[Kankashala]

Okay. I am going to set up a reef tank. I plan only using live rock and sand and a really
Good protein skimmer for filtration. However I know that a refugium does something really good (not sure what yet), something about beneficial bacteria. So I was going to get one of those hang on the back ones, but I found a little sump/refgium (EcoSystem reefugium kit- though I think I can make one a lot cheaper) you can put under the tank and started to think maybe I should do that instead. What do you think? Also what books do you recommend. I have the Minni Reef, and the Conscientious marine aquarium.
I was also wondering when and where the next meeting will be held?

[Ramer]

I am not the best one to help you I have only been at this about 11 months. (still learning). I think you should probably take your time. Look around at other set ups see how others have done it. You don't need a refugium, but if you want all this to fit under tank then do it before adding water . How big is tank? Can you set it up away from a wall? What is your stocking plan? The pros will need to know this stuff to help you. But Welcome aboard

[charlie]

Originally Posted by Kankashala

Okay. I am going to set up a reef tank. I plan only using live rock and sand and a really
Good protein skimmer for filtration. However I know that a refugium does something really good (not sure what yet), something about beneficial bacteria. So I was going to get one of those hang on the back ones, but I found a little sump/refgium (EcoSystem reefugium kit- though I think I can make one a lot cheaper) you can put under the tank and started to think maybe I should do that instead. What do you think? Also what books do you recommend. I have the Minni Reef, and the Conscientious marine aquarium.
I was also wondering when and where the next meeting will be held?

So where are you at in the Flathead? It's good to see more folks from the area get here!!!!

What a refugium basically, and I mean basically, does is compete with the undesirable algaes in your tank for the same food. A good macroalgae like Chaetomorpha, will clean up an algae problem in your tank over time,provided you keep up a regular maintenace schedulealso. A refugium will also ph swings in your tank if a reverse photoperiod is used.
Before you get going with all this, what size tank do you have planned? If we could have a few more specifics about what you have planned, we will be able to help even more.

Books...................................Aquarium Corals by Eric Borneman is an excellent choice also. You should check out our sponsors, like Marine Depot, for their selection of books too. If you need any more help, I am also callable. Our little group has a couple of experienced reefers that I am sure would also help out. Shoot me a PM if you want, I have all the names you need!

As for the next meeting, that is a good question. I would like to get together before I head to Vegas the end of February, but who knows!!!! Maybe if this gets read by a few folks, someone will come up with an idea.

[charlie]

Originally Posted by Ramer

I am not the best one to help you I have only been at this about 11 months. (still learning). I think you should probably take your time. Look around at other set ups see how others have done it. You don't need a refugium, but if you want all this to fit under tank then do it before adding water . How big is tank? Can you set it up away from a wall? What is your stocking plan? The pros will need to know this stuff to help you. But Welcome aboard

How's your starfish doing????

Lorie acclimated all my stuff while I was out doing the snowblower thing, man my lips are sore.:slap::slap:

[Ramer]

Good so far, Floated bag for about 30 min. I let it drip for 90 min. Then let it go. It sat atop a rock for a few minutes then disappeared.

[Ramer]

All your snails and crabs swimming laps?

[charlie]

Cool. I wish I would have taken some pics before I dumped the "crew" in. They seem to be liking it in there anyways!!

[Ramer]

All that flow in there, Should have video taped the crabs trying to hold on.

[Ramer]

Originally Posted by charlie

How's your starfish doing????

Lorie acclimated all my stuff while I was out doing the snowblower thing, man my lips are sore.:slap::slap:

I wont say anything

[Kankashala]

I live in C-falls and have a 75 gallon, with compact fluorescents/ HQI (560 W). I will start with about 80# of live rock. I want to work my way up to SPS and Tridacna maxima clams. But those are probably a little out of my reach for someone just starting out, so I’ll start with a few easy animals like mushrooms and some of the LPS (I’ll build in overhangs with the rock so they don’t freak over the intense lights). I have done a lot of studying and plan to do a lot more. I know some SPS don’t always get along with some of the of the LPS and mushrooms. So I will need to find out which are compatable. I’ll also add a few fish and some invertebrates like arrow crab - I would love a blue Linka but heard they are next to imposable to keep alive. Before I get into anything to serious I will have to figure out the best way to add calcium….there’s a lot of choices from co2 (which I don’t want to do) to liquid buffer’s an additives, to some IV thing, but that’s a whole different discussion. So for the next few months, just a few soft corals, mushrooms, arow crabs and a couple of reef safe fish.

[charlie]

Have we met???

[Ohgee]

Looks like yet another person addicted to the hobby has joined the area. You've come to the right spot and the right people.

You can't ask for a better bunch of people right at your back door. I've recently moved away but still make it up there from time to time to assist friends with reefing projects.

If you need anything just scream and someone here will help.

You really need to get with Charlie, he's close and extremely knowledgable. Good luck and please stick around.

[Kankashala]

I think I've meet you. I went to a few meeting a few years ago with my freind Jen Kinnamen. At that time I just had a fish only system.

[charlie]

I knew I would! I love messing around with the tamks and rebuilding them.Ya know I gotta say that there is a real difference between a true hobbiest (they like to get there hands dirty) and some one who just enjoys the pretty colors and lights! But i am glad it went well. You remember Kimber my friend who came with me that one time. Well she has my black clown in foster care, and my 120 is still sitting dry, 'sigh' and will stay that way untill our living arrangments are not so..um.. shall i say rocky lol.

I do believe we have met.

You must be Kimber??? Hey, you would be welcome to stop on by, and take a look in my 80, lots of stuff in there!!!

[Kankashala]

That would be awsome, how should I contact you?

[Kankashala]

actualy here is my e-mail address Kankashala@yahoo.com, that's safer then posting info on a forum.

[charlie]

You have mail.

[Jenn]

its a nice tank too, i was over looking just yesterday getting my rock and clown out of her foster care! I cant wait for it to start growing.
Good Luck K!

[charlie]

Originally Posted by Jenn

its a nice tank too, i was over looking just yesterday getting my rock and clown out of her foster care! I cant wait for it to start growing.
Good Luck K!

That being the case, I think someone should take some pictures.