Revisiting the hobby

[jcattanach2012]

'lo all!
So I'm an ex-reefer (ish... I never quite got past that intermediate n00b stage, but this is the sort of hobby where I'm not sure you ever feel like you do unless you get a degree in marine bio) and after moving around a whole bunch, I'm finally going to have a stable address for at least three years. Not optimal, but I just can't help myself; I HAVE to get back into it!
I have a 120 tall tank that I'm making a 4 hour trip to go get tomorrow, and I have a perfect place to put it, and I'm super-excited. Here's my main question:
Last time I did this, I followed all of the (mis)guidance of my LFS. I ended up running my reef on bioballs, and the sump itself was too small for my tank. The filtration would bottom out just about every single day, and I'd end up re-priming it that often as well. I'm reading some stuff lately about not using bioballs, and I was just wondering what kind of filtration system I should get instead? Just use a smaller tank as a fuge and let the live rock do the work? (That seems to be what an article I recently read said, but I'm not sure I have it right.)
Another question; I've found an AMAZING LFS, which is wonderful, and they sell very nice RO/DI, and I was wondering if you guys had any ideas as to how to transport the water! I remember trying to do this once using 5-gallon jugs, and the tops ended up popping off in the bed of my truck during the ride.
Really excited to be here again; used to haunt these forums and haven't been in a couple of years. Looking forward to continue to learn and to slowwwwly piece together my tank (college student budget for the win).
Thanks guys!

 

[spammie5]

Welcome back to the hobby! I just posted earlier this evening and feel like even though I've had my tank set up for not quite a year, I'm revisiting the hobby as well....we are all always learning! At least I am!
I can't answer your filtration questions....but as far as transporting RO/DI water....What if you bought large trash cans and filled them half-full? How far is your LFS from your home? The inexpensive investment for trash cans to get all that water home seems like a wise buy. You can always use them later for mixing salt and water and if you just had to, use one as a make-shift QT or HT....
I understand your excitement for getting back into the hobby! It's certainly addicting!
Best of luck to you and your tank!
Pamela

 

[sepulatian]

Welcome to the boards!!! I am glad that you are re-entering the hobby! I promise that you do not need a degree to enjoy it. You do have to go slow and research along the way though. Don't be shy about asking questions, that is what we are all here for. We are more than happy to share our experiences with you so that you do not have to make the same mistakes that some of us have. Again, welcome

 

[flower]

Welcome!
I don’t know how long you were out of the hobby…but now you can buy a unit to make your own RO water. I used to lug the 5g jugs as well…and the garbage cans are just too much to try and haul around.
I have my 5 stage RO unit right under my kitchen sink, and a small faucet set up in the spot where the soap dispenser used to be . I have a 3 year lease on the house with the option to buy…so I understand about being stable for at least 3 years…
Since I technically rent…the RO unit did no damage at all, just save the soap dispenser.