[sspargur]

Hello all....Sean here, from Salt Lake City, UT, fairly new to the board!

I've been interested in getting into saltwater aquarium keeping for some years now and I have finally decided to take the proverbial "dive". After many months of spending a couple hours a day researching and reading up on the hobby, I've finally bought an aquarium. I was going to start w/ around a 55 gal, but I got a pretty good deal on eBay for a 85 gal tank w/ stand and canopy:

The aquarium I bought.

Again after reading everyones posts on several boards and lots of researching, I've decided to go the Berlin method. I've found myself drawn back to LifeReef several times and finally placed the order today now that I have the aquarium and stand. The only drawback is Jeff, the owner of LifeReef has a 4 month waiting list for getting orders processed and shipped. I figure the wait is worth it to do it correct the first time. I ordered their sump setup with the skimmer and a refugium for growing copepods and macroalgaes.

I would like to pose you folks a few questions if I may.

First, experiences with LifeReef?

Second on Livestock, I have been concidering TampaBay Saltwater for my initial setup of liverock, sand and critters through one of their "package" deals. I have read through the months that some have had problems w/ mantis shrimp in their rocks. Although they do have some glowing reviews in their testimonials page. I would like to hear anyones opinions who have dealt w/ TBS.

I know w/ the wait I have on the skimming hardware and refugium that I'm a few months out, but I would just like anyones opinions on anything they can help with.

I appreciate in advance anyones input! Thanks

Sean Spargur

[Reefland]

The stand and canopy look really nice! I think you will be pleased with the dimensions of this tank versus a 55 like you mentioned; the added depth is really worth it!

Lifereef almost always gets great reviews. The craftsmanship is supposedly outstanding as is the service. From what I've heard, the wait is worth it. From the pictures it doesn't appear the tank you purchased is reef ready, did you get an overflow box from Jeff as well?

The rock cultured in teh Gulf is really nice, the only drawback being the density. If I were you, I would go with a mix of different types of rock for the added diversity. I personally went with Gulf rock and Tonga branch and a couple of small pieces of Fiji. I personally can't comment on TBS.

Mantis shrimp are a possibility on a lot of rock. The best way to avoid them is to do a low salinity or high salinity dip on the rock before you put it in the tank. Holding the rock in these conditions for a minute will drive out the critters from which you can sift through and add back what is desirable.

I am glad to see that you are doing plenty of research versus just "diving" in. Keep up the efforts!

Regards,

[Ninong]

First, experiences with LifeReef?

You will be pleased with the quality of his products. The workmanship is superb!


As far as the live rock is concerned, there are pros and cons to going with Gulf of Mexico aquacultured live rock:

Pros: It is the environmentally responsible thing to do. It is colorful and covered with life because it is harvested just before each order is shipped.

Cons: It is heavy. The life on it is indigenous to temperate waters -- just ask yourself what the water temperature is right now in Tampa Bay compared to the tropical Pacific. Some of the life on it may be undesirable or unsuitable for a tropical reeftank.

[sspargur]

The tank is not reef ready and yes I did purchase the overflow box/pre filter from LifeReef. The setup I ordered is as follows:

CLF1, for aquariums from 20 gallons up to 150 (short) 12 x 14 x 24 sump. COMPACT BERLIN SYSTEMS come complete with sump, return water pump, all tubing and fittings, VS2-24" in-sump venturi protein skimmer and pump. I also got the pre filter/overflow box and a 18x14x14 refugium. I am also going to get the float valve which is show for auto top-off from an RO/DI unit that I'm going to have ran in from my basement. This is the pic, w/o the refugium.



On TBS, I was thinking about ordering their 50 or 55 gal package w/ an extra 125 lbs of sand and then ordering, as you suggested, other types of rock, possibly from Jeff's Exotic Fish. Seems they come highly recommended as well.

Once I'm extablished and running, I want to do the whole SPS thing. I've been really impressed and inspired by the setups that you folks have. I for sure want to get all my corals, etc that were tank raised or proprogated from existing tanks anyhow. I know that SPS frags are used alot from you guys here in the BB community. Also heard alot about "Walt Smith" stuff? Does he have a site somewhere? Also do you guys here on the board frag swap just locally or do you mail frags out as well?

Thanks again...Sean