New to the hobby.

[Jbobaloo]

Hey is anyone still around over here in SI? I'm new to the hobby and looking to get started with a larger nano tank in the next few months (think January). So I need lots of advice and help! I've tried to research as much as I can in the past couple of years... but I wouldn't mind learning from those who have done this first hand.

 

[Quang]

welcome to MR!

we have a few staten islanders here...

enjoy the site.

 

[NDY]

Welcome To MR
I Would Recommend Lot's Research And Reading
Before U Start In The Hobby Good Luck

 

[Jbobaloo]

Thanks!! I've been researching for quite awhile now. I think its nearly time to get my feet wet

 

[anthony27]

hey there welcome to MR

 

[Custom King]

Welcome Aboard!

Hello,

First Welcome to MR :grouphug: You'll be glad to know that there are quite a few MR members in your area. That's good to know when trading frags or when an emergency occurs. Some of your local MR members may be able to assist you in your time of need. Good Luck on your new tank and keep the questions coming MR members love to help out others!

:goldfish2

 

[Quang]

give us an idea of what you're thinking of setting up.

 

[Awibrandy]

Welcome to our little family here on MR!

I'm sure SI guys will be along shortly. They are a wonderful group of guys, of which I am sure will not mind giving you a helping hand.
Do continue to read, and explore the Tank Thread forum for some great ideas..................................

 

[Jbobaloo]

Thanks so much everyone! Wow, I never expected such a warm welcome

Well I had my mind made up to go with a Cadlights 22g until just recently. Now I'm kinda leaning towards a Cadlights 39g Pro http://www.cadlights.com/product_info.php?products_id=153

My plans are to do DIY LED lights for whatever tank I go with. I'm not good with DIY (my DH will take care of the LEDs) so that is why I'm looking into an AIO. I really don't want a lot of fish - mostly a couple of clowns and maybe a firefish if I can get a lid for my tank. I'd try some softies first to see how I like keeping corals before anything else. I really love rics - especially the yumas so I expect those will be some of my first corals. I never thought of keeping sps until I saw this tank: http://www.reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.php/current-issue/article/25-tank-of-the-month


I know I don't want to use bio balls or anything like that for filtration... I actually wanted to try using a refugium in combination with powerheads, live rock and live sand for my filtration. Still have to read more on that...

I have a couple of books that I read over and over again, and I mostly hang around nano-reef.com and occasionally reefcentral.com for info.

 

[Jbobaloo]

no comments on my planned setup?

 

[Bob 1000]

Welcome.. Glad a SI reefers here.. Ask away.. You'll get good answers.

 

[Jbobaloo]

Well I guess my question now is do I try to use the info I've read and attempt to use a refugium as my only filter, or as a beginner should I stick to the bio balls and everything that comes with the AIO... as with all my other ideas of modifications and such. Go with the stock stuff for now? Not sure which Cadlights I want to get, but probably will go with one of them (space is not an issue).

 

[Bob 1000]

Don't use the Bioballs.. use that space for mechanical filtration.. Make sure the tank has enough Live rock to support the system..

 

[dacaptain78]

Welcome Jbobaloo. Another SI reefer here. I would not recommend buying an all-in-one set up considering the light and fitration modifications you plan to make. It seems like you would just be wasting money on equipment that you do not intend to use.

Also, I would suggest checking out a 40/50 gallon breeder tank before committing to the CAD tank. The breeders are 36 inches long x 18 inches wide and will allow for better aquascaping compares to the CAD aquarium, IMO.

If I've learned anything in this hobby it is to do your own research, take your time, and do things right the first time. Fortunately, it seems like you have learned these things quicker than I did.

 

[Jbobaloo]

Does anyone know where to buy RO/DI water here on the island or do you all have your own system installed?

 

[anthony27]

look for one on the site alot of ppl have them for sale

 

[Jbobaloo]

Thanks Anthony. I meant to purchase the water, I've seen on some forums where people get it from their local grocery store... rather than the whole system.

 

[anthony27]

o man there is a store that has a hark tank it is near my uncle he lives off of arther kill rd. on beach comber and they sell rodi water along with coral but prices are crazy.

 

[Jbobaloo]

It's called Animal Kingdom if it is the same one I am thinking of. I didn't know they sold water there. Are the prices better where you are?

 

[Alex]

Animal kingdom sells many things, RODI water as well. but they are mainly into custom installs and maintenance. But as mentioned the cost is a bit pricey.

There are other places that you can go to and get the RODI, but the best place will always be your home. once you start to get into travel and time the cost adds up pretty quick and the cost of your own personal filter system just doesn't seem that bad anymore.