New guy, seeking wisdom

[Guest jcwordslinger]

First of all, this forum is great. Everyone here is very knowledgeable and I value your experiences.

I have been slowly collecting the pieces necessary for a set up. Now I'm getting close... so close. I have a 50g, cpr skimmer, two powerheads, a cannister filter and a heater. I know I plan on getting live rock from The Reef Tank. My questions:

 

1. Sand/ substrate: what should I use? I like the appearance of a whiter looking sand. I bought a few bags of crushed coral (pink fiji), but I've been hearing a lot about something people are buying from Home Depot.

 

2. Lighting: I want to have a small number of corals and I know I need the correct lighting for this. I hear you people talk about halides. What is the perfect lighting set up for my needs? And where can I go buy it?

 

Please excuse my lack of knowledge as far as terminology goes. Also, I keep hearing about meetings you have for members... what happens at these meetings? Where do you meet? The whole idea of frag swapping fascinates me. How exciting is that!

 

JC

[Guest tgallo]

welcome to the club JC. you should list your location when you get a chance,md,va,dc?, this way you mite get a invatation by one of our members who live in your area to check out there tank and talk about what a great club we have and also on what to and not to spend your money on when it comes to setting up a reef tank.

[Guest jcwordslinger]

welcome to the club JC. you should list your location when you get a chance,md,va,dc?, this way you mite get a invatation by one of our members who live in your area to check out there tank and talk about what a great club we have and also on what to and not to spend your money on when it comes to setting up a reef tank.

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Yes, of course... I live in Alexandria. I am familiar with all the area stores, too. I plan on going to a few this Saturday. Trying to get a concensus from everyone on the faves. I've been to The Reef Tank once. I was impressed with the personal help. Exotic Aquatics seemed great. I'm going to check out Roozens, I've never been there. Last weekend I visited Aquatic World and Pets, etc (which is going out of business and I was able to get much stuff 30% off).

I'd love to see peoples' tanks. I know very little, but am very eager to learn.

JC

[Lee Stearns]

Welcome aboard JC,

Feel free to PM me and I will send you my address and phone number here in Burke not far from the Reef Tank- You are welcome to drop by and see my tanks in action - I have three and they are all run very differently which shows there are more than one way to have a beautiful tank in this hobby. Just a few minutes in person can cover a lot of ground.

Regards,

Lee Stearns

[HowardofNOVA]

JC,

Welcome aboard, I second Lee's offer, though I'm in the midst of a move, Lee's tanks are absolutely beautiful! If your in the area, feel free to stop by as well. I'm just off Rt 50 E off the Beltway near Falls Church.

The sand is Southdown, TRT (The Reef Tank) carries it, great store to deal with!

They also have a good price on LS - Live Sand as well!

On lighting, it depends on your goal as a Reefer? VHO bulbs, PC - Power Compacts, MH all work just depends on #1 Your budget and #2 Your final result you are looking at. MH are the best for Hard Corals for the most part and getting a DIY -Do it Yourself route is not hard at all with the right coaching and can save you a ton of money along the way!

Trust me, hanging around this group will save you a ton of money! ....and tempt you to turn around and spends some more!

:P

 

Howard

[Guest tgallo]

Trust me, hanging around this group will save you a ton of money! ....and tempt you to turn around and spends some more!

 

how true this is :D

[Guest mikesroth]

The sand also goes by the name of Yardright and OldCastle. You can sometimes find it at Ace Hardware and I believe Southern States for a bit less than The Reef Tank.

[OUsnakebyte]

Let us know when you are adding sand. Many of us in the area have established sand beds teaming with life and are more than happy to give you a small ziplock bag full to seed your tank - and, when you are ready, some coral frags to get you started.

 

It sounds like you are taking the right steps - research, research, research first and joining an online club. I wish I had been a member of a club like this when I first started - ohhhh the information, money, etc. I would have received/saved!

 

Cheers

Mike

[Guest jcwordslinger]

Let us know when you are adding sand.  Many of us in the area have established sand beds teaming with life and are more than happy to give you a small ziplock bag full to seed your tank - and, when you are ready, some coral frags to get you started.

 

It sounds like you are taking the right steps - research, research, research first and joining an online club.  I wish I had been a member of a club like this when I first started - ohhhh the information, money, etc. I would have received/saved!

 

Cheers

Mike

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You guys rock. Thank you so much for the encouragement. At this point I'm quite nervous. I want to make sure I do everything right. I will definitely take you up on the sand and frag offer when the tank is ready. Again, thank you.

JC

[Grav]

If you go see lee, swing by. I'm in fairfax, and I'm almost as cool as he is.

 

I got more SD (South Down is the original name of this magic cheap sand) than I needed for my new 150g

 

I paid $5 / bag and must have 3 or 4 for anyone that needs it.

[Lee Stearns]

Crazy how we think- Before i read this I answered the other thread- Do not get rid of all that Southdown I will buy one off you on Saturday if JC wants to swing by there. I am anxious to see what you have done with that new 150- Would you like me to bring a piece of bright green pavona? PM me with a time slot Grav.