Hi there fellow reefer. I started up my tank last January. I came into this hobby with absolutely no prior experience except for a limited time in 1990 when I had a salt water tank. Back then only had dead
coral skeletons in the tank and lucky to keep a fish alive for a month. Had a chemistry kit that I seemed to use nearly everyday. Was a very time intensive hobby and I really never got the hang of things.
Anyway, to make a long story short, I went to Indonesia last year and snorkeled on the reefs there. I returned home determined to have a reef tank. That trip was in May 2001. I spent the fall and early winter months after that trip just reading up on reef tanks. This board was a tremendous asset, and continues to be, as there are people here with extensive experience in this hobby who are very generous with their time and knowledge. At first, I was so overwhelmed. Was like learning a whole new language.
But, I am happy to say that my tank is absolutely thriving. My torch and frogspawn corals, which are long
polyp stony corals, have grown new heads and I have a toadstool (a soft coral) that has nearly tripled in size. I am confident that I would never have this type of success without all the reading I have done and questions posted on this board and others. Unlike the last time I tried a salt tank, I have not been discouraged by any major setbacks.
This hobby is very rewarding but, in order to be successful, it is necessary for you to commit to learning about what it takes to keep your little slice of the ocean. Books are a good source but I think you can gain a lot of knowledge by just reading this board. And be sure to go slow in building your reef habitat!! I know it is hard to resist putting in coral and fish, but if you go too fast, things will die and you will become discouraged. A reef tank takes a good while to become established.
Sorry to be so long-winded. I wish you the best. And be sure to post your questions here for quick and knowledgeable responses.
Kelly
