Wanting to get back in the hobby

Jeremynano · Dec 7, 2018

Hey guys/gals, I am looking to start up a reef tank either Nano or something a tab bigger. I once had a 29 gallon sps tank about 10 years ago (18yrs old at the time) and id like to do another very soon. I am still vaguely remember things needed for the start up etc. I'm making this post to see if you guys have any " hand me downs", things for sale to help me get started so I don't have to go the " pet store route" on everything. the last tank I had was when I lived in southern va (Roanoke) and I was apart of the southwest Va Forum on rc. The tank was a standard rimmed 29 gallon with just a bunch of random tank friendly mixed items that I either got from a marine store I worked at or from customers I installed and set up tanks for once I broke there old systems down. I plan to do the basic clowns , blennies, damsels and some soft corals with a small decent clean up crew. If anyone has any tips or items or whatever to get me started id greatly appreciate them. I am versatile as far as size of tank as I have plenty of room. I don't want too big cause I don't want to overwhelm myself as im not as familiar with things as I use to be. I will be ordering a rodi unit soon as im ready to jump the gun. since ive had a tank I see a lot of the tech has changed so any help or suggestions as far as equipment would greatly help. I live the southern suburbs so if anyone is close give me a holler.

Old Fritz · Dec 7, 2018

Depending on how close you live towards the west chicago suburbs there are plenty of places with good deals. Aquapros has prices on fish that absolutely cannot be beat and they treat all of their fish they are out in glen ellyn. Reefwise is also a really good place for fish and the guy haggles a bit, he once gave me some clowns for free when I got a few other fish, the owner (Steve) is super nice. Sadly, I just gave away one of my older tanks. Sometimes you can find amazing deals on craigslist its how I got my 125 with a 40 gallon sump together everything was 100 bucks (apparently the roommate left it there), but most of the time people ask for retail. If there is anything you need let me know because I do have a lot of extra stuff lying around especially coral supplements and the like from my store, I'm willing to help a fellow Illinois reefer out.
In terms of tech however I don't use anything crazy like some of the systems people have the automatically monitor their tanks and send notifications. I just have my refractometer (which is a must in my opinion), my test kits for calcium, ammonia, nitrate, and phosphate.
Anyways like I said if theirs anything you need message me and I'll see if its something that I have or can get that I can give out for free or fairly cheap

crny1 · Dec 18, 2018

I have a acrylic 58 gallon (95% sure its a 58) with rounded front corners. It was originally bought at old town aquarium in Chicago. The euro brace on top cracked but I glued it. Structurally its fine. Would take $75 for it.

Jeremynano · Dec 19, 2018

crny1 said:
I have a acrylic 58 gallon (95% sure its a 58) with rounded front corners. It was originally bought at old town aquarium in Chicago. The euro brace on top cracked but I glued it. Structurally its fine. Would take $75 for it.

Got any pics of it?

Jeremynano · Dec 19, 2018

Ok I’m going to start looking , just preparing myself mentally lol. I’m not close to the west burbs but I don’t mind traveling to get what I need especially if it’s cost efficient. I will get with you after the new year and try to get the ball rolling on things.

Old Fritz said:
Depending on how close you live towards the west chicago suburbs there are plenty of places with good deals. Aquapros has prices on fish that absolutely cannot be beat and they treat all of their fish they are out in glen ellyn. Reefwise is also a really good place for fish and the guy haggles a bit, he once gave me some clowns for free when I got a few other fish, the owner (Steve) is super nice. Sadly, I just gave away one of my older tanks. Sometimes you can find amazing deals on craigslist its how I got my 125 with a 40 gallon sump together everything was 100 bucks (apparently the roommate left it there), but most of the time people ask for retail. If there is anything you need let me know because I do have a lot of extra stuff lying around especially coral supplements and the like from my store, I'm willing to help a fellow Illinois reefer out.
In terms of tech however I don't use anything crazy like some of the systems people have the automatically monitor their tanks and send notifications. I just have my refractometer (which is a must in my opinion), my test kits for calcium, ammonia, nitrate, and phosphate.
Anyways like I said if theirs anything you need message me and I'll see if its something that I have or can get that I can give out for free or fairly cheap