saltydad

I have 25+ years experience with reef tanks and had a maintenance business for years in another state. I don't have time/room/$ to set up a 70 or 90 here, so I'm thinking about a nano setup. I'm intrigued by the integrated systems. I'd like to solicit some recommendations for nano systems, esp in the 12 g range. Also are there any recommended books on nanos? BTW, I just joined and enjoyed meeting many at the winter meeting. Thanks for the welcome!

Pardon if this has been asked before, but I'm interested in a good marine screensaver(s) for my new computer. Any suggestions? Any freebies out there? Thanks

Hi! I don't currently have transportation, but would like to attend the Winter Meeting upcoming. I live in the Wheaton/Silver Spring area (Kemp Mill). Anyone who could give me a lift? Thanks!! Howard

Tony- Thanks! Will do. All- I'd like to try to make the winter meeting. Don't have transportation now. Anyone my way that I could hitch a ride with? I'm in Kemp Mill area. Howard

Silver Spring/Wheaton- Kemp Mill.

Thanks all; its really discouraging to hear about the dearth of good LFS in the area.I lived in Manhattan for 8 years, then moved to Ossining in Westchester in 1980. First got into reefs (as opposed to fish-only) due to the forum on Compuserve, which led to a group of reefers. We informally met and would get together to order livestock, let each other know when there was a good buy at a LF, and be available to help out as needed with new setups, moves, catastrophes<g>, etc.. It was a great group; include such "notables" as Bob Stark, owner of ESV Co., and Greg Scheimer, whose pieces have appeared on many publications. I will be setting up again in future; would love to take you up on seeing your tanks sometime. Howard

While not new to the hobby, and not new to the area (was born here), I started with reefs while in NY. Now that I'm back in the area, I'm looking for good LFS. I'm in the Wheaton/Silver Spring area. Thanks for the help!

Michael- Thanks for the input. Re-lighting...from my reading I think I'll consider going from 175w. to 250w., and maybe going up to a mixture of 10,000K and 20,000K, along w/VHO. Now I need to research moguls vs. double-end bulbs, and types of ballasts. I'll need to research DSBs more; kind of wonder about using 4" of tank height fo DSB in terms of looks<g>.Any comments on using the MTC Power Pro? I loved it, but if a less expensive option is just as effective..great!I've heard of hang-on refugiums. For a 75g tank, what do you think? Also, are you suggesting using a Ca reactor instead of the Bi-Ionic? Thanks again.

I'm returning to the hobby after an absence of a number of years. Background- 12 years in hobby, fish-only, then reef. Had a marine/reef setup/maintenance business in NY. Wondering what changes have happened in interim. To help, description of my former 75 g. tank- reef, LR/Berlin filtration, sump empty except for occasional chem. bag and pump to MTC Power Pro 48" skimmer. No refugium or plenum; had approx. 2" live sand on bottom. Lighting was 2- 10,000K MH w/ 2 actinic 40 w. in an Energysavers hood. 2 powerheads on a wavemaker in back corners of tank. Chiller- 1/4 hp. Water changes done monthly- about 10%. Started w/kalkwasser, then switched to ESV's Bi-Ionic. Mostly soft and LP corals; some sps. Used hermits, tiger tails, snails for algae/detritus control. My guess is that lighting has changed the most, would love to hear comments, suggestions, criticisms<g>. Thanks!