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Wife talked me into trying saltwater
I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through the
marketing hype BEFORE I get started. Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit. I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but... First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice? Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment with a reef in mind...just in case. I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and durable. Any suggestions? Can/should a canister filter be used, as well? What about a fluidized bed? Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred? I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still considered preferable? What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe, test kits, etc? Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred? Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with the quality of what I've seen locally. I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with requirements and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced stages. If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can email me directly at Regards, Tim |
First off you are asking the right questions before letting your LFS
sell you a bunch of crap :-) Timcat wrote: I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through the marketing hype BEFORE I get started. Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit. You will be ahead of most newbies then. RODI will save you a bunch of headaches! I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but... First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice? Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment with a reef in mind...just in case. Once you get into it you will want corals! I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and durable. Any suggestions? Don't use the Wet/Dry system for a reef tank. The sump will be valuable though. Can/should a canister filter be used, as well? What about a fluidized bed? NO Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred? Aqua C skimmers are very good but others will offer great suggestions also. I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still considered preferable? Decide if you want Metal Halide -vs- Power Compact Fluorescent. There are much better for the same money in reference to CoraLife Lighting. I've always used PFO brand lighting setups. What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe, test kits, etc? Calicum, Ph, Alk, Ammonia, Nitrate kits. (for Ph a meter is preferred i.e. Pinpoint Ph Meter) is a good selection. for running and for cycling. (nitrite is also useful for cycling) Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred? Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with the quality of what I've seen locally. Oothlitic (sp) sugar size grains. I like CaribSea Figi Pink. 3"-4" deep and get a couple pounds of Live Sand from your LFS to seed the sand bed. I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with requirements and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced stages. If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can email me directly at Others will chime in on current reef books. Regards, Tim -- Ric Seyler Online Racing: RicSeyler GPL Handicap 6.35 http://www.pcola.gulf.net/~ricseyler remove –SPAM- from email address -------------------------------------- "Homer no function beer well without." - H.J. Simpson |
My canned newbie response:
I would highly recommend reading: Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Sal****er Microcosms by John Tullock This is the first book I loan to anyone thinking of a reef tank. CW "Timcat" wrote in message ... I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through the marketing hype BEFORE I get started. Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit. I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but... First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice? Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment with a reef in mind...just in case. I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and durable. Any suggestions? Can/should a canister filter be used, as well? What about a fluidized bed? Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred? I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still considered preferable? What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe, test kits, etc? Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred? Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with the quality of what I've seen locally. I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with requirements and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced stages. If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can email me directly at Regards, Tim |
Thank you...I'm taking it all to heart. I didn't realize the wet/dry thing
was such a no-no in the salt world...others echo your remarks (I read awhile looking for prior posts before posting my own). Tim "RicSeyler" wrote in message ... First off you are asking the right questions before letting your LFS sell you a bunch of crap :-) Timcat wrote: I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through the marketing hype BEFORE I get started. Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit. You will be ahead of most newbies then. RODI will save you a bunch of headaches! I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but... First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice? Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment with a reef in mind...just in case. Once you get into it you will want corals! I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and durable. Any suggestions? Don't use the Wet/Dry system for a reef tank. The sump will be valuable though. Can/should a canister filter be used, as well? What about a fluidized bed? NO Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred? Aqua C skimmers are very good but others will offer great suggestions also. I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still considered preferable? Decide if you want Metal Halide -vs- Power Compact Fluorescent. There are much better for the same money in reference to CoraLife Lighting. I've always used PFO brand lighting setups. What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe, test kits, etc? Calicum, Ph, Alk, Ammonia, Nitrate kits. (for Ph a meter is preferred i.e. Pinpoint Ph Meter) is a good selection. for running and for cycling. (nitrite is also useful for cycling) Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred? Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with the quality of what I've seen locally. Oothlitic (sp) sugar size grains. I like CaribSea Figi Pink. 3"-4" deep and get a couple pounds of Live Sand from your LFS to seed the sand bed. I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with requirements and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced stages. If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can email me directly at Others will chime in on current reef books. Regards, Tim -- Ric Seyler Online Racing: RicSeyler GPL Handicap 6.35 http://www.pcola.gulf.net/~ricseyler remove –SPAM- from email address -------------------------------------- "Homer no function beer well without." - H.J. Simpson |
Thanks CW. I have seen that title advertised before, but couldn't find a
local store that had a copy for me to look through. I like to look at a book before I blindly order it (more so if it is an expensive one)...I've been burned and disappointed too many times in the FW world. I'll now see if I can find a copy to buy. Thanks, Tim "CheezWiz" wrote in message ... My canned newbie response: I would highly recommend reading: Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Sal****er Microcosms by John Tullock This is the first book I loan to anyone thinking of a reef tank. CW "Timcat" wrote in message ... I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through the marketing hype BEFORE I get started. Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit. I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but... First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice? Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment with a reef in mind...just in case. I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and durable. Any suggestions? Can/should a canister filter be used, as well? What about a fluidized bed? Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred? I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still considered preferable? What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe, test kits, etc? Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred? Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with the quality of what I've seen locally. I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with requirements and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced stages. If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can email me directly at Regards, Tim |
The book is now on order, along with "The New Marine Aquarium..."
Tim "CheezWiz" wrote in message ... My canned newbie response: I would highly recommend reading: Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Sal****er Microcosms by John Tullock This is the first book I loan to anyone thinking of a reef tank. CW "Timcat" wrote in message ... I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through the marketing hype BEFORE I get started. Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit. I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but... First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice? Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment with a reef in mind...just in case. I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and durable. Any suggestions? Can/should a canister filter be used, as well? What about a fluidized bed? Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred? I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still considered preferable? What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe, test kits, etc? Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred? Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with the quality of what I've seen locally. I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with requirements and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced stages. If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can email me directly at Regards, Tim |
Timcat wrote:
The book is now on order, along with "The New Marine Aquarium..." Tim "CheezWiz" wrote in message ... My canned newbie response: I would highly recommend reading: Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Sal****er Microcosms by John Tullock This is the first book I loan to anyone thinking of a reef tank. CW "Timcat" wrote in message ... I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through the marketing hype BEFORE I get started. Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit. I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but... First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice? Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment with a reef in mind...just in case. I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and durable. Any suggestions? Can/should a canister filter be used, as well? What about a fluidized bed? Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred? I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still considered preferable? What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe, test kits, etc? Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred? Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with the quality of what I've seen locally. I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with requirements and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced stages. If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can email me directly at Regards, Tim Hi Tim, The best advice I can give to any newbie is to go to reef central: reefcentral.com and read, read, read, read. I like reefcentral for info instead of any book due to the updated nature of the Internet. It is a great resource so welcome to the hobby, and good luck. Kevin |
Here's a basic overview. http://www.melevsreef.com/overview.htm
And reading my site will help quite a bit, I'd expect. You mentioned wet/dry. Here's an alternative. http://www.melevsreef.com/what_sump.html The rest was covered by others, I believe. Most any book you want is available from Amazon.com Marc Timcat wrote: I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through the marketing hype BEFORE I get started. Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit. I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but... First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice? Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment with a reef in mind...just in case. I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and durable. Any suggestions? Can/should a canister filter be used, as well? What about a fluidized bed? Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred? I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still considered preferable? What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe, test kits, etc? Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred? Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with the quality of what I've seen locally. I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with requirements and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced stages. If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can email me directly at Regards, Tim -- Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com |
$1 shipping:
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2....cid=25608&fp=F http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...8x003&ctt =60 http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...30660805302498 "Timcat" wrote in message ... Thanks CW. I have seen that title advertised before, but couldn't find a local store that had a copy for me to look through. I like to look at a book before I blindly order it (more so if it is an expensive one)...I've been burned and disappointed too many times in the FW world. I'll now see if I can find a copy to buy. Thanks, Tim "CheezWiz" wrote in message ... My canned newbie response: I would highly recommend reading: Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Sal****er Microcosms by John Tullock This is the first book I loan to anyone thinking of a reef tank. CW "Timcat" wrote in message ... I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through the marketing hype BEFORE I get started. Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit. I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but... First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice? Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment with a reef in mind...just in case. I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and durable. Any suggestions? Can/should a canister filter be used, as well? What about a fluidized bed? Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred? I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still considered preferable? What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe, test kits, etc? Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred? Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with the quality of what I've seen locally. I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with requirements and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced stages. If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can email me directly at Regards, Tim |
That was quick.. 8)
Those will both be very helpful. I always advise that anyone read the Tullock book cover-cover before making the commitment to setup a sal****er system. It gives a clear picture of what you are getting in to. "Timcat" wrote in message ... The book is now on order, along with "The New Marine Aquarium..." Tim "CheezWiz" wrote in message ... My canned newbie response: I would highly recommend reading: Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Sal****er Microcosms by John Tullock This is the first book I loan to anyone thinking of a reef tank. CW "Timcat" wrote in message ... I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through the marketing hype BEFORE I get started. Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit. I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but... First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice? Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment with a reef in mind...just in case. I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and durable. Any suggestions? Can/should a canister filter be used, as well? What about a fluidized bed? Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred? I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still considered preferable? What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe, test kits, etc? Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred? Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with the quality of what I've seen locally. I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with requirements and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced stages. If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can email me directly at Regards, Tim |
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