What you think newbies should know

[Anonymous]

My reef is less than 9 months old - What I have learned so far:
1) Patience
2) Read this forum
3) Read books
4) Patience
5) Repeat the above as needed

"Nothing good happens fast in a reef tank"

 

[Aimiel]

Just my own opinion but for the newbie that is pondering what tank size to go with, the rule buy the biggest you can afford is ok and all but I would like to state my personal opinion that if that winds up being at 55 gal PLEASE do yourself a favor and get the 75 Gal instead!
I own a 55 and I wish I had gone with the 75. The 55 gal tanks are ok but you WILL kick yourself over the loss of added room you will get with a 75.
Please save yourself a kick in the butt and get the 75!
peace
Ty

I agree. I used to keep a 55, and for years, wanted larger. I now have a 90 and really wish I had waited and gone much larger. The next tank I get will be as large as I can accomodate.

I'm a newbie to reefing, and have a fish-only tank that I'm building up, and researching on thoroughly before I ever bring in any coral. I have marine experience, but only with fish. I've always wanted a reef tank, but knew they were 'down-the-road' for me, as far as experience goes. I'm slowly adding live rock, until I believe I'm ready to stock up with reef inhabitants that can be seen. Currently I'm enjoying what little bit of coraline algae the rocks are supporting (some red and some tan in color) but don't want to rush into reefing until my tank is secure. I've just gotten a skimmer and RO/DI unit, and I think my next project will be lighting. I'm currently removing bio-balls each week as I add live rock to my tanks and sump. When I have about 100 to 150 lbs. of live rock, I'll begin to build my lighting system. I don't want to bring in animals that will die because my system doesn't have the balance they need to flourish. I am glad that I researched on the internet before I got them, as I believe that most, if not all, would have died, with the equipment that I didn't have. I thought I was ready when I brought home the kit my LFS guy told me was 'COMPLETE' and ready for reefkeeping. How wrong is that? I've learned that my bio-balls are a nitrate factory, and need to remove all of them (I'm doing so slowly). I've learned that tap water is bad, and now have an RO/DI unit for water changes (10 gallons per week). I now have a skimmer, and will next purchase a chiller / heater unit, before upgrading my lighting. I don't expect to begin to keep reef critters until about this time next year (limited budget), but don't mind doing my best to cause my two Perculas, three Blue Damsels, six Chromis, assorted snails, Sand Sifter starfish, Coral Banded shrimp and live rock as healthy and pleasant to look at as I possibly can until then. I may bring in a Foxface or a tang or two, but really haven't decided yet. I enjoy smaller fish, and really like to watch 'schooling' types of behavior. My favorite fish is the Chromis. To me they are just fascinating.

 

[Entacmaea]

This has been mentioned a little in previous responses, but for new people getting into the hobby, I would stress the importance of buying captive raised specimens. I would go so far as to say the systems can and should be designed around what is available as captive-bred specimens, especially corals, to limit the impact on reefs. With the successful reefers out there, and on this board, the frag networks are ever-expanding, and corals- softies and sps- can almost all be captive raised for your tanks. The fewer wild-caught specimens we purchase from LFS's, the more impetus they will have to join the movement. I think as people gain experience in the hobby, they do buy more propagated specimens, or frag with other hobbyists. I would guess that new hobbyists probably represent the majority of impulse-buying of wild-caught specimens at LFS, so if we can encourage a mindset shift from the beginning, it could be helpful.

If you are starting a new tank, you can get farmed live rock, or make your own, buy a whole range of corals (and anemone clones) that are propagated, and many fish as well!