Can someone share with me the most informative and helpful threads?

[littlefoxx]

Hey folks. Nash here from CA. I am a beginner and I want to set up a saltwater aquarium. When I dive into a hobby - I dive deep. I’m aware of the learning curve and try to stay ahead of the dunning-Kruger effect. That being said - I want to learn from the masters. Can someone point me in the right direction? I also don’t want to waste money upgrading after I’ve “got the hang of it”. I’m going to go straight for the 120 gallon range tank. I want to automate everything - as I run a company i am very busy and sometimes away from my home a day or two at a time. Im also seeing a lot of problems with the Red Sea line of tanks. Im open to any and all suggestions for top quality products and things to consider. Respectfully - please save the “start slow” for someone else - I am very patient and will be building this one slow step at a time. Thanks!

Stay away from red sea tanks!! My 300 is a planet aquarium and I love it.

 

[Reef Wizard]

 

[edsbeaker]

Hello and welcome.
All these videos will keep you busy for a while, but you will learn a lot.

 

[Gman83]

Welcome!

 

[KQuillan]

I learned a lot from people here. Stay away from FB, it's nothing but drama. Just keep reading and asking questions. Welcome!

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to R2R! I’m not suggesting that you start slow, but I would suggest that you focus on becoming a water gardener first and success will likely follow. As part of that, I would encourage you to explore a quality water mixing station, water testing, and (automated) water changes. Good luck with your adventure!

 

[Kilman805]

I'm only three months into the hobby myself. I highly suggest starting with the beginner articles in the Articles section. The forums are great for answers to specific questions. But the articles are better curated, controlled for quality, and written in a tutorial style that is better when you're getting started. It's easy to get caught in the tangle of contradictory information and opinions in the forums. It's just the nature of public forums.

This should link you to the beginner articles: Beginner articles

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome Nash, glad you are here!

 

[phillyb614]

 

[Brisk]

Welcome!

 

[PharmrJohn]

I'll probably get some hate but I wouldn't even think about going automated untill you have the basics down and are able to be succesful without it. Water changes alone can be all that's needed early on. I get with work and travel many folks need automation but early on without a tank full of demanding coral there no reason for it unless you happen to be a tech junkie and need the fix, I'm not. That stuff will fail it's just a matter of when. If you don't have the basic skill set needed to keep the tank running without it what happens when it fails?
Not trying to start an argument of automation vs none just offering my oppinion after being in the hobby over 8 years with single doser on one tank out of 3 as my only automation except ATO units.

You beat me to it. It is of utmost importance you get a sense of how to do things before you have it done for you. Automation does have its place in the entire scheme of things, but building a knowledge base with more of a hands on approach is invaluable IMO. In my next build, I'm going to automate with an ATO only. When I get my sea-legs back (I'm getting back after a 12 year hiatus), I'll start the automation process. And really it's only because I'm going to be traveling when I retire. And it'll give you an appreciation of what it takes to be successful in this hobby. And, as stated, slow is the only way to go. Be very methodical. I'd encourage you starting a build thread to not only show others what you've accomplished, but to keep a running log of what you've tried and what has worked in the upcoming years.

 

[1112-425XL]

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Hey folks. Nash here from CA. I am a beginner and I want to set up a saltwater aquarium. When I dive into a hobby - I dive deep. I’m aware of the learning curve and try to stay ahead of the dunning-Kruger effect. That being said - I want to learn from the masters. Can someone point me in the right direction? I also don’t want to waste money upgrading after I’ve “got the hang of it”. I’m going to go straight for the 120 gallon range tank. I want to automate everything - as I run a company i am very busy and sometimes away from my home a day or two at a time. Im also seeing a lot of problems with the Red Sea line of tanks. Im open to any and all suggestions for top quality products and things to consider. Respectfully - please save the “start slow” for someone else - I am very patient and will be building this one slow step at a time. Thanks!

Ask questions on here as well! We are all more than willing to help answer any questions you may have!

 

[NashReef]

You beat me to it. It is of utmost importance you get a sense of how to do things before you have it done for you. Automation does have its place in the entire scheme of things, but building a knowledge base with more of a hands on approach is invaluable IMO. In my next build, I'm going to automate with an ATO only. When I get my sea-legs back (I'm getting back after a 12 year hiatus), I'll start the automation process. And really it's only because I'm going to be traveling when I retire. And it'll give you an appreciation of what it takes to be successful in this hobby. And, as stated, slow is the only way to go. Be very methodical. I'd encourage you starting a build thread to not only show others what you've accomplished, but to keep a running log of what you've tried and what has worked in the upcoming years.

Thank you for your insight. I agree with both of you and I look forward to starting a build thread when I’m ready.

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world. Take things slowly. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.
Lots of good suggestions for learning have been given.

 

[shakacuz]

welcome aboard the r2r board. hello from PA!