Software

[Stipetich]

http://www.automatedaquariums.com/
I am a new person to saltwater aquariums. I have had a couple of freshwater ones but nothing big. I want to get into saltwater but I don't have huge amounts of time. I came across this software and I was wondering what opions you guys might have. I was going to start out with a tank near 200 gallons. I really want to make a nice reef tank. And I was hoping this was the place to get some good information.
Thanks.

[Tim224DT]

First off Welcome to TRT!!! I have never heard anything about that software......i am sure someone here on TRT will reply with some knowledge on it. 200 gallon is a nice size tank. be patient and go slow and ask plenty of questions and your tank will look nice! What kind of fish and corals do you plan on having in your tank? this will depend on the flow and light that will be needed to run a 200 gallon tank.



Tim

[ouccmich]

Welcome to TRT? I've always wanted that software, but just don't have the money right now. Tim is right...make sure to read read read. If you start out right you can have an awesome tank. Really depends on the amount of money you are looking to spend. Anything you want to know just ask. Everyone here is very nice. What are you planning on having (fish or corals?). That will matter in what you want for your setup...

[xtopher]

Welcome to TRT!!! I don't know about the software but there are plenty of ways to set up your tank so that maintenance isn't soooo time consuming. First and foremost though, lots of people are very busy but still manage to find time for the required mainenance. However if you are barely ever around you may want to rethink the idea of having a reef tank and maybe consider a FOWLR ( fish only with live rock) as it can be very difficult to find somebody willing to take care of the system whilst you are gone.

[xtopher]

BTW the reason I said I dunno about the software is to me it just seems to fully automate your tank and rely on a computer just creates a huge threshold for error, and saltwater tanks are very easy to have something go wrong let alone rely completely on a computer.

[gwen_o_lyn]

Welcome to TRT

[Phishnoob]

I agree with Xtopher. Getting all the fancy stuff is nice for the hard core folks , but you can become a slave to what is supposed to help.

The number one thing to spend your money on is a good skimmer, number two a good source of water, and number three an appropriate amount of live rock that is cured before doing anything else.

Welcome to the hobby and you are miles ahead of most folks (me included) coming here first and letting these nice folks help you along.

[Stipetich]

You guys are great!!!! I really do appreciate all the responces. I am planning on having a nice reef tank. I have been looking at compatability charts but I do want some wild stuff. I wanted a cuttlefish. Then, found out about thier life spans.. That sucked... But, I really want an eel and gobies and clowns. Things like that and maybe some of those brilliant clams. Anemonies and all.. I really don't know where to start but I was told that a 200 gallon to 300 gallon needs to be on a reinforced floor... Is that true?

[Tim224DT]

Ok and eel with gobies is a no no.......Unless you plan on buying new gobies almost every other day. If you are wanting an eel and gobies then better start looking at two tanks. I have also seen eels eat clowns. My snowflake eel took a strike at my tomato clown one day and that is when the eel had to go. Just ask questions and lots of them, there is many people on this forum that know lots about reef tanks!!



Tim

[Stipetich]

What do you think is the best way to start a tank off.. I want an exotic tank but, I guess I haven't totally looked into all the compatibilities. Which is a issue..
Also, where do you find reef tanks for good prices?

[Tim224DT]

Originally Posted by Stipetich

What do you think is the best way to start a tank off.. I want an exotic tank but, I guess I haven't totally looked into all the compatibilities. Which is a issue..
Also, where do you find reef tanks for good prices?

I know with my eel if he could fit his mouth around it he was going to eat it. He ate my rainbow wrasse one night I was sad..........

When the time comes closer to adding fish start a new thread with what you would like to keep and we can help you pick out what is good and what is bad.

I got my tank from the LFS (Loacl Fish Store)

Tim

[brifirst]

Sorry but you are already over your head.
You need to start from square 1, you are too far ahead already

[skeety]

I'd like to "respectfully" disagree.

I think Stipetich is right where we ALL were right when we started!

Dreams of this and that...we all got into this, cause somewhere we saw someone else tank and said...ew...that's nice! I want THAT!

hehehe

the fact that you came HERE ... to TRT proves you're not just jumping right in.

I think the best thing you can do is buy a couple books...do some research...and ask tons of questions here.

(some books TRT recommends: http://www.thereeftank.com/books )

That...above ALL else...will save you TONS of money and time. I also agree that TOTAL automation will only get you SO far. I equate it to calculators. They can make things easier...but if you don't know how to do them by hand first....you're at a HUGE disadvantage.

I think getting a good skimmer (do NOT go cheap on this equipment...it's the most valuable piece of equip you'll get) will help lots. Also, good system design can make maintenance a million times easier and quicker.

I also agree that starting out with a FOWLR (fish only w/live rock) system is probably your best bet. Soon enough, dispite how busy you think you are...you'll be hooked on this very addicting hobby, and you'll FIND time to get into the more time consuming critters.

For now...get some books, keep the questions coming, and welcome to TRT!!!

this is a GREAT hobby, and I hope you stick around!!!


btw...I used to live in Pittsburgh...where about's are you at? I used to live in Coraopolis...(sigh)

[Stipetich]

You know what.. Learned another lesson when it comes to these forums.. Don't highlight and then try to change the font... Lost everything thing I typed. But, again you all are great in helping. It seems that everyone has the same thoughts that a great skimmer is something you definately need. Now, what is one? You know that I am going to start with a tank 200 to 300 gallons. And would you say go with live rock and some fish with sand base? And I lived in Peters twp, Upper St. Claire, Mt. Lebabon, and the South side. I know your town... Got family in Imperial....

[brifirst]

You were saying Skeety ??
(Just kiddin)