| General Reef Discussion In this forum we discuss issues related to keeping marine and reef aquariums in a friendly flame-free environment. |
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03-08-2004, 12:55 AM
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#1
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The Ninja MOD
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Planet P.....Why Me?
Posts: 12,583
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new to the game
Im buying a 55 gallon setup from my neighbor in a few days, tank lights stand pumps and all. Its sand and some rock and thats about it. Im looking for any and all tips on set up with a healthy reef the end goal. Dont know the ropes just getting my feet wet. All tips about process and steps are welcome and needed. Thanks
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03-08-2004, 05:55 AM
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#2
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Pretty In Pink
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: portland or
Posts: 3,178
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Welcome
I would suggest that you get some books and read, as to what kind of tank you want, what kind of corals you want and over all husbandry. There are several great books out there to read> Here are just a few that I would recomend. The one on the bottom has pictures as well as light discription, flow and so on.
One thing in this hobby - it's expensive so go s l o w and you have started in the right direction by asking questions.
Last edited by wanareef; 03-08-2004 at 05:57 AM.
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03-08-2004, 07:02 AM
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#3
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Little Fishy
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 419
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First.. welcome to TRT.. second please look at some of the books aforementioned and decide what appeals to you the best, then tell us what it is.. you're current tank specs, including all the lights, pumps, sumps, skimmers etc... and the folks here will help you get it right the first time! Congratulations on your new hobby. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
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Jim
Proud member of the "J" crowd
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03-08-2004, 07:12 AM
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#4
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Admin/ Super mod
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: New Castle, Delaware
Posts: 20,294
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Welcome to the maddness  
as both have arleady said read up before adding. and slow is very very good. take a look at the forums section and the think tank area and the others if you get stuck with something..read read read... 
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Tim
need something to read? just ask me.
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03-08-2004, 09:21 AM
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#5
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The Ninja MOD
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Planet P.....Why Me?
Posts: 12,583
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Thanks to you all! Ill get specs and specifics today if possible. Yes I will go slow, that is the only speed my wallet, wife and mortgage company will allow! Again, thanks for the welcome and quick reply, I look forward to the whole experiance and getting to know some of you.
Thanks
__________________
If you feel so empty, so used up, so let down,
If you feel so angry, so ripped off, so stepped on,
You're not the only one refusing to back down
You're not the only one
So get up
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03-08-2004, 09:57 AM
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#6
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It can be rebuilt.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 19,158
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Welcome to TRT!!!
you might want to look at another size tank. not because of the size, but because of the shape. i did not like my 55. it is to thin. it is really difficult to aquascape such a thin tank. the LR gets tippy, plus the fish do not have any swimming room.
G~
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Think Tanker
Friends Don't Let Friends Use Refugiums!
Reef Knowledge Impaired
"J" crowd member.
My Build Thread
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03-08-2004, 10:54 AM
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#7
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TRT Staff The Mominator
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: Just South Of Seattle
Posts: 10,493
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Welcome Aboard! 
As Geoff says, a 55 is not the best tank for a reef tank but, don't panic, it certainly can be done. Since this tank was a freebie it is a good way to get your feet wet, so to speak (though most of the time "getting your feet wet involves forgetting to turn off the ro/di when you're making purified water! LOL) Chances are you're going to get bit by the bigger tank bug sooner than later but for now, you can learn the skills.
Has the 55 been up and running or has it been sitting dry?
Alice
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 "A BRW Original"
Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow... 
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03-08-2004, 12:38 PM
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#8
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It can be rebuilt.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 19,158
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sorry, i misread your post i thought you were buying for and not from. 
i had 55 for close to 10 years. it is very doable. i would get larger pieces of LR to keep it stable.
Alice and i are playing thread tag today.
G~
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Think Tanker
Friends Don't Let Friends Use Refugiums!
Reef Knowledge Impaired
"J" crowd member.
My Build Thread
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03-08-2004, 02:04 PM
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#9
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The Ninja MOD
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Planet P.....Why Me?
Posts: 12,583
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Well, I can see Im in the right place! I will have all the specks later today, and in about 30 minutes Im off to the toy store to start getting ideas and prices. The tank has bee running and is untill we bring it over to my living room. If this goes the same as all my car projects in the past, ill be into a much bigger tank in no time. I do tend to obsess on hobbies but I think in this case that can only help with success. Im so anxious to start I cant sit still. Thanks for all of your replies.
Motorslave
__________________
If you feel so empty, so used up, so let down,
If you feel so angry, so ripped off, so stepped on,
You're not the only one refusing to back down
You're not the only one
So get up
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03-08-2004, 04:31 PM
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#10
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Admin/ Super mod
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: New Castle, Delaware
Posts: 20,294
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well keep us posted and read everything you can get your hands on...
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Tim
need something to read? just ask me.
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03-08-2004, 04:52 PM
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#11
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The Ninja MOD
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Planet P.....Why Me?
Posts: 12,583
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Went to some of the stores around here today. One place had a fair selection and could get about anything I want. The only thing is that the tanks were VERY dirty as was the whole shop, and Animal Control was there having a chat with one of the employees about the law. Might have to travel a bit wich is fine. I want quality livestock as well as critters not taken out of a natural habitat. Time to read be back later!
__________________
If you feel so empty, so used up, so let down,
If you feel so angry, so ripped off, so stepped on,
You're not the only one refusing to back down
You're not the only one
So get up
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03-08-2004, 05:27 PM
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#12
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The Ninja MOD
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Planet P.....Why Me?
Posts: 12,583
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tank has undergravel filter, another three stage filter skimmers and lights. Crushed coral bed and lava rock and decorative coral. There are a few fish in it but its pretty simple. Found a source for live sand and rock and other critters. The tank is thin but the "floor plan" that is hatching in my head will provide some room for swimming by taking advantage of the length and height and still provide hiding and area for reef. Cant shut my mind off now that im into this. Here we Go!!
__________________
If you feel so empty, so used up, so let down,
If you feel so angry, so ripped off, so stepped on,
You're not the only one refusing to back down
You're not the only one
So get up
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03-08-2004, 05:53 PM
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#13
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Reefing is a cash cow
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Quitman, MS
Posts: 1,374
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Thanks for the screenshot, I am going to go pick up one for myself so I can look at the various corals and colors... I need some more color in my tank....
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03-08-2004, 06:07 PM
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#14
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The Ninja MOD
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Planet P.....Why Me?
Posts: 12,583
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Okay, pardon my ignorance but what is a refugium?
__________________
If you feel so empty, so used up, so let down,
If you feel so angry, so ripped off, so stepped on,
You're not the only one refusing to back down
You're not the only one
So get up
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03-08-2004, 06:15 PM
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#15
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The Ninja MOD
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Planet P.....Why Me?
Posts: 12,583
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Can I add Live sand and Live rock to the already existing biology? There are a few fish. Do I need to start from scratch?
__________________
If you feel so empty, so used up, so let down,
If you feel so angry, so ripped off, so stepped on,
You're not the only one refusing to back down
You're not the only one
So get up
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