I never should have went into that pet store...

DON'T PANIC

DON'T PANIC

New member
Hi Chicago Reefers,

My name is Mark from just across the WI border. I have a decent amount of experience with aquariums, having kept FW tanks for years. I did keep some smaller SW setups keeping basic stuff like softies, mushrooms, and the like, but that was about a decade ago. I never had what I would consider success with a reef, that being a thriving stable eco system easily maintained for at least a year. Things were, as they still are today, somewhat expensive versus a FW setup.

A couple months ago I made the awful mistake of browsing the fish at a local pet store. It was at this particular juncture I was viciously attacked and bitten by the reef bug. Escaping the the store I told myself it would not infect me with its wallet shrinking, water testing, insanity. But like a walking dead zombie I knew it was just a matter of time before i turned.

So, I have spent some time to read up on whats new. DSB bad, LED good, Etc, Etc and I am looking forward to getting a tank going. I decided to start on the small side, get some equipment and practice, before getting a larger setup going in a year or so. I have purchased the tank used on CL and will SLOWLY be getting it going over the next few months, lurking around for used supplies as I go. I'd love any suggestions for the new tank so I'll be posting a build thread in the appropriate section.

Looking forward to learning from you all.

Cheers,
Mark
 
I love the title of the thread. I can still remember the first time I walked in my LFS, no getting out un-bit. Welcome! My suggestion is go big if you can afford it. More water volume = more stability. The down side is the start up costs and wanting to fill the tank up with beautiful corals and fish. Enjoy the journey, we are here to help.
 
DON'T PANIC said:
I will SLOWLY be getting it going over the next few months
Click to expand...

That's what I told myself when I was first getting into this hobby. When it comes to setting up a tank, slowly just doesn't happen. Welcome back the addiction. You're one of us again.
 
Hey everyone,

The store was just a local big box, but they happened to have some nice corals in stock.

I completely agree that bigger systems are way better once balanced, but they cost a lot more initially. I will be saving some money and buy used when an opportunity arises. But I couldn't wait to get something going soon. I plan on keeping the small tank when I upgrade, as I like the look of it. The tank is 30 gallons which I consider small, but still big enough to start with.
 
Is a good starting platform. I have a thriving 29 gallon, and just say i'm not the most consistent at maintenance. Good luck on your venture and welcome to the group

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
 
Welcome man, love the avatar and the reference!

Ask plenty of questions, we're all here to learn and help!
 
Same thing happened to me 2 months ago bought a jbj setup and am about done with a 93 gallon cube scratch build.. Which is replacing my 75 gallon planted tank here by the end of the week...

This site was a huge help and the guys on here are awesome your in good hands
 
:welcome:

If you think Petco has nice corals, you need to take a trip to Best Fish and Sho Tank!!

Is Jims on 50 still open?
 
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