Getting Started In Reefkeeping - Tips and Tricks

[cheeks69]

Don't skimp on equipment when your starting out especially lighting and skimmer, you'll save yourself alot of frustration and $$$ in the long run.

[jaugermeister]

impulse buys will kill you in the long run, trust me hundreds of dollars wasted from my ignorance... when in doubt get the hell out of the LFS!

[Flipper]

1.) A baby's aspirator (unused) will take the place of a turkey baster in tight spots (such as in a nano).

2.) Get a second job or second mortgage.

[jlouv]

I've finally got some time, so here's my entirely incomplete and disorganized list of advice.....

[*]Read FIRST!!! Learn what you can and THEN buy what you need....
[*]ALWAYS get second, third, fourth etc opinions....there's just too many resources easily available to trust the guy who seemed so nice at the LFS
[*]Break down and set the tank up right the first time....if you want to "upgrade", do it on your next tank. Spend the money, set it up right the first time.
[*]Have a plan...refer to all previous points above
[*]If the tank is over 50 gallons and it isn't drilled, it isn't good enough for me. HOB overflows are ok....drilled is 1,000,000 X better
[*]Yes, you can have a reef tank with canister filters....but why??? sumps are easier & less time consuming
[*]Skimmers.....not required at all....but too helpful not to have....refer to point #4
[*]Lights....figure out what you want and purchase them accordingly. Pay strict attention to the next point!
[*]Exercise self control & restraint.....Using your research and the capabilities of your tank/lighting, make only totally reserached and informed purchases. Don't come crying to me when the mandrin in your 1 month old, no live rock having tank dies.
[*]Keep doing research...because knowlege is power
[*]If you're setting up a tank on a budget.....don't. save up until you can do it all at once...see the point about planning & patience.
[*]If you're impatient, find another hobby
[*]If you can't read.....find another hobby
[*]Time....be prepared to spend LOTS of time doing maintence on the tank....if you travel a lot, having a reef tank may not be the best thing for you <I should heed my own advice here....this one really should be on the "mistakes" thread >
[*]BIG tanks....nano tanks are for experienced hobbiest...not to say it can't be done, but it's more difficult the smaller the tank
[*]Read everything you can find & learn to tell what's out-dated and what's not...
[*]Become a scholar, plumber, electrician, and biologist and this saltwater reefing thing will be a snap...maybe
[*]Powerheads....gotta have powerheads....you'll use them for lots of stuff
[*]When you go to a LFS....have some prepared questions for the staff....find out who knows what right off the bat
[*]FIND a LFS you trust...no matter how far away...support it anytime you can
[*]Join internet forums
[*]Take pictures of your tank every week.....you'll be suprised when you look back through the earlier pics
[*]Keep a journal...what was added when & what size....see the point about pics...
[*]Listen to ALL advice....sometimes there's more than one way to skin the proverbial cat
[*]If you can, try to do it your self....it's very rewarding
[*]Read some more stuff about reefing
[*]Hook up with a local club....frags are cheap from fellow reefers <usually>
[*]Dont' get involved in a salt thread
[*]If it's brand new or super great....it's probably not worth it. Stick to proven methods. see the point about second opinions
[*]Don't EVER be afraid to ask a question.....Person who ask stupid question only stupid until he has an answer. Person who doesn't ask question, stupid for life.
[*]Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor....required equipment. REQUIRED.
[*]RO/DI unit.....not really any excuse not to have one. If you have a tank full of coral, lights like the sun, and then you want to put tap water into it??? dumb


I'm tired of typing....I may continue later....or perhaps go to that "mistakes" thread....I can fill that one up too

[Dvldogg]

Wow thats a long list ^
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What he said!

[jizzam93]

Roger that!! and Flippers #2

[jun41]

If you really do want to upgrade, like I did, then think about what you're going to do, don't do it, think about it, and then make the decision. You'll be surprised as to how your original plan changed.

In short, don't rush anything. That can't be stressed enough.

jun41, glad to see ya over here! Hopefully, I'll see you "over there" this weekend!

[Flipper]

Wow, jlouv!

[danieljames]

Originally posted by jlouv
[*]Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor....required equipment. REQUIRED.

lmao...see's jareds house completely dark except for the slight glow of embers that use to be his clothes...........