Top Ten Most Important Concepts For A New Reefer To Grasp

mhhauser321 · 07/23/2007, 09:52 PM

Hello, Let Me start by introducing myself, My name is Matt, okay now that we got out of the way.

If You Are A beginner to this and you are looking to get deep into the hobby, and not just graze the surface than this will help you.

I know from experience without any direction, things can be very difficult so I have proposed a List Of Areas, You should start out learning about. I most certainly don't want to make anyone mad I just want to Present A Helpful list for New Hobbyist to start With.

Before I start if there are any terms in this you are not familiar with visit this website its full of Acronyms and Abbreviations http://www.megapathdsl.net/~fmariani/abbreviations.htm

Here it Is(This List is only the tip of the Ice Burg For Each Topic)

10. Determine Your Desired Setup (FO=Fish Only, FOWLR= Fish Only With Live Rock, REEF=Corals & Maybe Fish)

9. Tank Cycling(Nitrogen Cycle)- Find Out What Goes Under the Surface of the Tank.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/dw/index.php
How To Cycle
http://reefcentral.com/modules.php?s...e&pid=1&page=7

8.Water Quality(Water Analysis)-Learn What RO/DI means and What Normal Tank Parameters are.Also Natural Sea Water Parameters is important.

7.Live Rock, Deep Sand Beds, And Bare Bottom- Something All Mature Reefers Had To Tackle.(Sand Beds=Substrate Choice)
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=803688

6. Equipment-No its not Going To Get easier-Find Out the Basics About Protein Skimmers, Calcium Reactors, Water Pumps And Power Heads, and The Big One Sumps.
I Love These Links
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-0...ture/index.php
http://www.melevsreef.com/what_sump.html

5.Supplements& Additives-Maybe One Of the Hardest Things I ever Tried to Tackle These Articles Helped Me Greatly.Learn How To Use Additives.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm
This Is Only Part 1!!!
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/rhf/index.php

4.Don't Get into this Hobby without knowing this. Our Aquariums Are a Extension of the Ocean and because we take from them to make are little Reef, We owe it to Mother?/Father? ocean to not abuse this and try our Hardest to Help the perpetual extension of all Corals& Fish. Wow that's a mouth full hope you guys understand that.

Basically What I am saying is be a Conscientious Reefer Take It Seriously

3.Water Movement-This Maybe One of things that if you study a lot and learn about you will be happy you did. Terms such as GPH, Bulkheads, Closed Loops, Wave makers. All These will help make you a better Reefer.
Here is Your Light Saber My Young Padawan
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/beg...a/aa081399.htm

2.Lighting-WOW I have got to say Don't Start Your Tank without Knowing the Proper Facts Of Light. I Won't sugar Coat it ,so just do the work and for starters Read this Life Changing Article.

Greatest Newbie Lighting Article

1.Most of All Have A Attitude OF ALWAYS WANTING TO LEARN.
I Hope I hit this one right on the money, I believe so much of this hobby is evolving and its so important for us hobbyist to be on the ball and know exactly whats out there. Whether its reading books or online articles whatever it takes to know what the best options are for having a successful aquarium. I have been in this hobby for 2-3 years now and I still don't know everything and I don't think I ever will. Just Stick it through ask plenty of questions and you will surly end up with your little slice of ocean.

I Realize that this information is only one little piece of the entire spectrum of this entire Hobby, But I hope this helps.

Matt

Andrew · 07/23/2007, 09:54 PM

Nice Post!

mhhauser321 · 07/23/2007, 10:01 PM

Thank You I just hope other read it to.

drummereef · 07/23/2007, 10:25 PM

Very nice indeed. Just thought I'd add one.

Reef Chemistry Articles - Main Page
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=102605

mhhauser321 · 07/23/2007, 10:34 PM

Thanks I Appreciate The support.

swreefers · 07/23/2007, 10:42 PM

Great threads like this is what keeps me tuned into RC being 6 months into SWRT. I feel like a sponge soaking up all the info searching links and the good advice from reefers who care.

Thank you

mhhauser321 · 07/23/2007, 11:09 PM

Good I am Glad I helped

mhhauser321 · 07/24/2007, 10:04 AM

Bump^

sabodish · 07/24/2007, 10:20 AM

i think we need to add "patience" and "money management" to the list!

mhhauser321 · 07/24/2007, 10:24 AM

Yeah those are a real life saver along with

A load of cash and a excepting family

EBOLII · 07/24/2007, 10:26 AM

the powers that be should stick this

mhhauser321 · 07/24/2007, 10:32 AM

I wish they would, This would of really helped me When I started out.

matt

Shooter7 · 07/24/2007, 10:35 AM

There is a stickied thread that has a TON of stuff in it titled....

"New-First time on RC-Look here for answers"

Andrew · 07/24/2007, 10:35 AM

You May be able to get a link in the New-First Time on RC-Look Here for Answers thread at the top of this forum. I'll see what the mods think.

Shooter7 · 07/24/2007, 10:36 AM

ooooo....beatcha by a few seconds

Andrew · 07/24/2007, 10:39 AM

I'm slow at posting.

mhhauser321 · 07/24/2007, 10:43 AM

hey as long as it helps someone. I am not arguing

Shooter7 · 07/24/2007, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Andrew
I'm slow at posting.

Well, you did take the time to use the bold for the thread title and all.....

mhhauser321 · 07/24/2007, 10:48 AM

He Must be a real reefer

Andrew · 07/24/2007, 10:52 AM

A link to your thread is going to be added to the pinned one.

mhhauser321 · 07/24/2007, 10:57 AM

Cool Thanks

matt

I still hope a lot of people read this.

Ishmael's Dad · 07/24/2007, 11:48 AM

Great thread, Wish I had seen this when I started. NO worries, because IMHO the most important of your top 10 is #1 - Keep learning.

Sk8r · 07/24/2007, 12:01 PM

Nice work. Really helpful to have a branching tree of info.

Nano Chris · 07/24/2007, 12:28 PM

Good info for a new reefer to know.

mhhauser321 · 07/24/2007, 01:05 PM

Thank You all, I just wanted others to have a good start, So they would be better off in the long run.

07/23/2007, 10:01 PM	#3
mhhauser321 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 283	Thank You I just hope other read it to. __________________ "Fry: I'm not a robot like you, I don't like having discs cramped into me... unless they're Oreos... and then only in the mouth." "Fry: Wow. That guy makes Speedy Gonzalez look like Regular Gonzalez"

07/23/2007, 10:25 PM	#4
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	Very nice indeed. Just thought I'd add one. Reef Chemistry Articles - Main Page http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=102605 __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system

07/23/2007, 10:34 PM	#5
mhhauser321 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 283	Thanks I Appreciate The support. __________________ "Fry: I'm not a robot like you, I don't like having discs cramped into me... unless they're Oreos... and then only in the mouth." "Fry: Wow. That guy makes Speedy Gonzalez look like Regular Gonzalez"

07/23/2007, 10:42 PM	#6
swreefers Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 31	Great threads like this is what keeps me tuned into RC being 6 months into SWRT. I feel like a sponge soaking up all the info searching links and the good advice from reefers who care. Thank you __________________ If you start something be prepared to finish it. Always be committed to success!!! Current Tank Info: 220 gal w/275lbs LR, LS, 50gal, sump, fuge, ASM G3 skimmer, 2x250w 10k HQI pendants w/4x32w Actinics ~ 29 gal FOWLR, 35 lbs LR, 40 lbs LS, 10 gal QT tank w/ Aqua clear HOB

07/23/2007, 11:09 PM	#7
mhhauser321 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 283	Good I am Glad I helped __________________ "Fry: I'm not a robot like you, I don't like having discs cramped into me... unless they're Oreos... and then only in the mouth." "Fry: Wow. That guy makes Speedy Gonzalez look like Regular Gonzalez"

07/23/2007, 09:52 PM	#1
mhhauser321 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 283	Top Ten Most Important Concepts For A New Reefer To Grasp Hello, Let Me start by introducing myself, My name is Matt, okay now that we got out of the way. If You Are A beginner to this and you are looking to get deep into the hobby, and not just graze the surface than this will help you. I know from experience without any direction, things can be very difficult so I have proposed a List Of Areas, You should start out learning about. I most certainly don't want to make anyone mad I just want to Present A Helpful list for New Hobbyist to start With. Before I start if there are any terms in this you are not familiar with visit this website its full of Acronyms and Abbreviations http://www.megapathdsl.net/~fmariani/abbreviations.htm Here it Is(This List is only the tip of the Ice Burg For Each Topic) 10. Determine Your Desired Setup (FO=Fish Only, FOWLR= Fish Only With Live Rock, REEF=Corals & Maybe Fish) 9. Tank Cycling(Nitrogen Cycle)- Find Out What Goes Under the Surface of the Tank. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/dw/index.php How To Cycle http://reefcentral.com/modules.php?s...e&pid=1&page=7 8.Water Quality(Water Analysis)-Learn What RO/DI means and What Normal Tank Parameters are.Also Natural Sea Water Parameters is important. 7.Live Rock, Deep Sand Beds, And Bare Bottom- Something All Mature Reefers Had To Tackle.(Sand Beds=Substrate Choice) http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=803688 6. Equipment-No its not Going To Get easier-Find Out the Basics About Protein Skimmers, Calcium Reactors, Water Pumps And Power Heads, and The Big One Sumps. I Love These Links http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-0...ture/index.php http://www.melevsreef.com/what_sump.html 5.Supplements& Additives-Maybe One Of the Hardest Things I ever Tried to Tackle These Articles Helped Me Greatly.Learn How To Use Additives. http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm This Is Only Part 1!!! http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/rhf/index.php 4.Don't Get into this Hobby without knowing this. Our Aquariums Are a Extension of the Ocean and because we take from them to make are little Reef, We owe it to Mother?/Father? ocean to not abuse this and try our Hardest to Help the perpetual extension of all Corals& Fish. Wow that's a mouth full hope you guys understand that. Basically What I am saying is be a Conscientious Reefer Take It Seriously 3.Water Movement-This Maybe One of things that if you study a lot and learn about you will be happy you did. Terms such as GPH, Bulkheads, Closed Loops, Wave makers. All These will help make you a better Reefer. Here is Your Light Saber My Young Padawan http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/beg...a/aa081399.htm 2.Lighting-WOW I have got to say Don't Start Your Tank without Knowing the Proper Facts Of Light. I Won't sugar Coat it ,so just do the work and for starters Read this Life Changing Article. Greatest Newbie Lighting Article 1.Most of All Have A Attitude OF ALWAYS WANTING TO LEARN. I Hope I hit this one right on the money, I believe so much of this hobby is evolving and its so important for us hobbyist to be on the ball and know exactly whats out there. Whether its reading books or online articles whatever it takes to know what the best options are for having a successful aquarium. I have been in this hobby for 2-3 years now and I still don't know everything and I don't think I ever will. Just Stick it through ask plenty of questions and you will surly end up with your little slice of ocean. I Realize that this information is only one little piece of the entire spectrum of this entire Hobby, But I hope this helps. Matt __________________ "Fry: I'm not a robot like you, I don't like having discs cramped into me... unless they're Oreos... and then only in the mouth." "Fry: Wow. That guy makes Speedy Gonzalez look like Regular Gonzalez"

07/23/2007, 09:54 PM	#2
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	Nice Post!

07/24/2007, 10:04 AM	#8
mhhauser321 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 283	Bump^ __________________ "Fry: I'm not a robot like you, I don't like having discs cramped into me... unless they're Oreos... and then only in the mouth." "Fry: Wow. That guy makes Speedy Gonzalez look like Regular Gonzalez"

07/24/2007, 10:20 AM	#9
sabodish Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Holly Springs, NC Posts: 1,703	i think we need to add "patience" and "money management" to the list!

07/24/2007, 10:24 AM	#10
mhhauser321 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 283	Yeah those are a real life saver along with A load of cash and a excepting family __________________ "Fry: I'm not a robot like you, I don't like having discs cramped into me... unless they're Oreos... and then only in the mouth." "Fry: Wow. That guy makes Speedy Gonzalez look like Regular Gonzalez"

07/24/2007, 10:26 AM	#11
EBOLII Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Deep within the uncharted Amazon Posts: 400	the powers that be should stick this __________________ I am lost in every-way there is.............literally.............just plain LOST

07/24/2007, 10:32 AM	#12
mhhauser321 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 283	I wish they would, This would of really helped me When I started out. matt __________________ "Fry: I'm not a robot like you, I don't like having discs cramped into me... unless they're Oreos... and then only in the mouth." "Fry: Wow. That guy makes Speedy Gonzalez look like Regular Gonzalez"

07/24/2007, 10:35 AM	#13
Shooter7 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Tolono, IL Posts: 6,754	There is a stickied thread that has a TON of stuff in it titled.... "New-First time on RC-Look here for answers" __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: 10 years salty - standard 29g reef - moved from 120 gal reef, 2x250w Reeflux 10k's on ARO electronics and VHO super actinics on Icecap ballast, 2xTunze 6060, MSX 200 skimmer, GEO 612 Ca reactor, mag 12 return

07/24/2007, 10:36 AM	#15
Shooter7 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Tolono, IL Posts: 6,754	ooooo....beatcha by a few seconds __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: 10 years salty - standard 29g reef - moved from 120 gal reef, 2x250w Reeflux 10k's on ARO electronics and VHO super actinics on Icecap ballast, 2xTunze 6060, MSX 200 skimmer, GEO 612 Ca reactor, mag 12 return

07/24/2007, 10:39 AM	#16
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	I'm slow at posting.

07/24/2007, 10:43 AM	#17
mhhauser321 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 283	hey as long as it helps someone. I am not arguing __________________ "Fry: I'm not a robot like you, I don't like having discs cramped into me... unless they're Oreos... and then only in the mouth." "Fry: Wow. That guy makes Speedy Gonzalez look like Regular Gonzalez"

07/24/2007, 10:48 AM	#19
mhhauser321 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 283	He Must be a real reefer __________________ "Fry: I'm not a robot like you, I don't like having discs cramped into me... unless they're Oreos... and then only in the mouth." "Fry: Wow. That guy makes Speedy Gonzalez look like Regular Gonzalez"

07/24/2007, 10:52 AM	#20
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	A link to your thread is going to be added to the pinned one.

07/24/2007, 10:57 AM	#21
mhhauser321 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 283	Cool Thanks matt I still hope a lot of people read this. __________________ "Fry: I'm not a robot like you, I don't like having discs cramped into me... unless they're Oreos... and then only in the mouth." "Fry: Wow. That guy makes Speedy Gonzalez look like Regular Gonzalez"

07/24/2007, 11:48 AM	#22
Ishmael's Dad Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 156	Great thread, Wish I had seen this when I started. NO worries, because IMHO the most important of your top 10 is #1 - Keep learning.

07/24/2007, 12:01 PM	#23
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Nice work. Really helpful to have a branching tree of info. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

07/24/2007, 12:28 PM	#24
Nano Chris Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 2,758	Good info for a new reefer to know. __________________ Chris ------- 34 Gallon Red Sea Max 130! Setup (Just got back into the hobby) Current Tank Info: 34 Gallon RedSeaMax!

07/24/2007, 01:05 PM	#25
mhhauser321 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 283	Thank You all, I just wanted others to have a good start, So they would be better off in the long run. __________________ "Fry: I'm not a robot like you, I don't like having discs cramped into me... unless they're Oreos... and then only in the mouth." "Fry: Wow. That guy makes Speedy Gonzalez look like Regular Gonzalez"