Wippit

I didn't notice that the posting was several days old; I just saw the datestamp from DrKotz reply. Is this still available?

Also sent email and Facebook PM.

I can even come by tonight if you want.

PM sent. Give me a call 413 2937.

I did something similar. I purchased a 120 gallon tank before I knew what the term "reef ready" meant. Now it's probably going to end up as a refugium for my "real" tank. (Which, btw, I'm kind of happy about; the refugium looks like it'll be as much fun as the display tank.)

I'm in the same boat, Jake. I've been doing FW for a long time, but before jumping into SW I've been doing a lot of homework. You've already gotten step 1 right; find groups like this and leverage their experience. reefcentral.com is another good place to post, but it's easy to get lost in all the "noise" there. Do a lot of independent homework too, and post questions about anything that you aren't clear on. One thing that stood out in your post was using a 20 gallon tank. One thing I've learned is that there is one rule that's upside down in fresh vs. salt: in FW smaller is easier, but in SW it's the opposite. Welcome to the group!

Great posts! There is one question I have: how do you get water from the feeder refugium into the DT? Can you use a pump or will that chop up too much of the micro-fauna?

It may be kind of strange to start a thread with a quote from another, but this is a topic that I'd like to find out more about. I have an empty non RR 120 that I was thinking about using for a refugium. John Gilbert was over the other day and gave me a lot of good advice about initial setup and system design. One of the things he mentioned was using the refugium as a "feeder" for the DT. I hadn't realized that this was possible, but am very intrigued by the idea. Does anyone have something like this going? If so, can you post some details on it?

Count me in as long as the (digital) creek don't rise and I get called into work. Can also bring munchies also. Dave, why don't you post a list of stuff and people will sign up for items to bring?

Liz, Don't be shy about posting. I've got nearly 100 posts and countless PMs and I don't even have a tank yet. Post lots; this community is well educated and very willing to share information. In fact, my belief is that SW people want to share information to help out new folks, each other, or anything that helps to build up the hobby. I've been told over and over that the only dumb question is the one I didn't ask, and they mean it. Besides, you'll undoubtedly think of something that I didn't, and it'll be an answer that I'll need to know.

Each tank is an attempt to reproduce a small slice of a huge and very diverse ecosystem so there can't be once answer for all. But I did get some confirmation that not every animal needs to be fed as often as I see in some of the literature, and that is heartening. The answer that I take away from this thread is that it's possible to not be chained to a tank by a feeding schedule, but reading and posting questions about stocking decisions would be very important to success. Thanks all!

Here's a question that's really been bugging me. When I read the "wish books" on fish and inverts I often see that the animal should be fed some specific diet 2-3 times a day. I have to wonder if I would be able to perform such a routine and if I'd want to do that every day, year in and year out. Is this accurate? Does the average fish or invert need to eat that often?

"You are just spot feeding their butt" Quote Log!

"She Who Must Be Obeyed (SWMBO)" Quote Log!

Here's to *getting into* reefing in 2010!

Happy New Year to everyone!

I was using some garlic extract stuff to put on the nori. I didn't realize how strong it was. I spilled a couple of drops and now my fish room smells like a italian restaurant. AlexKilpatrick 12.31.09

Good site!

Ok, so the topic sounds like some cheezy radio show, but the question is real. I'm planning to head down to Austin Aquadome in a couple of days to look over (not buy) tanks. I know that I'd like to do a mixed reef, and that 100 - 135 may be more appropriate for me. I also know that I don't want to go cheap, but neither can I be lavish. A good, reliable tank, maybe a "middle-middle class" or "upper-middle class" of tank is what I'm thinking (at the moment.) I'd like to tap everyone's experience; what should I look for? What should I avoid? I hear a lot about DSA and Oceanic. Are they a lot better than the others?

I should have thought to ask this. Good info.

Heh @ mike. Thanks all!

Rats, i was too slow.

Who got the tank?

Thinking further about this, if I get the tank it would be logical to get some of the things that are known good fits for it: Lights: - 250w double ended lights (phoenix 14ks) ARO ballasts (qty 4) $100/EA - 150w double ended lights (phoenix 14ks) ARO ballasts (qty 1) $100 - Super Actinic Vho's and ARO ballasts (qty 2 BALASTS AND 6 NEW TUBES) $200 - lots of extra bulbs (a lot are new bulbs) Chiller: - Aqualogic Delta Star DS-4 1/3 hp Package Deal - Grab bag

/agree with Chris. The technology has gotten better than the cardboard with blue and red cellophane lenses. Now it's fairly clear optical grade plastic in a one-size-fits-none frame that makes me think of those Groucho Marx glasses sans the nose and crackerduster. This is a good chance to reaquatint yourself with 3D. As before IMAX is probably the best version.