Fresh Start

[RailroadReefer]

I had a saltwater reef set up a few years ago. Started with a 20g then moved to a 55g. It made it through several moves but then life took over and I just couldn't keep up with it anymore. We should be in our new home in a few months so I am starting to get the bug again to build a new reef. The wife is even on board so I figure I better keep the momentum going.

Here is a photo album from the old 55 Gallon Reef

I am now in the planning stages and have been considering a ready to go system like the Red Sea Max 250 or maybe even a 400/500. But also like the idea of having a reef controller so it seems like a complete DYI system may be better for going that route...

I live 20 mins away from Pet Supplies and Fish Supplies at That Fish Place - That Pet Place so getting any kind of supplies shouldn't be an issue.

 

[DianaKay]

:welcomera Welcome to Reef Sanctuary!
You had an awesome looking tank before & with what you already know & the help you'll get here....getting set back up in this exciting hobby will surely be a breeze for You!
I'd say get as BIG a tank as you comfortably have room for but not so big as to become a chore for your water changes.
I love my Red Sea Max 250...it's just right for me. 18years ago I had a 135gallon & it was too much to deal with after a move.
I understand where you are in wanting to get back in the hobby.
Make sure to start a thread journal here at RS when you get your tank. Glad to have you joining us! :biker

 

[nanoreefing4fun]

to ReefSanctuary, a real Sanctuary of reef forums, with lots of very nice members

 

Start a new tank thread & share your tank with us so we can follow along - we love pics

 

[RailroadReefer]

Start a new tank thread & share your tank with us so we can follow along - we love pics

I will start a chronicle as soon as I decide which way I am going to go. It will probably be a month or so until the new place is ready to move in to. Also if I decide to go the RSM S-line route it may take even longer to save up the cash!

 

[RailroadReefer]

Maybe if I list some of my "wants" I can get some advice on the direction to go.

Here are the fish I would like to have:

Clowns, maybe even a fancy pair w/Anemone possibly
Red Sea Sailfin (if I go with a larger tank and would a 120 Gallon be enough?)
Blennie ( Midas, or Starrie)
Clown Goby
Royal Gramma
Chalk Bass (maybe a 2 or 3?)
And Mandarin Dragonet (Once Tank is established)

Corals

Zoas
Finger Leather
Toadstool Leather
Hammer
Frogspawn
Mushroom

Inverts besides a CUC
1 or 2 Cleaner Shrimp
Tridacna Clam
1 or 2 Feather Dusters

I'm leaning towards a bigger tank, but the RSM 250 is not completely out of the picture yet.

 

[DianaKay]

Sounds real good Ryan! I'm happy with the RSM 250, but after seeing your DIY ability.....I'm just thinking you need to go a little bigger to be happy. That's just my gut feeling. Also, consider that clowns will host some coral & they don't move around and get to be a pain in the tank. I don't see crabs on your list lsmile: ...I omitted them from mine too I just wish I hadn't put in a coral banded shrimp...I can't catch him or he would be outta there.
Hurry up & get moved....You need a tank NOW, LOL! :spinner: I'm excited for you already!

 

[cgkrick]

I have a 9 month old RSM250 and also live close to That Fish Place. Some successes, some struggles. Looking for a reef group in the area to hook up with. Any suggestions?

 

[RailroadReefer]

I have a 9 month old RSM250 and also live close to That Fish Place. Some successes, some struggles. Looking for a reef group in the area to hook up with. Any suggestions?

Check out Mason Dixon Reef Club - Mason Dixon Reef Club Home

I haven't looked into them yet just keeping them in mind for when I get started.

 

[RailroadReefer]

Sounds real good Ryan! I'm happy with the RSM 250, but after seeing your DIY ability.....I'm just thinking you need to go a little bigger to be happy. That's just my gut feeling. Also, consider that clowns will host some coral & they don't move around and get to be a pain in the tank. I don't see crabs on your list lsmile: ...I omitted them from mine too I just wish I hadn't put in a coral banded shrimp...I can't catch him or he would be outta there.
Hurry up & get moved....You need a tank NOW, LOL! :spinner: I'm excited for you already!

I'm looking at going with a 120g, bigger then I want at first but I don't want to spend money on something smaller and have to buy all new equipment down the road.

 

[carmexx]

Hey Ryan.....Loved the 55 gal! It's so funny, I think we shopped the same coral shops....here's mine.

Sorry got carried away with the pics.....don't mean to hijack ...just thought it was funny. Like looking in a mirror.