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View Full Version : Most important lesson(s) learned


ACBlinky
03/24/2008, 09:44 PM
I realized tonight I've learned some things in this hobby that are worth passing on to others. Is there anything you know now that you wish you had known early on? Please add to the list, so everyone can benefit from what we've all learned.

1. The less you bother your tank, the better. Got the urge to redecorate? Move your entertainment system. Want to tinker? Build a model train set. When it comes to rockwork, set it and forget it -- don't move things around every month because you're bored. Fish and corals all appreciate being left alone, and a tank that hasn't been messed with in six months will look ten times better than one with a 'busy' owner.

2. Talk to your LFS guy! If you find someone who knows what he or she is doing, cherish them like gold. Having a good rapport with your LFS guy can really pay off; I get some very good deals at my favourite store, and it's nice to have another fish geek to chat with while I shop!

seapug
03/24/2008, 09:48 PM
Don't buy a damsel fish if you want a peaceful community tank. Really, don't do it. I'm not kidding.

ScubaDiver93
03/24/2008, 09:48 PM
Mine would have to be don't sell the smallest fish you own that can fit into every crack and crevice of the tank. Although it did lead to an awesome rebuild.

AquaReeferMan
03/24/2008, 10:03 PM
The Nitrogen Cycle

Sonics Big B
03/24/2008, 10:12 PM
The only absolute rule is that there are no absolute rules!

ttomkat1
03/24/2008, 10:13 PM
What ever you think this hobby is going to cost, double it!

Gdevine
03/24/2008, 10:41 PM
Don't put pink creeping Xenia in new tank:)

cfarrow2
03/24/2008, 11:27 PM
when you buy your set up don't assume the guy you bought it from knows what he's talking about. i.e., don't believe him when he says salinity should be 1.018. that's right out, so to speak.

fishysteve
03/25/2008, 07:12 AM
Not everyone on Reef Central knows what they're talking about.

GottisEgo
03/25/2008, 07:16 AM
Anemones + Koralia's=BAD

Tennsquire
03/25/2008, 07:26 AM
Spend money on good equipment the first time, with an eye toward eventually upgrading, and you'll save tons of money in the long run.

2fishy
03/25/2008, 07:31 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12171152#post12171152 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ACBlinky


1. The less you bother your tank, the better. Got the urge to redecorate? Move your entertainment system. Want to tinker? Build a model train set. When it comes to rockwork, set it and forget it -- don't move things around every month because you're bored. Fish and corals all appreciate being left alone, and a tank that hasn't been messed with in six months will look ten times better than one with a 'busy' owner.


Ain't that the truth! Boy, am I finding this out!:rolleyes: :lol:

EllieSuz
03/25/2008, 07:45 AM
Develop a livestock plan and stick to it. Decide what you want in the tank and the order in which you want it. Research first, buy second. This prevents impulsive buys at the LFS that frequently turn out badly.

Puffdragon
03/25/2008, 07:53 AM
Patience....Patience........and more Patience!!!!!!!

snorvich
03/25/2008, 07:54 AM
All of the above are good but the one from Tennsquire is really right on. Cheaping out on equipment is an expensive proposition.

The Reefer91
03/25/2008, 07:55 AM
buy the biggest possible tank you can afford, because no matter what you say or you may think, you will want to upgrade.....eventually :D

Paddlefoot
03/25/2008, 08:08 AM
1. Generally, you get what you pay for.

2. ANY change in operating conditions is the prime time for an equipment failure or accident. (this also is valid in everyday life)

3. Keeping fish in a glass box is unnatural and Ma' Nature takes a dim view of this practice.

4. Ma' Nature abhors a vacumm.

5. There is no such thing as a Free Lunch.

ACBlinky
03/25/2008, 01:38 PM
These are fantastic guys, keep 'em coming!

kar93
03/25/2008, 01:46 PM
Dont do what you think will work, do what will work.

sk8rreefgeek
03/25/2008, 01:51 PM
Always consult with your RC buddies before making a purchase.

Livestock or equipment :)

livelycorpse
03/25/2008, 02:14 PM
There are no 100% "reef-safe" fish. Doesn't matter who says it, doesn't matter how many times it is said; there are none.

pex
03/25/2008, 02:25 PM
REEF to fit your needs. By this I mean to use what works for YOU. Somethings work for some, and other things don't. Just because it doesn't work for your buddy and his "style" does not mean that it will not work for your style. Find what works for you and stick with it.

Jah2707
03/25/2008, 02:31 PM
1. before you go on vacation do not make any changes!

2. Do some power outage tests. At least once a month. (if not you will be sorry)

3. Do not use tap water

You guys have really covered the best ones. oh do not trust LFS. If you have a problem or question get many answers. Do not just accept the first ones.

Jah2707
03/25/2008, 02:34 PM
If something is working for you it is not always wise to just stop doing it because someone else doesn't think it will or should work.

nalbar
03/25/2008, 02:38 PM
Nothing good happens fast in a reef tank.



nalbar

hyperfocal
03/25/2008, 02:48 PM
Here are some of mine. YMMV.

1: Yes, you need more flow
2: Stability pays
3: Lighting isn't as important as you think
4: If you can't measure it, don't add it (supplements)
5: Nothing good happens fast in a reef tank
6: Don't believe everything you read, particularly if published by someone trying to sell you something
7: Research your livestock before buying
8: Your LFS doesn't make money by telling you the (whole) truth. See #7
9: Don't put the tank so close to the wall
10: Threaded PVC fittings will pay for themselves
11: Cheap ball valves aren't
12: A controller is worth the money
13: Buying water from the LFS sucks
14: You still need more flow
15: Always look at a person's tank before following their advice

Freed
03/25/2008, 03:02 PM
Quarantine.

xtm
03/25/2008, 03:09 PM
some of my own tricks/lessons learned (very specific too!)

- aquamend + super glue gel works best.
- knead aquamend on hot water to increase work time
- let glued frags cure on a tub before transferring to main display to avoid skimmer overflow
- put foam under tank to even up pressure on stand
- put check valves on input side of peristaltic pump to avoid back-siphon
- treat all incoming livestock and assume they're infested... regardless of the source
- make sure your return nozzle is positioned just enough so when you lose power, your sump won't overflow. - THAT or just drill an anti-siphon hole
- smooth acro crab = good. hairy acro crab = bad
- Angels are hit or miss
- when doing aquascape, lay your rocks on eggcrate and aquascape THEN add sand. This can avoid rock slides.
- DO NOT believe the time rating on Ininterruptable power supplies (UPS). You need to test the actual time by doing real life test.
etc

as you can see, I've already made so many mistakes in this hobby...lol. good thread :D

tbar
03/25/2008, 03:36 PM
Have a floating hydrometer or refractometer not a swing arm hydrometer

gillesec
03/25/2008, 03:58 PM
How to pull a siphon on a three foot hose without the liquid ever touching my lips (..... hmmm maybe mothers should use this instead of soap to teach a lesson)

twill
03/25/2008, 04:36 PM
When you're frustrated that your new coral isn't looking too happy and you can't figure out why; when you can't figure out that **** sump; or when you're just ready to pull your hair out over the myriad little problems that arise:

Remember to take time to admire your tank and all the work you've put into it. It's a beautiful thing!

sjj80
03/25/2008, 05:05 PM
1. Fully plan your tank before purchasing and buy the bigger one you want-not the smaller one your husband likes.

2. When interest in SW first arises join reefcentral. Don't consult your lfs.

3.Buy all equipment that will be needed before setting tank up.

4.If you buy cheap you buy twice. Always buy equip. that could transfer to a larger system.

5. Quarantine, Quarantine & Quarantine!!!

6. Always have a stash of "Reef Cash" in case of an emergency.

7. When unsure post on reef central for guidance.

8. Cover your QT tank, even if your fish is not a known jumper. I've had a rabbitfish jump ship overnight and my new convict tang just tried to jump out, but hit the glass cover instead.

gillesec
03/25/2008, 05:12 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12176709#post12176709 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by twill
When you're frustrated that your new coral isn't looking too happy and you can't figure out why; when you can't figure out that **** sump; or when you're just ready to pull your hair out over the myriad little problems that arise:

Remember to take time to admire your tank and all the work you've put into it. It's a beautiful thing!

Best post!!!!! :rollface:

BigBadBlenny
03/25/2008, 05:21 PM
the best tool you have for your reef is RC... ask question.. ask questions.. ask questions...

46FiatYamaha
03/25/2008, 06:30 PM
don't listen to those few people that say "you should have got the $1700 model and it'll use 30 less watts and work marginally better" I'm not saying to cheap out on your equipment, but you have to draw a line somewhere

kevin2000
03/25/2008, 06:31 PM
Marry a spouse who makes more money and wants a reef tank!

azguy
03/25/2008, 07:10 PM
NEVER use brass plumbing fittings.....I poisened a complete 90 gal reef with copper.

andy321
03/25/2008, 07:28 PM
Don't overstock

Fishdisease
03/25/2008, 09:18 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12172616#post12172616 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tennsquire
Spend money on good equipment the first time, with an eye toward eventually upgrading, and you'll save tons of money in the long run.

Definitely the biggest piece of advice I'd give.


Second is get a second job if you want to stay int he hobby.

Fishdisease
03/25/2008, 09:34 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12172616#post12172616 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tennsquire
Spend money on good equipment the first time, with an eye toward eventually upgrading, and you'll save tons of money in the long run.

Definitely the biggest piece of advice I'd give.


Second is get a second job if you want to stay int he hobby.

Zoophile
03/25/2008, 10:25 PM
1. Don't panic. Overcorrection of a problem is usually worse than the problem itself. Having water ready for fast water changes is golden.

2. Don't rely on automated equipment to work properly. Check everything frequently because the stuff is going to screw up the minute you get complacent.

3. Wear gloves when sticking your hands in the tank or you will get blue worms!

SeanT
03/25/2008, 10:50 PM
ALWAYS wear gloves! (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=414029)



http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/97/97886/pages/560714/thumb1.JPG

Zoophile
03/25/2008, 10:59 PM
Eeewwwwww! I think I'd have fragged that thumb and hoped for the best.

Zoophile
03/25/2008, 11:04 PM
double post...again

carlso63
03/25/2008, 11:13 PM
1) A high post count for any given poster is not neccesarily an indicator of how knowledgeable that poster is; all it indicates is that this person has spent alot of time typing on the Internet.

2) Successful Reefers will proudly post pictures of their success in addition to giving advice.

3) Nobody outside of the hobby is gonna give a rat's a-- that you spent $2,000 on that long clear tube inside your stand you call a "Skimmer" - they'll think you're an idiot who wastes his money... So don't buy to impress anyone but yourself.

tmantaylor18
03/25/2008, 11:32 PM
Planning before getting started.

tmantaylor18
03/25/2008, 11:32 PM
Planning before getting started.

TIMMYE
03/26/2008, 12:00 AM
Have a seperate fish tank checking account that wife/girl firend/ fiance does not know about!

cbui2
03/26/2008, 12:27 AM
build your reef around the house, no need for master bedroom.