking quesitons is essential to success in this hobby.
You should consider checking out our monthly meeting, it’s next Monday the 19th up in New castle (would take you about 35 min to drive). Good time to meet people and get some live rock to seed (I have some I can bring you).
You have The Fish Bowl right in Dover - recently opened and has gotten great reviews and reccomendations here.
A little further north you’ll have Delaware’s Premium Aquatics, Aquarium Concepts, and William’s Greenbank Aquarium. All great stores that won’t steer you wrong. I won’t talk poorly about a store, but you’ll notice I didn’t mention anything about the store in Bear … just (not) saying.
Thanks for the reply. Could defiantly make the meeting. Only problem is I’m moving end of month (only a couple miles from my current place) so I don’t want to set up tank until moved, might be too soon to get live rock.
Also I’m not aware of were the fish bowl is. I know there used to be a marine store here when I moved but one closed down.
Edit: verdict_in just noticed where it is…guess I didnt need to drive north the other day
Happy you are getting into saltwater tank, enjoy the ride. Take it slow and ask question on here, plenty of valuable info will be available from our members. hope you can make the meetings, lots of great stuff goes on at them. YahoO
:Welcome) to DRC Jack. I’m guessing your name is Jack. There’s several of us reefer here in Dover and couple north of here in Smyrna. You are correct, there is only one fish store here in Dover and that is the Fish Bowl. The store is on 13 south on the way to Camden Walmart in the same shopping center with Papa Johns pizza on your right at the red light.
Like everyone else said, it would be nice for you to make it to the meeting and meet everyone else there. In the mean time if you need anything just post here or PM myself. Suggestions: read and ask lots of questions.
I think one of the biggest bit of advice I would offer to start since you are just starting it up, form and epoxy or mortor your aquascape. I tried to do mine lego style and now when ever I need to scrub a rock with a toothbrush or try to force a plug into a crack or hole I end up knocking it down half the time.
[quote=“Hudzon, post:7, topic:5963”]
I think one of the biggest bit of advice I would offer to start since you are just starting it up, form and epoxy or mortor your aquascape. I tried to do mine lego style and now when ever I need to scrub a rock with a toothbrush or try to force a plug into a crack or hole I end up knocking it down half the time.[/quote]
Any suggestions on epoxy/mortar to use? Want to make sure they are reef safe and good quality.
Also my name is Bryan, user name is from the Clancy books
[quote=“Hudzon, post:7, topic:5963”]
I think one of the biggest bit of advice I would offer to start since you are just starting it up, form and epoxy or mortor your aquascape. I tried to do mine lego style and now when ever I need to scrub a rock with a toothbrush or try to force a plug into a crack or hole I end up knocking it down half the time.[/quote]
and another school of thought ( for us less clumsy then hudzon) is to not epoxy rocks together so they can be removed easily to get at a pest, or mount a frag… :TWOCENTS
look, it’s starting already :BB) …
you’ll get more opinions around here then you know what to with them ::
[quote=“Pat B, post:12, topic:5963”]
I am in Camden, and I take 2 other members up to the meetings. There is 1 open seat in my car if you want to hop in. [/quote]
Thanks for the offer Pat. When do you leave to head up? I will have to let you know soon.
boss gave us the day off tomorrow so I am going to be making my trip back home a little earlier…wont’ be able to make the meeting this time. i plan on being at the next one. Thanks for the ride offer Pat!
looking to start my tank tomorrow (should have been today but my last package was delayed, oh well). Was wondering if the offer still stood to get some “live sand” or small live rock from an established tank? I can just go to my LFS to get a small piece of live rock but I’m not comfortable knowing what to look for yet. Any advice or help would be appreciated. Thanks!
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