Wippit Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 What are the mistakes that you made as a novice? Pass the reef life lessons on to the noobies so that we won't be singing the blues! I'm getting nearer the plunge, and am very ready to learn from others' experience. My goal is a bit more moderate than before; now I'm thinking 100 - 135ish gallon mixed reef. What should I NOT do/buy? (And the other side of the coin applies also. Tell me what I should do as well!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wippit Posted December 30, 2009 Author Share Posted December 30, 2009 Meh, the link takes your window to the new page instead of opening a new one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mcallahan Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 #1 lie I believed at the start: That one day, I'd have enough "stuff" for my tank that I wouldn't need to order anything more than food/water. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offroadodge Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 #2 figure out the direction you wanna go, LPS, SPS, MIXED REEF, Fish Only etc. the build your set-up to that goal. JMO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKarshens Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Humility is a big thing in this hobby. Yes there are many different opinions and ways to run a reef tank. However, the general rules are there for a reason. They are tried and tested. There is always someone that says I always/never do (fill in the blank) and have never had a problem. That maybe true, but either they have special circumstances, got really lucky, or the bomb hasn't dropped yet. The other thing I have learned is pay to do it right the first time. Every time I have tried to cut a corner to save a buck it has cost me more to fix it later. This is a VERY expensive hobby, especially when you are just starting. So be prepared to spend the money. Lastly and most importantly, be patient!!! It takes time to have a beautiful reef. Your tank will look terrible at times for at least the first year. There will be times you love it, and times you wonder why you got into the hobby. But the slower you stock your tank and the more research you do before every purchase, the better off you will be. When you see that really cool fish at the store you have never seen before, go home and do research before buying it. Sometimes the people working at the store are misinformed, or just plain wrong. I once bought a Wrasse that I was told was a Fairy Wrasse. After getting him home and watching him hunt all my snails, I found out he would have gotten over 2' long! So do your own research. Also don't trust the first site either. Check several and take a consensus. But really, GO SLOW. When you think your are taking it slow, slow down some more. It can be really hard, but your wallet, and your reef will thank you for it later. Lastly enjoy the little steps. I used to spend hours with a flashlight just looking at the pods on my live rock. The little things can make this an exciting journey! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddybluewater Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Ask here before you buy, more than likely someone has some experience with and opinion of the product you are looking at. I spent 14 years with out having anyone to consult other than LFS and I rarely went into them. I waisted a ton of money doing things twice. Trial and error is not a good thing in this hobby. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzobob Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Patience, patience, patience. As someone wiser than I once said in reefing nothing good happens fast. There are tons of answers out there just don't forget to ask the questions. researching before making purchases (both equipment and livestock) will save you a lot of headaches. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexKilpatrick Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Humility is a big thing in this hobby. Yes there are many different opinions and ways to run a reef tank. However, the general rules are there for a reason. They are tried and tested. There is always someone that says I always/never do (fill in the blank) and have never had a problem. That maybe true, but either they have special circumstances, got really lucky, or the bomb hasn't dropped yet. I have to disagree with this a bit. I think one of the things that has helped the hobby grow was people pushing the boundaries and ignoring the rules. When I started with saltwater in 1988, these were some of the rules everyone knew: The absolute minimum tank size is 40 gallons Undergravel filters are the best way to go Corals are impossible to keep, except for the very elite We are learning stuff all the time, and yesterday's rules are sometimes completely discarded. I remember when nanos were first getting started. People were saying "I am keeping corals and fish in a 10 gallon tank" and everyone else was saying "you got really lucky" and "then bomb is about to drop." But it didn't. I think of it more along the lines of "If you are new to the hobby, you should follow what everyone has learned. You probably aren't going to be able to keep a tank in your 2 gallon nano." But if you have experience, you can push the conventional wisdom, and that's great. To contribute to the thread: If your skimmer is not producing skimmate, it isn't because your tank is pristine, it is because your skimmer isn't adjusted right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmanning Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 From our experience....I would say don't skimp on equipment..having efficient equipment is key to maintaining a healthy tank. Do your research, ask in forums and compare the quality and efficiency of equipment your thinking of buying (depending on what livestock you're adding). Above all have lots of patience and take your time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKarshens Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 I have to disagree with this a bit. I think one of the things that has helped the hobby grow was people pushing the boundaries and ignoring the rules. When I started with saltwater in 1988, these were some of the rules everyone knew: The absolute minimum tank size is 40 gallons Undergravel filters are the best way to go Corals are impossible to keep, except for the very elite We are learning stuff all the time, and yesterday's rules are sometimes completely discarded. I remember when nanos were first getting started. People were saying "I am keeping corals and fish in a 10 gallon tank" and everyone else was saying "you got really lucky" and "then bomb is about to drop." But it didn't. I think of it more along the lines of "If you are new to the hobby, you should follow what everyone has learned. You probably aren't going to be able to keep a tank in your 2 gallon nano." But if you have experience, you can push the conventional wisdom, and that's great. To contribute to the thread: If your skimmer is not producing skimmate, it isn't because your tank is pristine, it is because your skimmer isn't adjusted right. I agree with you, but in advice to a person just getting into the hobby I feel it would be irresponsible to encourage them to push the boundaries. Leave that to the experts, or at least those with more money than they now what to do with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 I tend to learn the hard way... Stubborn as a mule. I have had three wipe outs since I have started. Here are a few of the lessons I have learned since starting. Mass die-off one. Buy a battery backup. You never know when your power will go out. The piece of mind is well worth the 70-100 bucks. Don't put your aquarium on the same circuit as large electronics or other power drains. It can blow a fuse, and it will happen when you are not there to fix it. It may cause you to lose everything. Don't buy what you think will work for the time being, buy what you know will cover your needs for a long time to come. It is much more expensive to buy something, and later find out it wont support the coral you just have to have. Skimmer and lighting are two that you don't want to go cheap on. I am on my third light set. Started with high output PCs, then T5s, and now MHs. Luckily someone talked me into getting the Remora Pro skimmer, and I have never regretted it. Have a dummy proof vacation plan. Individual food amounts, pre-rinsed and packaged separately is the way to go. There is nothing worse than being on the other side of the country and getting the call "I don't know what I did wrong, but... " Also, remind the person of the things you take for granted. Wash your hands before you you put them in the tank, etc. Mine had lotion on her hands. She managed to kill not only part of my Fowlr, but also my goldfish?!? You have studied, your neighbor may know nothing about your creatures' care. Die off two. Listen to the advise of everyone on here, but remember, what works for one person may not work for you. The advise is always well meant, but there are way too many variables to account for everything. Keep friends in the hobby. They may actually enjoy listening to you ramble on about your latest coral, and they are there for the random emergencies that pop up. If you can, quarantine. At least dip your corals. Getting disease out of your display can take more patience then the average Saint will contain. Brooklynellosis is particularly hard to get rid of. It took leaving my display tank empty of fish it can infect for six weeks to kill all the developing parasites. I got it from a clownfish from a reputable local dealer. Luckily it only effects Angels, Tangs, Jawfish, Seahorse, Clowns and Damsels. Clowns are a common carrier. For vital equipment that mechanical failure will cause death quickly, I would keep a backup. You can manage a week without most equipment while you wait for a replacement, but a heater or flow in your tank is essential. Die off three. Research even the things you may take for granted. Read what others have to say about salt, foods, additives, etc. Some foods can be very high in phosphates, some salts can very greatly in quality, and some additives are nothing more than a reason to spend money, etc. Ten minutes of research before you buy is helpful. Research every fish, coral, invert, thoroughly before you purchase. You are committing to care for it for the remainder of it's life. Make sure it is something you are reasonably sure you can do. If you aren't sure, wait. Try easier species first. Also, research where you are purchasing. Not all dealers are the same! Good luck, and have patience! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ACampbell Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 GFCI 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbnj Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Spend on quality equipment, then purchase livestock.....i.e., not the other way around. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexKilpatrick Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 GFCI Seconding this. A tank crash is noting compared to dying. You don't even have to hire an electrician for this. You can get a GFCI "extension cord" or a GFCI thing that plugs into a regular outlet. There is no excuse for not having one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Hydro Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 My 10 mistakes/suggestions... If your tank is full of rock don't try to cycle a new tank with with damsels (except for clowns), damsels can get big and can be very aggressive, once they are in you may never catch them again without taking the tank apart. If you want to cycle the tank buy a fish you actually plan on keeping. If possible buy your live rock and sand from someone breaking down an established tank, it will keep your tank more stable in the begining and should cycle faster. Search craigslist, ask people that are selling complete aquariums if they will sell the liverock and live sand separately. Dip your corals before adding them to the tank. Keep an eye on all water paramters (of course) and check at least twice a week in the begining. Use a refractometer for checking salinity (bought new for $60). I used one of those cheap hang on ones with the floating arm to start out with, it showed 1.025 but was actually at 1.021. I went to the coral farmers market in Dallas recently and I asked Steve Tyree why he has had tanks crash in the past and he told me it was because of low KH, if it happened to him it can happen to us. KH, Mg, Ca, and PH all work together, if one is low it makes things unstable, I'm dealing with low ph and Mg right now. Figure out your canary in the mine, I have a sensitive coral that I look at closely...if it's polyps are closed or if its sliming I start checking everything, sometimes its nothing. Use a fresh water top off, keeps salinity stable. Use a phosphate reactor, they aren't expensive and are good insurance. If you have strong lighting acclimate your corals to it, don't just blast them, it will cause bleaching or death. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooric Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 If you have strong lighting acclimate your corals to it, don't just blast them, it will cause bleaching or death. How do you acclimate new corals to strong lighting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mcallahan Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 How do you acclimate new corals to strong lighting? start then on the sand bed and slowly (a couple of days) move them up your tank to their final resting spot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wippit Posted December 31, 2009 Author Share Posted December 31, 2009 Seconding this. A tank crash is noting compared to dying. You don't even have to hire an electrician for this. You can get a GFCI "extension cord" or a GFCI thing that plugs into a regular outlet. There is no excuse for not having one. Believe it or not, a GFI (I like the old school term better) was the first thing I bought. No tank yet, but I have my GFI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wippit Posted December 31, 2009 Author Share Posted December 31, 2009 This is really good stuff. Keep it coming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexKilpatrick Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Make extra checks whenever you change your plumbing. I have had a couple of floods because of this. One was when a hose wasn't clamped on a pump tight enough after cleaning it. Another one was when I was siphoning out flatworms into a temporary filter sock in the sump. It seemed stable enough, so I left it alone for a while. I came back and *bam* the filter sock had slipped out and I had siphoned about 40 gallons of saltwater on the floor. Also, invest in a $10-ish water alarm from Home Depot. Well worth it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rainbody Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 Ive always had an issue with fittings. The math says I need 1.5" bulkheads but in reality I should make them 2". Its impossible to upgrade the fitting once the tank is running. If any of you are like me then theres always an upgrade in the works. Its easy to reduce the mainline to fit the new item but the other way just doesnt work, the water just isnt there. JMO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reeferRob Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 DO NOT overfeed. That is a big mistake ppl make all the time and wonder why thy have algae problems and other more extreme water quality issues. Your livestock don't need to eat 2 or 3 times/day, not coral, and not fish! In fact I feed my fish about once every couple weeks and they are all fat and happy and I RARELY feed my corals. They do what they are supposed to do and that is graze. NO I am not saying once every other week would work for all, but figure out what they need to be healthy, and not feed just to watch them eat. Rob 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wippit Posted January 2, 2010 Author Share Posted January 2, 2010 Your livestock don't need to eat 2 or 3 times/day, not coral, and not fish! In fact I feed my fish about once every couple weeks and they are all fat and happy and I RARELY feed my corals. Wow, you hit one of the biggest things I've been wondering about. When I read the books on fish/inverts they often say to feed them 2-3 times daily. That seems like an unsustainable amount of effort on the keeper's part. I think I'll start a new thread on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wippit Posted January 2, 2010 Author Share Posted January 2, 2010 Very good stuff, all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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