A quick hello

jaysthename · 09-26-2007, 06:43 PM

Good afternoon all,

I'm getting to make my first leap into the world of aquarium-keeping, and of course it has to be a saltwater, mini-reef setup because I can't do anything the easy way. (Incidentally, it's an Aquapod 24 with a 70w HQI light, if you care).

I've got a couple of books that I'm working with (The New Marine Aquarium, by Paletta, and The Marine Aquarium by Mills), and they're both advising that you be very cautious in setting up a reef system, particularly in such a small tank, but my local aquarium shop owner is telling me that I don't really need a protein skimmer, heaterstats/chillers, etc., precisely because it is such a small tank. So I bought some live sand and some salt to mix water up with, and will be venturing into the great unknown this week. Wish me luck

AQTCJAK · 09-26-2007, 06:59 PM

Welcome Aboard - Skimmer is a must Chiller maybe if the temp is to great

boozeman · 09-26-2007, 07:07 PM

Amphibious · 09-26-2007, 07:20 PM

Welcome to RS, Jay. As already noted by Jack above all the advice you get from your Local Fish Store (LFS) may not be correct. In fact the smartest thing you did was to sign up here. The best advice you could heed immediately is to bring every decision you make to RS and ask about it before you implement it. That means every decision whether it comes from you, the LFS or a reefing friend. Why? Because seemingly little decisions can have a huge impact on the life of your system and the critters you keep. That holds true in a big system as well as your Nano. Especially in your Nano because your Nano's volume is small and can be affect by small mistakes. Some people set up a reef aquarium and in 3 months become an expert. Those are the worst reefers to take advice from. Sorry, if I'm coming across a bit on the harsh side. Just trying to issue words of caution.

How do I know this??? Because I've made every mistake possible in the 60 years I've kept aquariums, 40 of which have been exclusively marine aquariums and the last 20 doing reef tanks. Oh, I probably haven't made every mistake, I'm sure there will be more because I'm still learning.

The Paletta book was a great choice. The Mills book I'm not familiar with.

Welcome aboard.

Dick

goldenmean · 09-26-2007, 08:04 PM

Howdy Hooo!
Welcome to RS!

There is a lot of great experience and wisdom here.
Look around RS especially the beginners forum
and don't be afraid to ask questions!

Good Luck!

jaysthename · 09-26-2007, 08:50 PM

Thank you for the wise words and kind welcome, Dick (and you too, Jack!). I had hoped a few people might comment on the conflicting advice I had been given, and while I had already decided it was best to err on the side of caution when it came to tank setup and maintenance, it was great to get everyone's input. My shop owner is a great guy, but he himself admitted that he doesn't take the same precautions with his home tanks as he does the ones in his shop (or the ones he would recommend I take). I'm sure he can do that because he's experienced enough to make any necessary adjustments to avoid or solve problems before they become catastrophes, whereas I don't have that same luxury.

This website seems like a great resource, so I'll be sure to check it before making any big decisions on my setup. Thanks for the welcome, everyone!

jaysthename · 09-26-2007, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AQTCJAK

Welcome Aboard - Skimmer is a must Chiller maybe if the temp is to great

Hey Jack, does the need for a skimmer still apply if you've got a sponge filter and live rock in the tank (which is what I'm planning to go for)? Just wondering if you might possibly have tried it both ways. I'm pretty sure that's the setup my LFS has setup in their countertop nano-reef aquarium (which is a 12 gallon Aquapod).

Melanie · 09-26-2007, 09:05 PM

Welcome to RS! Sounds like you are off to a good start with the books you are reading and the research you are doing on RS.

Nanoriffic!

BigAl07 · 09-26-2007, 09:13 PM

Hello and WELCOME Jay.

Yes the skimmer is needed regardless of your other systems. It created a "binding" environment where DOC (Dissolved Organic Compounds) are attached to tiny air bubbles and are then exported into a container for removing. After just a couple of days with no skimmer if you look at the water's surface from a horizontal type of angle you'll see a surface film forming. This is a visual indicator of what's happening on a much more tiny scale in your tank. These DOCs build up and harm your reef tank and also this film greatly inhibits the water/air exchange that your tank desperately needs.

Regarding your LFS I have the same problem. Most everything to do with my tank my LFS thinks is useless and a gimmick. Heck I taught him was a FUGE and Cheato are and how they work (you'll learn this shortly grass-hoppa-san). He is also the one that "Allowed" me to buy THREE different light fixtures because "he's the expert" at all of this. So go down there, take mental notes and ask questions. Then come home and research like your life depended on it (because your tank's inhabitant's life DOES).

Also take it EXTRA slow with your Nano. I have a 10g here at home and a 12g at work. They take EXTRA discipline and attentions.

Have a GREAT reefing experience and WELCOME to the REEF!

Allen

sasquatch · 09-26-2007, 10:20 PM

Good afternoon all,

I'm getting to make my first leap into the world of aquarium-keeping, and of course it has to be a saltwater, mini-reef setup because I can't do anything the easy way. (Incidentally, it's an Aquapod 24 with a 70w HQI light, if you care).

Hi Jay and Welcome to RS! YES! we do care! bear in mind that any info on your tank is a tool for us to use when/if you need help, good luck with your tank and keep us posted. Steve

BigAl07 · 09-26-2007, 10:23 PM

*whispers to sas* go back and inset quotes markups in there.. .we KNOW you aren't just starting out buddy..

Allen

Kazzy · 09-27-2007, 01:46 PM

Lol.

P.S.
I apologize for my useless post.

lcstorc · 09-27-2007, 02:21 PM

Welcome to RS!
The two most important things you need are patience and research. Nothing good happens quickly in a reef tank. Only bad things happen quickly. This is even more true with the smaller tanks since the chemistry can get out of line very quickly.
A protein skimmer is a wonderful addition and IMO one of the most important things to have is a good skimmer. Do not trust your lfs on what a good skimmer is. Very few of them know.
Your other new best friend is water changes. Find a good source of ro/di water and use that for all of your top off water and to mix salt with for your water changes.
Most importantly post pics when you can. We love pics.

jaysthename · 09-28-2007, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAl07

*whispers to sas* go back and inset quotes markups in there.. .we KNOW you aren't just starting out buddy..

Allen

Sas, Bigal, and Kazzy -- these are three names I'm going to watch out for, because I'm guessing all three of you might be nutters.

I think I'm going to like it here

I'll be sure to keep the gang updated with my progress, along with any relevent pictures (although I'm thinking I should perhaps start a new thread outside of the Meet & Greet forum for that).

Incidentally, I've been second-guessing the idea of attempting a nano-reef in a 24-gallon Aquapod (especially since it's almost as tall as it is wide, and I'd prefer something with more surface area), so I'm looking into buying a 46-gallon bowfront that someone has for sale on Craigslist. It comes with a fair amount of LR, live sand (is LS the accepted abbreviation for that?), and a bunch of extras, most notably a 10-gallon refugium and an Aqua C protein skimmer. More on that if I actually seal the deal!

jaysthename · 09-28-2007, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcstorc

Welcome to RS!
The two most important things you need are patience and research. Nothing good happens quickly in a reef tank. Only bad things happen quickly. This is even more true with the smaller tanks since the chemistry can get out of line very quickly.
A protein skimmer is a wonderful addition and IMO one of the most important things to have is a good skimmer. Do not trust your lfs on what a good skimmer is. Very few of them know.
Your other new best friend is water changes. Find a good source of ro/di water and use that for all of your top off water and to mix salt with for your water changes.
Most importantly post pics when you can. We love pics.

Lynn, thanks for the advice!

Do you have any specific protein skimmers you might recommend? I've been reading through the forums and the ASM line (particularly the G series) seems to be getting the nod, but there is some dissent as to which of these are the best choice. If you have one you could recommend for a 24-gallon Aquapod (and alternately, for a 46-gallon bowfront that I'm looking at setting up instead), I'd love to have your input. Thanks in advance

09-26-2007, 06:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
jaysthename Bryozoan Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 44 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	A quick hello Good afternoon all, I'm getting to make my first leap into the world of aquarium-keeping, and of course it has to be a saltwater, mini-reef setup because I can't do anything the easy way. (Incidentally, it's an Aquapod 24 with a 70w HQI light, if you care). I've got a couple of books that I'm working with (The New Marine Aquarium, by Paletta, and The Marine Aquarium by Mills), and they're both advising that you be very cautious in setting up a reef system, particularly in such a small tank, but my local aquarium shop owner is telling me that I don't really need a protein skimmer, heaterstats/chillers, etc., precisely because it is such a small tank. So I bought some live sand and some salt to mix water up with, and will be venturing into the great unknown this week. Wish me luck

09-26-2007, 06:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
AQTCJAK Tiger Shark Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 7,213 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: A quick hello Welcome Aboard - Skimmer is a must Chiller maybe if the temp is to great __________________ 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

09-26-2007, 07:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
boozeman The CodFather ~ Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: new york Posts: 8,800 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: A quick hello __________________ ...and when I'm old and wise little things mean little to me like autumn winds they'll blow right through me and someday, in the mist of time when they ask you if you knew me remember that you were a friend of mine

09-26-2007, 07:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
Amphibious Ricordea Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ft. Pierce, FL Posts: 179 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: A quick hello Welcome to RS, Jay. As already noted by Jack above all the advice you get from your Local Fish Store (LFS) may not be correct. In fact the smartest thing you did was to sign up here. The best advice you could heed immediately is to bring every decision you make to RS and ask about it before you implement it. That means every decision whether it comes from you, the LFS or a reefing friend. Why? Because seemingly little decisions can have a huge impact on the life of your system and the critters you keep. That holds true in a big system as well as your Nano. Especially in your Nano because your Nano's volume is small and can be affect by small mistakes. Some people set up a reef aquarium and in 3 months become an expert. Those are the worst reefers to take advice from. Sorry, if I'm coming across a bit on the harsh side. Just trying to issue words of caution. How do I know this??? Because I've made every mistake possible in the 60 years I've kept aquariums, 40 of which have been exclusively marine aquariums and the last 20 doing reef tanks. Oh, I probably haven't made every mistake, I'm sure there will be more because I'm still learning. The Paletta book was a great choice. The Mills book I'm not familiar with. Welcome aboard. Dick __________________ Amphibious As I approach my 70th BD, I'm realizing that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife says, "He's approaching 70 going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that. Amphibious' 135gal mixed reef thread

09-26-2007, 08:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
goldenmean Beautiful Katamari Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 4,236 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: A quick hello Howdy Hooo! Welcome to RS! There is a lot of great experience and wisdom here. Look around RS especially the beginners forum and don't be afraid to ask questions! Good Luck! __________________ A 55g link in the GoldenChain My 2nd-QT-Wrasse My Second Quarantine Tank 2 (+) Year Retrospective of a 12g Nano Jeff What You Think Upon Grows... Have a Smooth Day!

09-26-2007, 08:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
jaysthename Bryozoan Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 44 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: A quick hello Thank you for the wise words and kind welcome, Dick (and you too, Jack!). I had hoped a few people might comment on the conflicting advice I had been given, and while I had already decided it was best to err on the side of caution when it came to tank setup and maintenance, it was great to get everyone's input. My shop owner is a great guy, but he himself admitted that he doesn't take the same precautions with his home tanks as he does the ones in his shop (or the ones he would recommend I take). I'm sure he can do that because he's experienced enough to make any necessary adjustments to avoid or solve problems before they become catastrophes, whereas I don't have that same luxury. This website seems like a great resource, so I'll be sure to check it before making any big decisions on my setup. Thanks for the welcome, everyone!

09-26-2007, 09:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
Melanie Golden Moray Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Naples, Florida Posts: 2,120 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: A quick hello Welcome to RS! Sounds like you are off to a good start with the books you are reading and the research you are doing on RS. Nanoriffic! __________________ My Reef Journey Latest Recap My Videos My Flickr Photos Pres. of Dork Club I love ScubaDrew and North East Coral! Read why HERE...

09-26-2007, 09:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 12,661 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: A quick hello Hello and WELCOME Jay. Yes the skimmer is needed regardless of your other systems. It created a "binding" environment where DOC (Dissolved Organic Compounds) are attached to tiny air bubbles and are then exported into a container for removing. After just a couple of days with no skimmer if you look at the water's surface from a horizontal type of angle you'll see a surface film forming. This is a visual indicator of what's happening on a much more tiny scale in your tank. These DOCs build up and harm your reef tank and also this film greatly inhibits the water/air exchange that your tank desperately needs. Regarding your LFS I have the same problem. Most everything to do with my tank my LFS thinks is useless and a gimmick. Heck I taught him was a FUGE and Cheato are and how they work (you'll learn this shortly grass-hoppa-san). He is also the one that "Allowed" me to buy THREE different light fixtures because "he's the expert" at all of this. So go down there, take mental notes and ask questions. Then come home and research like your life depended on it (because your tank's inhabitant's life DOES). Also take it EXTRA slow with your Nano. I have a 10g here at home and a 12g at work. They take EXTRA discipline and attentions. Have a GREAT reefing experience and WELCOME to the REEF! Allen __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. >((((º> Nitrate (NO3) reduction is directly proportional to percentage of Water Change. Allen's home-made formula...(-NO3=WC%) This means if you change 50% of your total water volume (That's EVERYTHING) you'll get a net reduction of (NO3) somewhere around 50%. Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!! Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube Now in STORAGE and Dry-Docked BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef

09-26-2007, 10:20 PM	#10 (permalink)
sasquatch Brunt of all Jokes~ Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: the very farthest west coast of canada Posts: 8,917 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: A quick hello Good afternoon all, I'm getting to make my first leap into the world of aquarium-keeping, and of course it has to be a saltwater, mini-reef setup because I can't do anything the easy way. (Incidentally, it's an Aquapod 24 with a 70w HQI light, if you care). Hi Jay and Welcome to RS! YES! we do care! bear in mind that any info on your tank is a tool for us to use when/if you need help, good luck with your tank and keep us posted. Steve __________________ castawayreefers.com

09-26-2007, 10:23 PM	#11 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 12,661 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: A quick hello whispers to sas go back and inset quotes markups in there.. .we KNOW you aren't just starting out buddy.. Allen __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. >((((º> Nitrate (NO3) reduction is directly proportional to percentage of Water Change. Allen's home-made formula...(-NO3=WC%) This means if you change 50% of your total water volume (That's EVERYTHING) you'll get a net reduction of (NO3) somewhere around 50%. Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!! Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube Now in STORAGE and Dry-Docked BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef

09-27-2007, 01:46 PM	#12 (permalink)
Kazzy Scopas Tang Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: KS Posts: 440 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: A quick hello Lol. P.S. I apologize for my useless post. __________________ Grant New favorite quote: I would not, could not BUY YOUR LOAN. I would not, could not MAKE MONEY FAST. I would not, could not SEND NO CA$H. I would not, could not SEE YOUR SITE. I would not, could not EAT VEG-I-MITE. I do_not_like GREEN CARDS AND SPAM! Mandarin Policeman http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...-bowfront.html

09-27-2007, 02:21 PM	#13 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 20,778 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: A quick hello Welcome to RS! The two most important things you need are patience and research. Nothing good happens quickly in a reef tank. Only bad things happen quickly. This is even more true with the smaller tanks since the chemistry can get out of line very quickly. A protein skimmer is a wonderful addition and IMO one of the most important things to have is a good skimmer. Do not trust your lfs on what a good skimmer is. Very few of them know. Your other new best friend is water changes. Find a good source of ro/di water and use that for all of your top off water and to mix salt with for your water changes. Most importantly post pics when you can. We love pics. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. 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. In Loving Memory Of Z 01/22/07 - 08/19/08

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