makai531

First thanks to all for taking the time to reply and provide the advice. I plan to take it, so here's my plan... Water 1st - going to make a RO/DI, refractometer, and ATO (after a little research on brands) my first purchases. A controllable LED is on my longer range list - so many choices with different specs., quality differences, and high cost make it tough to pin down what I want/need and I fear making the wrong choice. I am planning to buy an APEX controller in the longer range future, so any equipment that I buy, I will shoot for it to be compatible. A couple of clarifications and questions - Automatic feeder - I feed flake very sparingly twice a day. I was under the possible misconception that the fish need more small multiple feedings daily and thats one of the reasons I thought I needed one. Not true? *** I do feed the fish shavings of the frozen cubes in lieu of flakes every two to three days as well as the shrimp (aka Merlot) and anemone. Ah the anemone (aka Brut) - My second mistake in this learning process. I thought I was so good at being patient, curing the dry rock for nine weeks with no fish and a few live rocks (a fishless cycle). It really killed me seeing the empty tank. So it was time to stock and yes, impulse and temptation got to me. After I got him home and started researching what he needed, I realized that he was purchased too soon. I was panicked, stressed, and felt very guilty about getting into this situation. The exact opposite of how fish tanks usually make me feel. He had some moments - stretching, shriveling, moving around. Despite my initial poor planning, he is now doing really well. I have been feeding him lightly about a 1/3 of a cube via a turkey baster every 4-6 days. He really looks great and his color is getting better and better. I think the Aqueon LED is only 10 watts total, but it seems to be okay for him right now. He also keeps me very dilligent on the tank maintenance/testing. Onto a question about the lights. I have a 48 in 4 tube T5 light fixture that currently has 2 tubes that are 54 watts and 2 tubes that I cant find a stamp on. Its housed in heavy aluminum. It is bright! When I bought it used with my 75g, I was told it was a Catalina. Could this be a good light for my 75?*** (I still want LEDS though in the long run) And as far as the question on when I am going to upgrade, it is pending on me painting the room its going in. It's not a drilled tank either, and I believe that is one of the things I need to do before its put into place. Also would have to venture into the realm of a sump/refugium then and I just haven't researched that much yet. So being realistic, it would be several months from now. Finally, I am heeding the advice on holding off on more fish, however wouldn't it would be a good idea to get something to pick at the bottom? CUC? Suggestions? ***

Annapolis, MD Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I'm looking for some advice and opinions on future purchases of equipment, in particular what I should buy first. I have an aquarium budget that I am trying to stick to in which I could spend $400 -$500 every 4 months for equipment. I believe in buying quality, but also want to get the most bang for my buck. I'm willing to save up for what I need. I set up my 29 gal tank 7 weeks ago. It has LR, two maroon clowns, blue damsel, humbug damsel, coral beauty angel, skunk cleaner shrimp, and a green LTA. I plan to add a few Green Chromis and a bottom fish (not yet determined) in the future. I foresee trying have corals when the time, tank, and equipment are right. I have an Aqueon modular LED with 2 day white and 1 blue lamp, a Penguin 330 filter, Reef Octopus BH100 skimmer, and 2 Koralia PH's. I have an empty 75 gallon tank/stand for future expansion. I've been doing a 5 gallon water change every 1 1/2 weeks. I've been checking parameters using test kits every two days. Everything has kept steady from the get-go. Here are the equipment that I want/think I need: 1. Controller- I like the idea of having a feeding mode, ph and temp monitoring, alarms to my phone if something like temp goes awry. Been reading up on Apex/Apex Jr so far. Haven't had time to research other brands. 2. LED light that is more appropriate for a future tank and programmable/controllable. The idea of the lights automatically changing makes me happy. 3. ATO- for convenience and vacations. 4. Automatic feeder - for convenience and vacations. 5. RO/DI filter- my local fish store (House of Tropicals) is 25 minutes away. It's not a problem to get RO/DI from there and gives me an excuse to look around. I've been using IO. 6. Refractometer. Using a hydrometer so far with no issues. So if you were me, what order would you purchase in? Anything else need to be added? Also if you have any particular recommendations on brands, please let me know. I'd like to make sure that what I get will be appropriate for the possible 75 gallon upgrade, meaning it can upgraded or added onto. I know one size doesn't fit all. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Okay, I just did. Was holding out because of negative experience with another club that I joined prematurely, but I've been lurking here long enough to feel fairly safe that I won't get lambasted (hopefully) for admitting my newbie mistakes.At this time I'm not in the middle of a tank crisis <knocking wood>. Just wanting to learn more and more!

Hi! My name is Mara and I'm in Annapolis. I'm new to saltwater tanks, but have some experience with freshwater tanks (cichlids, angels, assorted tropicals). I took the SW plunge 6 weeks ago and set up a 29 gallon. It has LR, two maroon clowns, blue damsel, humbug damsel, coral beauty angel, skunk cleaner shrimp, and a green LTA. I have an aqueon modular LED with 2 day white and 1 blue lamp, a Penguin 330 filter, Reef Octopus BH100 skimmer, and 2 Koralia PH's. I have an empty 75 gallon tank/stand for future expansion. I'm hungry for knowledge and have checking out your forums. It's all pretty interesting stuff to me. I've already made a few newbie mistakes, but I'm learning. I'll be posting a question regarding some equipment selection advice in the near future, but in the meantime, a quick one - Who wrote the bio for your April meeting speaker? Funny!