How do you not get overwhelmed

[myfishlogin]

As someone who’s coming from doing freshwater properly (ie plants and full nitrogen cycling)….honestly it’s kind of an overwhelming experience trying to break into this hobby.

There is all this equipment, some you need, some you don’t, some you might (but only later). Some that can ruin your entire tank if you mess it up…it’s a bit much to be honest.

I understand that there is no easy route, but some of this stuff sounds like it needs (or should be) decided before water even goes into your tank. Like wether you go with socks or a roller, maybe DIY? Or when you need a reactor and dosing.

Getting salt at least is straightforward….NOT!!! Cause there are different salts that do different stuff apparently!

It’s A LOT to take in as a new person, I’m lucky I at least have experience in freshwater…I can’t imagine trying to learn all this PLUS the nitrogen cycle and how to take care of your pet box of water.

Idk, I’m probably overthinking things but just venting a bit as I currently trying to decide what overflow and what mechanical filtration I’ll be using….the choices are just this side of infinite of course.

 

[Fish Fan]

I'm sorry, I'm just joking around!

In all seriousness, hang out here on R2R, and keep posting. Reefers MUCH smarter than I am will get you on the right track

Best of luck!

 

[JTP424]

It does get overwhelming at first. Scary things will happen. You'll spend money and regret it.
If you keep at it, accept the pitfalls, you can have an awesome tank.
Take your time, there isn't a one-all solution.
My personal experience, start simple, cost effective, and what you can understand.
As you get a better handle on your tank, start adding/upgrading things.
Baby steps!

 

[Fish Fan]

I understand that there is no easy route, but some of this stuff sounds like it needs (or should be) decided before water even goes into your tank.

^This. There is a fair amount of research and certainly a learning curve compared to freshwater when going to saltwater. I'd suggest taking things slowly, and posting questions here whenever you're confused. I'm happy to help if I can, and there's far more experienced reefers who will certainly help you too.

 

[fishywishy]

It’s definitely tricky, frustrating, and a bit complicated at first. But as you get more experience, it becomes much easier.

I’d recommend watching some YouTube videos of people setting up tanks and just following their steps. It’s a simple way to learn everything you need.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

youll get better at it. its all a learning experience. i also had done freshwater for years. tbh i dont know how much that has helped me in saltwater. its so different

 

[Fish Fan]

youll get better at it. its all a learning experience. i also had done freshwater for years. tbh i dont know how much that has helped me in saltwater. its so different

It really is. So many new members suggest that they have had umpteen freshwater tanks, and I've been guilty of that too, but this hobby really is different. New reefers, in my very non-expert opinion, need to put *most*, but not all, of their freshwater tricks in a bag, and flush them lol!

 

[ozs]

It's crazy overwhelming. Trying to find a straight forward answer to even simple questions on the internet is borderline impossible it seems like. A lot of threads get derailed and into the weeds. What helped me start to get a grasp on things was the BRS videos on youtube, from there I branched to Reef Therapy and Tidal Gardens channel. Also, Coral magazine is great. You can go back through all of the previous issues and order any of them.

 

[rtparty]

“Stop listening to everyone and start listening to someone.” Some of the best advice out there.

Find 52 Weeks of Reefing on the BRS channel and watch it. That will get you going the right direction. Then find a mentor or two and listen to them.

I love the forums and groups but there are maybe 5 or 6 people I actually listen to and follow advice from. The rest is just fun commentary

 

[Fish Fan]

It's crazy overwhelming. Trying to find a straight forward answer to even simple questions on the internet is borderline impossible it seems like. A lot of threads get derailed and into the weeds. What helped me start to get a grasp on things was the BRS videos on youtube, from there I branched to Reef Therapy and Tidal Gardens channel. Also, Coral magazine is great. You can go back through all of the previous issues and order any of them.

I couldn't agree more!

Yes, many really well meaning threads get derailed. Grrr!

Is there a specific question we can help you with here, not to try to talk over the OP's post?

I'm a a big fan of the BRS videos for anyone, especially new reefers. Also Tidal Garden, WWC, and nearly anyone who makes fishkeeping video even freshwater.

I've taken some heat here on R2R from members that don't like the BRSTV videos, but I stand by them, as do many other well respected R2R members.... I understand that at the end of the day BRS is trying to sell us gear, and many times gear we don't really need, but the information presented is objectively valid, and I'd go so far to say that the videos are something of a "soft-sell". Watch the videos, but put your wallet away until you double check here on Reef2Reef

@myfishlogin
Have you seen this BRSTV video series? What I like about them is that they are a logical series, going from topic to topic, you're not just getting info piece-meal from the internet at large. I believe that this is a great way to get familiar with the hobby:

A Beginners Guide To Saltwater Aquariums - Bulk Reef Supply

A video series to show you how to build your very first saltwater aquarium.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

And again, if you have questions, please post here at R2R. This is an AWESOME community, we are lucky to have industry professionals, legit PhD scientists, and really, really advanced reefers who are willing to help you; just ask

 

[Fish Fan]

“Stop listening to everyone and start listening to someone.” Some of the best advice out there.

That's great advice too! Too many people will have too many opinions, all well meaning, of course. Find someone who keeps a tank like you would hope to keep, and listen to their advice. Too many cooks spoil the broth, kind of thing.

I've been around a little while, and I think I know enough just to make me dangerous ;-) But a reefer who's approach and results I've been impressed with is our own @VintageReefer

I'm planning a new build, a 150 gallon, and I've been reaching out to VR for help because he's running the kind of system I hope to emulate.

 

[myfishlogin]

I couldn't agree more!

Yes, many really well meaning threads get derailed. Grrr!

Is there a specific question we can help you with here, not to try to talk over the OP's post?

I'm a a big fan of the BRS videos for anyone, especially new reefers. Also Tidal Garden, WWC, and nearly anyone who makes fishkeeping video even freshwater.

I've taken some heat here on R2R from members that don't like the BRSTV videos, but I stand by them, as do many other well respected R2R members.... I understand that at the end of the day BRS is trying to sell us gear, and many times gear we don't really need, but the information presented is objectively valid, and I'd go so far to say that the videos are something of a "soft-sell". Watch the videos, but put your wallet away until you double check here on Reef2Reef

@myfishlogin
Have you seen this BRSTV video series? What I like about them is that they are a logical series, going from topic to topic, you're not just getting info piece-meal from the internet at large. I believe that this is a great way to get familiar with the hobby:

A Beginners Guide To Saltwater Aquariums - Bulk Reef Supply

A video series to show you how to build your very first saltwater aquarium.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

And again, if you have questions, please post here at R2R. This is an AWESOME community, we are lucky to have industry professionals, legit PhD scientists, and really, really advanced reefers who are willing to help you; just ask

Yup watched all the parts about setup…unfortunately I also watched quite a few of the “10 mistakes” videos.

Now I’m trying to figure out what I should spend my hard earned shekels on

 

[Fish Fan]

Yup watched all the parts about setup…unfortunately I also watched quite a few of the “10 mistakes” videos.

Now I’m trying to figure out what I should spend my hard earned shekels on

Don't spend lol! Research This is an expensive hobby for sure, but it's not just about how much cash you can throw at it. Understanding the processes going on in your tank goes a long, long way.

And, there's not a single one of us who hasn't bought a relatively expensive piece of equipment, only to find out that it didn't really work for them the way they thought it would. Then, you're trying to sell it for pennies on the dollar.

Research first, you'll save a ton of money in the long run, I promise!

 

[Fish Fan]

Idk, I’m probably overthinking things but just venting a bit as I currently trying to decide what overflow and what mechanical filtration I’ll be using….the choices are just this side of infinite of course.

Maybe I should have led with this, but do you have a tank yet, or are you shopping? Would you like input from R2R (not just myself) about overflows? Plenty of threads about that I can link.

It’s A LOT to take in as a new person, I’m lucky I at least have experience in freshwater…I can’t imagine trying to learn all this PLUS the nitrogen cycle and how to take care of your pet box of water.

Again, maybe I should have asked this first, but do you have a tank going now or are you planning one? Many of us came from freshwater, but I promise you the nitrogen cycle for a saltwater tank is longer and arguably a fair bit more complex than freshwater. Additionally, there's much more than one way to cycle a saltwater tank.

What are you doing or thinking of doing for your cycle?

 

[myfishlogin]

Maybe I should have led with this, but do you have a tank yet, or are you shopping? Would you like input from R2R (not just myself) about overflows? Plenty of threads about that I can link.


Again, maybe I should have asked this first, but do you have a tank going now or are you planning one? Many of us came from freshwater, but I promise you the nitrogen cycle for a saltwater tank is longer and arguably a fair bit more complex than freshwater. Additionally, there's much more than one way to cycle a saltwater tank.

What are you doing or thinking of doing for your cycle?

Nope no cycle yet and absolutely no water yet. Current gear list: 40b (undrilled…yet, but will be for my tank), 16g sump, reactor (came with sump), no name wavemakers/pumps, almost unusable skimmer, ok light/timer/programmer. RODI unit.

I’m not even thinking about cycling until I have the appropriate equipment first.

 

[Fish Fan]

Nope no cycle yet and absolutely no water yet. Current gear list: 40b (undrilled…yet, but will be for my tank), 16g sump, reactor (came with sump), no name wavemakers/pumps, almost unusable skimmer, ok light/timer/programmer. RODI unit.

I’m not even thinking about cycling until I have the appropriate equipment first.

OK, that's a solid plan, especially the RODI

Do you have thoughts about if you want to use dry rock and sand, or if you want to go for live rock and sand (which I'd very much recommend)? This relates to how you would cycle your tank.

 

[myfishlogin]

OK, that's a solid plan, especially the RODI

Do you have thoughts about if you want to use dry rock and sand, or if you want to go for live rock and sand (which I'd very much recommend)? This relates to how you would cycle your tank.

Initially I was thinking about using live rock, with a sandbed.

I was hopeful to find a LFS or other local source for the rock.

As for the sand I was still up in the air, I will have a sand bed but I’ve read that some of the “live” sand isn’t really live at all…so I might end up with something I can actually rinse the tick out of before scaping the tank

 

[Kmst80]

Tell me about it.
I am trying to go the other way atm, got my 200 gal mixed reef setup and running smooth and now I am just researching the walstadt method for a near maintenance free freshwater tank, lucky I got freshwater backround.

Look into the Berlin method, saves you a bunch of unnecessary equipment and simplifies things.
Good luck.

Research research and more research prepares you best.

 

[Fish Fan]

Initially I was thinking about using live rock, with a sandbed.

I was hopeful to find a LFS or other local source for the rock.

As for the sand I was still up in the air, I will have a sand bed but I’ve read that some of the “live” sand isn’t really live at all…so I might end up with something I can actually rinse the tick out of before scaping the tank

Some of the "live" sands-in-a-bag (I'm looking at you, CaribbSea!) are really just dry sand, packed "damp", with a packet of "beneficial bacteria" included, in my opinion. MANY successful tanks start with these CaribbSea sands, they are definitely a popular choice.

You seem like a patient, planning reefer, and you said you have a bit of cash to spend.

My new friend, this is the million dollar advice you've been seeking (figuratively, but kind of literally too lol!):

Start your tank with maricultured live rock and sand from the good ladies at Tampa Bay Saltwater. The stuff literally rocks! It's not cheap, and they have two options for shipping; UPS to your door for small quantities, or freight shipped to your local airport, which is a little cheaper and really easy to do).

They will be having a Black Friday sale coming up:

Tampa Bay Saltwater – America's #1 Live Rock for Reef Aquariums

Notice, they have smaller "Treasure Chest" packages, ideal if you have a smaller tank.

And here's a thread detailing how to pick the rock up at your local airport, which is not hard to do:

The Tampa Bay Saltwater Experience

An in-depth look into Tampa Bay Saltwater and what it's like to order "The Package" for your new reef aquarium

www.reef2reef.com

Here's their thread here on Reef2Reef. The owners - "the ladies" - of TBS are right here on R2R to help and answer your questions:

Tampa Bay Saltwater Real Live Rock

Sustainable Aquaculture in Florida TBS real Live Rock provides natural biofiltration via the diverse lifeforms found in and on it. Ocean harvested Live Rock provides a natural environment for fish and inverts. We recommend 2lbs of Live Rock per gallon located anywhere in the system. Display...

www.reef2reef.com

I mean, these rocks and sand come sustainably right out of the Gulf of Mexico. Expensive? Maybe. But you get all the microbial life that you want/need for your tank. That alone makes it worth it. Plus, you get so, so much more - nice algae, sponges, shrimp, crabs, snails will also come with as "hitchhikers". Some have even gotten small fish and octopuses. This rock and sand is amazing, in my very humble opinion.

All that said, the next best place to get your live rock and sand would be from a QUALITY local fish store.

EDIT: I'd suggest spending on TBS rock and sand before any expensive skimmer, for example

I hope that helps!

 

[Fish Fan]

Tell me about it.
I am trying to go the other way atm, got my 200 gal mixed reef setup and running smooth and now I am just researching the walstadt method for a near maintenance free freshwater tank, lucky I got freshwater backround.

Look into the Berlin method, saves you a bunch of unnecessary equipment and simplifies things.
Good luck.

Research research and more research prepares you best.

I'm genuinely curious, how does the Walstad method of keeping freshwater planted tanks relate to reef keeping?

Again, in my very humble opinion, reef keeping is not exactly an extension of freshwater, and I have absolutely been guilty of this thinking in the past. Be careful, it's not exactly the same hobby ;-)

And, I'm old, so I remember the Berlin method, which I believe was a lot of live rock, deep sand, and a (back then) efficient skimmer (which doesn't come close to the efficiency of skimmers we have today).

I'm not an expert, I don't claim to be, and certainly there is more than one methodology, but I would not be suggesting that a beginner looks into the Berlin method. Filtration and understanding of chemistry has come so far, that I believe that's an outdated approach.

I hope that helps!