New and Saying Hello

[msparlin]

Hello everyone out there!

I recently aquired an 80 gallon tank with some peripherals such as heaters, under gravel filter (which is going in the trash), Magnum 350 canister filter, HOB filter, lights, etc. I actually used to work in a marine and fresh water aquarium store a million years ago, but things have changed so much since then I really feel like I am quite the rookie here. I would like to set this up as a fish only tank at first with live rock and live sand and progress from there as I gain more experience and confidence in my abilities. I plan on using a sump with protein skimmer and such with an overflow box since my tank isn't drilled and I don't want to hassle with that. I have been doing my homework and getting aquainted with the technology and such available today. I don't want to sink a mint into this tank right away while getting my feet wet so to speak but I will not buy junk just to get it going either. Does anyone have any recommendations as to a set up or good equipment worth buying rather than just getting cheap stuff. I think eventually I will want to change this over to a reef tank but that progression will be slow. I also received a 30 gallon tall tank which I am going to set up as fresh water for my kids so they can be active aquarium keepers too.
This site is great! Thanks!
msparlin

 

[mie]

Welcome to the forums! all i can say is research, research, research i would suggest turning the 30 gal into a saltwater as well,i have two and it is kind of usefull having two.i premix all my water with an ro/di unit and store the water in a fifty gal can this alows for great water quality in both tanks and very EASY care when it comes to water changes wich makes the hobby that much mre enjoyable just remmeber your first fish will set the course of your tank find out what you want and research then place them in the tank in correct order or you will have territorial issues.anywho goodluck

 

[socal57che]

You may want to pick up The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner. I think SWF sells it or any book store can oder it for you. Welcome to SWF and
May your fish live long and your green hair remain short!

 

[sepulatian]

Hey MS, Welcome to the boards!!!! Please feel free to read a ton of info and ask anything and everything that you can possibly think of!!!!!! It is better to ask and wait for an answer than to just assume anything in this hobby. You will get answers in "New Hobbiest" but it is better to pick one of our other forums for answers after you read a bit. You are welcome to swim all around this wonderful site and we will help you with whatever questions you may have

 

[jesses89]

welcome!
any questions you may have, feel free to ask.
BTW
Why not turn that 30 gal tank into a QT?

 

[msparlin]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome! It is nice to have a place to come and ask questions and get so much information! I just may turn the 30 gallon into a QT tank, but my problem would be where to put it? Does anyone keep their QT tank in the garage? I will still have to get my kids their freshwater set up though. They are SOOOOO looking forward to that.
Thanks!

 

[michaeltx]

is it a heated and cooled garage. if so it wont be a problem lots of people put it in the garage if its not then you are going to have a heat and cooling problem with the tank and not a good choice.
Welcome to the board!!!
Mike

 

[thereefer9]

Hi and welcome to the boards.

 

[florida joe]

Welcome but enough of the sugar coating there is one prerequisite to being involved in this hobby and that is you must be a little crazy sorry but someone had to say it

 

[robdog696]

Welcome to the boards!