Cheap advice

[daluminum]

Hey everyone,
Im looking into a reeftank for my winter project and was interested in any advice from veterans for things that I should research before getting into a reef tank. namely water quality and lighting. Im not looking for answers. just questions that I should ask my research before I go into a reef tank. My background so far is all FOwLR. but I would love to have a 40-60 reef in my house. Thanks for the questions.

 

[y2says]

I just started a small reef myself after having a stable FO tank. Again the most important is to be patient and read, read, read! Lighting should be at least 3w/gallon if not more and maintaining water quality is about the same as your FO tank, but you will have to measure calcium, alkalinity and other trace eliments. Good luck.

 

[flydan]

Hey,
First question I would ask is what type of corals do I want to keep? Research that type of coral and find out what it's needs are. Then set up your tank accordingly. Are you going for a lagoon type setting with light current and strong lighting, or will you need strong current and direct feeding?
Anyway, that's where I would start. Different corals have different needs and can't always do well side by side in the same tank.
HTH,
Dan'l

 

[wamp]

I would ask myself.. Why would I want to go throught the Headaches and heartburn you get while watching a 100 dollar coral die slowly and having a LFS who knows jack squat about what they are selling, AND wondering why I did not do enough research to know the Coral needed VERY VERY strong flow.. I could kill myself for that one..

 

[daluminum]

Hey wamp. Have a seat in my "chair" now tell me. Did your LFS abuse you as a child? Its called BLS.. (BAD Local fish Store syndrome) and it can be cured.

Just confess your feelings and it will be ok.

 

[burnnspy]

These are some questions you should consider:
1. How much maintenance am I willing to do and how often?
2. What livestock do I plan to keep that and be safe together?
3. What lighting will I need to start with so I won't have to upgrade later?
4. How can I avoid introducing unwanted hitchhickers with my Live rock?
5. What is the best way to cycle my tank?
6. Should I use a WetDry or canister filter?
7. How do I prevent long term nitrate and phosphate problems?
BurnNSpy

 

[daluminum]

Hey burn I was just looking at your website. looks like you got those questions answered you have a real nice looking tank. Thanks for the input.

 

[kris walker]

I think Burn's questions are great. Another important question I would ask is:
Am I a patient person, and if not, do I have the conviction to become one when necessary for long-term success?
sam

 

[daluminum]

patience.. NO.. but I do have the conviction to play GOD.. either one.. both have similar results.. JK. I dont think I will do reed this year.. but I will have a tank cycling for about 6 months with natural sunlight and FO.. just waiting for a perfect crop of corals.