New to the SW World

Pirate101 · 09-24-2007, 03:20 PM

Hello

my name is Myron. One day I decided that I wanted to have a SW tank. I walked into PetCo and told the person there that I needed everything for a SW tank. He was like great. Little did I know why he was smiling. So while he was running around gathering everything that I would need. I went to look at fish. I picked out about ten and thought that would be good. I didn't want to many but I also wanted enough where I wouldn't get board looking at the tank. As he is looking at most of the stuff I need I asked if they had and Clowns because I wanted to get about five of them for the tank. He tells me in the most disastorious tone. "You're not going to be able to have any fish for about 1-3 weeks. You need to have your tank cycle first." I looked at him and said "Oh really, you mean that I can't have everything set up tonight and running?"

With a look of defeat and like he has wasted his time, "No". So with my tail tucked between my legs I left the store. Crushed but not defeated. The next day, after doing alittle research, I went back and bought a 72g bow front tank with lid. This was three weeks ago. Now I consider myself knowledgable to the point of not actually doing anything yet. I have also bought my sump/refug tank as well as getting my 72g tank getting drilled. (It will be ready tomorrow). I am going to order my protien skimmer in about two weeks as well as my lights. I have pretty much gotten everything equipment wise down pat and have ordered everything that I am going to need. So to say the least I am excited. Tonight I am going to glue in the baffles for the sump/refug and when I do I will take pictures along the way and start a my own Reef Journey Thread.

But I thought atleast I would introduce myself today. I have been combing through this site on a daily basis. So I would like to first thank everyone for all of their helpful information whether they know it or not and a future thank you for everyone that will help me when I ask my stupid questions just to make sure that I have the same answer that everyone else does!

BigAl07 · 09-24-2007, 03:25 PM

Hello and Welcome! I want to say that the PetCo employee did you a MASSIVE favor by being up front and honest with you. That's a rarity unfortunately but it was the "Right" thing to do.

Keep up the research and don't hesitate to ask questions as you have them.

what type of lights are you thinking about?

Allen

Dentoid · 09-24-2007, 03:28 PM

Myron! Welcome to the Sanctuary. That was your first lesson and one well learned. There is a lot of fun to be had gathering the knowledge and the equipment for this hobby before one drop of water hits the tank. Of course there is a life time of fun and enjoyment ahead of you in this hobby, not need to rush. Best of luck to you!

BigAl07 · 09-24-2007, 03:38 PM

Well written Scott. Very well written.

Allen

Pirate101 · 09-24-2007, 03:42 PM

I am going with 2 - 250w HQ lights with 4 - 65w CF and and 6 LED Moonlights.

rebekwl · 09-24-2007, 03:46 PM

Hi

welcome to RS! I unfortunately wasn't so lucky at Petco. I knew nothing and they could tell, so they took it and ran with it!! Now I know it all, hehe, hardly, but RS has really helped a TON with everything I've learned! Good luck with your new adventure!

BigAl07 · 09-24-2007, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pirate101

I am going with 2 - 250w HQ lights with 4 - 65w CF and and 6 LED Moonlights.

sounds like a VERY nice light set-up. Apparently you HAVE done your home work.

Keep up the good work.

Allen

Pirate101 · 09-24-2007, 03:53 PM

One thing that I have always been good with was research.

So it was alittle out of the norm for me to walk in some where and just say. Alright I'll buy it. Anyways I am taking my time. So no one has to worry that I am going to be taking some fish hostage for a short while

. And you won't believe the cost of those lights either. Let's just say, under $400 dollars with shipping and handling included in the price. My only real other expense ( for equipment that is)

that I fore see is the Protein Skimmer and that is cause I am going with a AquaC. I bought a Mag 9.5 for my return pump and realistically everything else has been extremely cheap.

ScubaDrew · 09-24-2007, 04:06 PM

Congrats! Disaster avoided, bullet dodged.

I got all the way to having crushed coral IN my tank with a significant amount of RODI water before realizing much more planning and research was needed!

Read until your eyes hurt!

Drew

AQTCJAK · 09-24-2007, 04:13 PM

Welcome Aboard

hma · 09-25-2007, 02:28 AM

Welcome

Melanie · 09-25-2007, 08:01 AM

Welcome! I'm so proud that a PetCo employee was kind enough not to sell you fish right away. I've heard so many stories of the opposite. He may be underestimating the "1 - 3 weeks" but at least he gave you pause to do some research before you buy any.

You are doing yourself (and your tank!) a great service by coming here first. You will undoutably save yourself time, money, and heartache by utilizing the experience of these great reefers.

Again, welcome aboard!

lcstorc · 09-25-2007, 08:11 AM

Welcome to RS!
Great story about a good lfs employee and even more of a suprise from one of the chain stores. Obviously they have at least the one employee who actually cares about the animals.
Take your time and research and ask any questions you have. By now you probably know that 5 clowns is not a good idea in the tank anyway as they are very territorial.
Once you get all your equipment and LR and SW in cycle the tank with a piece of raw shrimp from the grocery store. That way you get your cycle going without stressing and possibly killing the fish.

Octoman · 09-25-2007, 08:20 AM

That's awesome that you had a good LFS experience!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by pirate101

My only real other expense ( for equipment that is)

that I fore see is the Protein Skimmer and that is cause I am going with a AquaC.

Go ahead and plan on dropping some $ on live rock at the beginning (I know you said equipment, but this can be a pretty serious expense...). It's best to load up from the start. You may want to consider ordering your LR from someone online and having it shipped to you.

Welcome to RS, I haven't been here long, but they have been extremely helpful, my tank has never felt better!

Mark

Pirate101 · 09-25-2007, 10:22 AM

I am going to go with TBS for my LR. I am just going to get "The Package". I feel like that will really get me started the best. I just sent them an email trying to figure out what is going to be the Air Fare to Rochester, NY. Hoping not that much. That would be REALLY nice!!!

09-24-2007, 03:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
Pirate101 Tunicate Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 12 View Gallery Karma Komment	New to the SW World Hello my name is Myron. One day I decided that I wanted to have a SW tank. I walked into PetCo and told the person there that I needed everything for a SW tank. He was like great. Little did I know why he was smiling. So while he was running around gathering everything that I would need. I went to look at fish. I picked out about ten and thought that would be good. I didn't want to many but I also wanted enough where I wouldn't get board looking at the tank. As he is looking at most of the stuff I need I asked if they had and Clowns because I wanted to get about five of them for the tank. He tells me in the most disastorious tone. "You're not going to be able to have any fish for about 1-3 weeks. You need to have your tank cycle first." I looked at him and said "Oh really, you mean that I can't have everything set up tonight and running?" With a look of defeat and like he has wasted his time, "No". So with my tail tucked between my legs I left the store. Crushed but not defeated. The next day, after doing alittle research, I went back and bought a 72g bow front tank with lid. This was three weeks ago. Now I consider myself knowledgable to the point of not actually doing anything yet. I have also bought my sump/refug tank as well as getting my 72g tank getting drilled. (It will be ready tomorrow). I am going to order my protien skimmer in about two weeks as well as my lights. I have pretty much gotten everything equipment wise down pat and have ordered everything that I am going to need. So to say the least I am excited. Tonight I am going to glue in the baffles for the sump/refug and when I do I will take pictures along the way and start a my own Reef Journey Thread. But I thought atleast I would introduce myself today. I have been combing through this site on a daily basis. So I would like to first thank everyone for all of their helpful information whether they know it or not and a future thank you for everyone that will help me when I ask my stupid questions just to make sure that I have the same answer that everyone else does!

09-24-2007, 03:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
Dentoid Smile Maker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 11,214 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the SW World Myron! Welcome to the Sanctuary. That was your first lesson and one well learned. There is a lot of fun to be had gathering the knowledge and the equipment for this hobby before one drop of water hits the tank. Of course there is a life time of fun and enjoyment ahead of you in this hobby, not need to rush. Best of luck to you! __________________ Scott Dentoid's Reeforama

09-24-2007, 03:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
Pirate101 Tunicate Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 12 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the SW World I am going with 2 - 250w HQ lights with 4 - 65w CF and and 6 LED Moonlights.

09-24-2007, 03:46 PM	#6 (permalink)
rebekwl Achilles Tang Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Utah Posts: 846 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the SW World Hi welcome to RS! I unfortunately wasn't so lucky at Petco. I knew nothing and they could tell, so they took it and ran with it!! Now I know it all, hehe, hardly, but RS has really helped a TON with everything I've learned! Good luck with your new adventure! __________________ Rebekah Member of: Snails Are Stupid Society 90 Gallon Display w/ 2-3" LS & 100-120 lbs. LR. 20 Gal sump w/fuge that has 4" sand, LR and rubble, and Chaeto. CUC - Lots of assorted snails, 3 conchs, Serpent Starfish, Hermit Crabs, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, 2 Sand Sifting Starfish (I think that's it). Fish - Bi-Color Blenny, Orange Spotted Prawn Goby, Scooter Blenny, Clarkii Clownfish, Yellow Watchman Goby, Fiji Devil Damsel, Tomini Tang, Sailfin Tang, Lawnmower Blenny, and Pink Skunk Clown. Corals/inverts - Pink Branching Hammer Coral, Green Branching Hammer Coral, Torch Coral, Frogspawn, Bubble Coral, Neon Green Fungia, Green Star Polyps, Cup Mushroom, Green Candy Cane, Kenya Tree, Pom Pom Xenia, Toadstool Leather, Finger Leather, Devil's Hand Leather, LOTS of shrooms (red, green, blue), Orange Sponge, Green Monti Plate, Brown Gorgonian, Blundell Buttons, Flower Pot, Zoanthids, Palys, Green BTA

09-24-2007, 03:53 PM	#8 (permalink)
Pirate101 Tunicate Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 12 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the SW World One thing that I have always been good with was research. So it was alittle out of the norm for me to walk in some where and just say. Alright I'll buy it. Anyways I am taking my time. So no one has to worry that I am going to be taking some fish hostage for a short while . And you won't believe the cost of those lights either. Let's just say, under $400 dollars with shipping and handling included in the price. My only real other expense ( for equipment that is) that I fore see is the Protein Skimmer and that is cause I am going with a AquaC. I bought a Mag 9.5 for my return pump and realistically everything else has been extremely cheap.

09-24-2007, 04:06 PM	#9 (permalink)
ScubaDrew Elegance coral Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Burlington, VT Posts: 1,083 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the SW World Congrats! Disaster avoided, bullet dodged. I got all the way to having crushed coral IN my tank with a significant amount of RODI water before realizing much more planning and research was needed! Read until your eyes hurt! Drew __________________ www.NorthEastCoral.com My coral and supply website! STT2VT - Chronical

09-24-2007, 04:13 PM	#10 (permalink)
AQTCJAK Tiger Shark Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 7,262 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New to the SW World Welcome Aboard __________________ A Wiseman once said build a stage add a pole & they will dance - Jack 2007 www.aquaticaggression.com Projects & Chronicels http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...car-buffs.html http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nts-tanks.html

09-25-2007, 02:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
hma Golden Moray Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Frankfurt, Germany Posts: 2,408 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New to the SW World Welcome __________________ Heinz If you have a great hurry, go slowly. The secret of a successful reef-keeping is balance. Instead of doing everything faster, do everything at the right speed. The secret of balance in your tank The Balling Method My Chronicle and ReefDreams Phenols, how dangerous they are for a seawater aquarium ? ReefDreams Photo-Calendar 2009 Living feed for a reef aquarium or methods of the cultivation of plankton "IF SHARKS DIE, THE SEA DIES"

09-25-2007, 08:01 AM	#12 (permalink)
Melanie Golden Moray Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Naples, Florida Posts: 2,120 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New to the SW World Welcome! I'm so proud that a PetCo employee was kind enough not to sell you fish right away. I've heard so many stories of the opposite. He may be underestimating the "1 - 3 weeks" but at least he gave you pause to do some research before you buy any. You are doing yourself (and your tank!) a great service by coming here first. You will undoutably save yourself time, money, and heartache by utilizing the experience of these great reefers. Again, welcome aboard! __________________ My Reef Journey Latest Recap My Videos My Flickr Photos Pres. of Dork Club I love ScubaDrew and North East Coral! Read why HERE...

09-25-2007, 08:11 AM	#13 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 22,544 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New to the SW World Welcome to RS! Great story about a good lfs employee and even more of a suprise from one of the chain stores. Obviously they have at least the one employee who actually cares about the animals. Take your time and research and ask any questions you have. By now you probably know that 5 clowns is not a good idea in the tank anyway as they are very territorial. Once you get all your equipment and LR and SW in cycle the tank with a piece of raw shrimp from the grocery store. That way you get your cycle going without stressing and possibly killing the fish. __________________ Peace LYNN Quote for the day courtesy of Big Al Basically it comes down to this... You RUSH it.... you CRASH IT!! Original member of Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

09-25-2007, 10:22 AM	#15 (permalink)
Pirate101 Tunicate Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 12 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the SW World I am going to go with TBS for my LR. I am just going to get "The Package". I feel like that will really get me started the best. I just sent them an email trying to figure out what is going to be the Air Fare to Rochester, NY. Hoping not that much. That would be REALLY nice!!! __________________ A man who pees through screen strains himself. - Confusious Only fools are positive. - Moe Howard _____________________________________________ Tank Set-Up: 72 Gallon Bow Front 20 Gallon Long Sump/Refugium Mag-Drive 9.5 Return Pump All Glass Aquarium Heater 300 Watts On Order: Lights: 2 - 250 Watt HQI 4 - 65 Watt CF 6 - LED Moonlights AquaC EV120 Protein Skimmer With JG Fitting and Mag-Drive 5 Pump "The Package" from TBS. _____________________________________________ No Fish or LR as of right now! Also I will be setting up a QT (20 Gallon Long with a Custom Bio Filtration System), but first I want to get my DT and Sump/Refug off of my floor. Last edited by Pirate101 : 09-25-2007 at 10:22 AM. Reason: It didn't look appealing to read!

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