Jonathan's Reef

I was considering the 50g tank posted here: http://wamas.org/forums/topic/73869-fs-50-gallon-starfire-rimless-tank-and-stand/ I had forgotten about the bottoms typically being tempered. That would put a major damper on things. I think that rules it out. The tank would have to be placed such that it's the first thing you see when you walk into the apartment, and you'd see it from the side. We just don't want people to see pipes hanging off the back. :/ Puts me up to either a Deep Blue 60 cube that requires me to piece together everything, or I buy a standard RR 55g that comes with everything including the light I want. It's a battle between more work and more money resulting in the cooler tank shape and thus reef shape, or less work and less money with a somewhat less awesome reef. Kinda leaning toward the former... or maybe buying both and reselling the 55.. ugh, so many tough choices!

Thanks for the info. I may go the back of the tank route, but the bottom just allows for a much cleaner looking setup. No pipes running along the back would be ideal considering potential placement in the apartment. What makes the bottom more difficult? I could see how aligning the box and securing it may be a pain.

I was planning to buy a great used reef ready system, but I committed literally an hour too late. Now I'm thinking I may try to install my own partition to make a standard tank reef ready. I like the full partition with pipes going in and out the bottom for a cleaner look. Anyone have experience doing this and able to point me to some links for kits? Thanks!

I created a generic post here: http://wamas.org/forums/topic/73211-wtb-sleek-20-40g-setup/?view=getnewpost I'm leaning toward a 60 cube now, but I'm not certain.

No +1 necessary. I signed up last week! I'm scouring the sale posts.

Ah I see. Yeah, that is a cool setup style. I actually just signed up with Richmond Reefers to inquire about the link you posted. Thanks a lot for all the help and advice!

khh, You've inspired me. I think I'm going to go down the 60 cube path. Not 100% on it, but it seems like a good call. I like all-in-ones, but while they're more sleek and compact, they're not nearly as customizable. The 60 cube really requires a sump, so that makes it easy to add volume and cool toys like skimmers and reactors without losing visual appeal. Do you have a build thread or some pics available?

Hey Neto, I'm very sorry to hear that! I don't have a tank set up at the moment, but I hope that the community will band together to help get your tank back to beautiful without having to repurchase everything! As I'm planning my build, I'm looking into the necessity of a UV sterilizer. Did you have one set up on your system? Thanks for the info and good luck rebuilding!

Hey Smallreef, sorry for the slow response. I miss Sapelo. Living out there... those were simpler days! Thanks for the welcome and the advice. I've joined, and I'm asking questions/seeking purchases left and right. I'm hoping to have a setup soon!

Hey Octoman. Sorry for the slow response, but I'm glad to find another GA fan! You watch football? Season is starting soon, and my wife (Also a UGA alum) and I are always happy to watch with other fans! I'd like to see your build thread too. I'll have to check it out.

Thanks for the input! Keep an eye out for a build thread sooner or later...

I'm considering buying a used APEX controller, but I'm interested to know about the lifetime of an APEX controller and it's probes. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Alan, you do make a good point. I had the first jbj 24g 7years ago, and I'm already aching for something bigger and better. It's just that I don't have the space for it. Khh, nice setup. You're right about buying the cheaper version and lighting it yourself. Hadn't thought of that, but when you start adding things hanging on the back, it gets less show room ready. I think I may be leaning toward a DIY setup. Any opinions on the value of starphire

I just looked up the hydra 26. That does look pretty awesome. I imagine I could get a 30ish gallon rimless and mount this with it for a pretty fantastic look. I don't think that I'd save money putting my own together though when you consider the cost of tank, stand, filtration, lighting, and water movement though. May get better quality, but also may suffer in curb appeal. I've never heard the pro leda were too strong before. Pretty funny how these things are all over tha spectrum.

I'm searching for a great nano setup, and going with the 28g pro led setup by jbj is tempting. Much easier and more sleek looking than a diy setup, most likely. I've seen some great pics and videos of the JBJ 28g LED pro nano. I've read reviews about a great look, fantastic growth, and solid design. I've also heard they don't always package with the greatest care and lights may not be strong enough for sps or that they only last a couple years. I'm wondering if anyone has some more first hand experience to share about this particular JBJ product or recommendations for competitors?

Thank you all for the info and welcomes. I've just signed up as a member, so it's time to start putting together a reef!

Thanks everyone for the welcome. Sounds like lots of great reasons to join.I'm sure I will soon.

Actually, I found details under "Join." What do other members find to be the best part of being a member here?

Thanks, JR. Is there a thread around here somewhere that talks about what being a member is all about? I know the Atlanta Reef Club used to have regular meetings with raffles, and of course, there were all the special threads. I see the for sale section is also members only. Am I missing any other big ones?

Thanks for the welcome! I'm considering becoming a member to check out the for sale content, but I'm not sure. Kinda thinking I'd do that once I got something setup. It's a conundrum. Smallreef, I think I've been on that boat shrimping too. Did you go out of Brunswick or Sapelo Island? I spent a good bit of time out on the Georgia coast doing research. It's a pretty cool ecosystem.

Hello everyone, I moved up here about a year ago after graduating from the University of Georgia with a master's in marine science to be an analyst at GEICO. I've made it a year without a tank, but I'm aching for some ocean in my life. I've kept multiple salt and freshwater tanks with fish only, reef, and planted setups. I'm starting to plan my next, and I'm looking for great nano ideas. That, or someone who had a great idea, is upgrading now, and is selling that great setup. Looking forward to getting to know the community! Jonathan