Hello everyone!

Jonsmiff

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Hey guys I just wanted to say hello. I'm Jon from Lilburn and I'm just getting into saltwater tanks. I don't actually have a tank yet due to the current situation but researching the hobby has really helped me pass the time while on quaretine.

I look forward to talking to you guys and joining to learn more so when things get back to normal I can dive in and see what happens.

Thanks!!!
 
Nice to meet you. What size tank are you planning?
You know that's the question I keep asking myself. I originally was going to do something small but looking into it it seems like going a bit bigger is prob going to be my best option due to water quality swings.

I still have a lot of decisions to make to get started but that's part of the fun. I think I've watched every video bulk reef supply has ever loaded onto YouTube and I've been watching several other saltwater channels. What did you start with?
 
You know that's the question I keep asking myself. I originally was going to do something small but looking into it it seems like going a bit bigger is prob going to be my best option due to water quality swings.

I still have a lot of decisions to make to get started but that's part of the fun. I think I've watched every video bulk reef supply has ever loaded onto YouTube and I've been watching several other saltwater channels. What did you start with?
You cant go wrong with something in the 60-120 gallon range. I started with a 90 myself and went through a few different styles. I currently have a 93 cube and a 40 cube tank and those are enough for me (for now). You def found a great series to start with as well. The BRS videos are amazing. Especially the 52 weeks of reefing. If you can afford it an apex will help you with a lot of your headaches by helping you monitoring things. Then a trident for the apex eventually. I would start with some hanna checkers though for the time being. Easiest way to make sure you are getting decent reading and are reading things correctly. Just make sure you keep things stable and keep an eye on your top 3 elements. Magnesium, alkalinity, and Calcium once you start adding coral but focus on getting you PH in a good range and making sure your salinity is good. Since your first starting off I would avoid SPS all together. I have been at this awhile and I still have trouble with them. Stick to Zoas and other soft coral (in my opinion at least) they are the most forgiving. Also make sure your phosphate levels are in a good range. I try to keep mine under .05
 
Here is a great reference sheet. When trying to choose where to keep your level my best advise would be to look at what each salt mixes at and try to keep close to that. Don't go chasing #'s it will just make your life difficult. Just about all salts are great salts they just mix at different levels. (levels being different alk, cal, mag, etc)

1587992506157.png
 
You cant go wrong with something in the 60-120 gallon range. I started with a 90 myself and went through a few different styles. I currently have a 93 cube and a 40 cube tank and those are enough for me (for now). You def found a great series to start with as well. The BRS videos are amazing. Especially the 52 weeks of reefing. If you can afford it an apex will help you with a lot of your headaches by helping you monitoring things. Then a trident for the apex eventually. I would start with some hanna checkers though for the time being. Easiest way to make sure you are getting decent reading and are reading things correctly. Just make sure you keep things stable and keep an eye on your top 3 elements. Magnesium, alkalinity, and Calcium once you start adding coral but focus on getting you PH in a good range and making sure your salinity is good. Since your first starting off I would avoid SPS all together. I have been at this awhile and I still have trouble with them. Stick to Zoas and other soft coral (in my opinion at least) they are the most forgiving. Also make sure your phosphate levels are in a good range. I try to keep mine under .05
Hey thanks for all of the info!!

I was thinking a 60 gallon would prob be the sweet spot for me to get started honestly. I was looking at some AIO tanks but I've pretty much convinced myself to go w a sump instead just so I have room to grow.. I'm still all over the place to be honest but I still have some time to figure it all out.

I'm just ready to be able to get out of the house again and go check some stuff out in person rather than only relying on YouTube lol.
 
Here is a great reference sheet. When trying to choose where to keep your level my best advise would be to look at what each salt mixes at and try to keep close to that. Don't go chasing #'s it will just make your life difficult. Just about all salts are great salts they just mix at different levels. (levels being different alk, cal, mag, etc)

View attachment 22855
Oh that's perfect. Printing it up now!! Thanks again for everything!
 
Hey thanks for all of the info!!

I was thinking a 60 gallon would prob be the sweet spot for me to get started honestly. I was looking at some AIO tanks but I've pretty much convinced myself to go w a sump instead just so I have room to grow.. I'm still all over the place to be honest but I still have some time to figure it all out.

I'm just ready to be able to get out of the house again and go check some stuff out in person rather than only relying on YouTube lol.
Ya sumps will deff help teach you everything. The one thing I cannot stress enough is DO NOT RUSH THINGS!!! 99% of people who fail in this hobby I believe do so because they got impatient or lazy at some point.
 
Ya sumps will deff help teach you everything. The one thing I cannot stress enough is DO NOT RUSH THINGS!!! 99% of people who fail in this hobby I believe do so because they got impatient or lazy at some point.
Haha that makes sense. That's honestly a good thing for me bc I'm almost too patient. I like to sit back and watch things happen. I'm going to be the guy that just has some rocks in my tank for the first few months and maybe a few snails. I really want to make sure I can maintain a good water quality first and foremost and I want to grow from there.
 
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