New to ChicagoReefs!!

brianspider

New member
Hello everyone,

New here. Excited to be a part of this community. Here's a little intro to myself and my tank:

My name is Brian and I am from Sacramento, California. I attended the University of Southern California, and am now brought to Chicago in pursuit of my medical career at Loyola. I grew up in a big time surfing family, but always had more of an affinity for diving. While my brother and my father paddled out into the waves, I would usually put on my suit to free dive for lobster or spear some kelp bass. I love the water, the ocean, and everything in it.

Growing up I kept many freshwater aquariums. Following my swordtails unexpectedly giving live birth during my sister's 8th grade graduation party, I garnered an interest in keeping and breeding Bettas. That lasted a few years, until I lost interest in the hobby.

After many years away from aquariums, I underwent a reawakening. I had always wanted a saltwater aquarium, and thanks to a heater at the blackjack tables, I had the funds to pursue it. That was 5 months ago. I did my research, and decided to pick up a biocube 29 (If I was equipped with the knowledge and experience I have now, I would've done this differently--would've been much more cost effective). Since, I have done a lot to my tank to save everyone time I'll just describe my current setup:

Rimless Coralife Biocube 29
Kessil a350 LED Pendant
34 lbs Live Rock
25 lbs Live Sand
1st Chamber: Eheim Jager 100w Heater
2nd Chamber: inTank Mediabasket (Filter Floss, Purigen, Chemipure Elite) and Tunze 9002 Skimmer
3rd Chamber: MJ 1200 Return Pump and Float Switches for JBJ ATO
Two Koralia nano 425 gph powerheads

Current Water Parameters:
Salinity - 1.025
A/N/N - 0/0/3
pH - 8.0
Ca - 450
Alk - 8.3
Phos - Hanna meter on delivery

Current Livestock:
2 Ocellaris Clowns (1 Snowflake)
Fire Shrimp
Red Fromia Starfish
Hammer Coral
Favites
Green Nepthia
5 Ricordeas
Several Zoanthid Colonies and Frags
Neon green Toadstool Frag
Red Monti Cap
Forest Fire Digita
Blue Sympodium
Metallic Green Galaxea

That's pretty much it. I have just started with SPS, selecting some hardy corals to test if my tank is ready. Its going to be a learning process, but eventually I imagine my tank to be dominated mainly by SPS and Zoanthids. Photos on the way when the lights come on tomorrow!!!

Thanks so much and let me know if you have any questions, suggestions, or critiques
 
Whew, best of luck man. I am fearful of facing that in a few months. Keep your head down. I am definitely coming to you for some tips when the time comes if thats alright, hah.
 
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