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Beginners' Guide Interest?


tibbsy07

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Ok, so there are always a LOT of questions here on NR, but many of them are repeated ad nauseum here in the beginners' section because there is a lack of an "all-in-one" guide that allows new reefers to find all the information in a single thread, resulting in poor searches (or none at all). I think it would be helpful to have a guide, and I've been working on one for a quick, simplistic crash course in how to get a reef aquarium up (equipment, options, etc). Would this be something other people would actually like to see and do people think it would actually be useful? I don't want to spend the time for nothing.

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do it man

 

newbies will still ignore it if they think their situation is unique, but if it saves us from another "why are my fish dying and what is a cycle?" threads I'd consider it time well spent

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Partially Submerged

Two things: One, I think it's fantastic that there is a beginner section on this board. Repetition of the same important questions should be expected here. Experienced reef keepers who don't want to see urgent questions about "that brown algae stuff that's growing in my new tank" shouldn't come in. That said, though, and this is two, I think a guide for beginners would be greatly appreciated. I don't think it would necessarily reduce the number of typical beginner questions, but If everyone has read a few basics, it will be much easier to explain and discuss questions in detail. It will also free up those generous advanced reef keepers who come here to help to answer follow up questions and keep conversations going for a while.

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Two things: One, I think it's fantastic that there is a beginner section on this board. Repetition of the same important questions should be expected here. Experienced reef keepers who don't want to see urgent questions about "that brown algae stuff that's growing in my new tank" shouldn't come in. That said, though, and this is two, I think a guide for beginners would be greatly appreciated. I don't think it would necessarily reduce the number of typical beginner questions, but If everyone has read a few basics, it will be much easier to explain and discuss questions in detail. It will also free up those generous advanced reef keepers who come here to help to answer follow up questions and keep conversations going for a while.

I was aiming for that. We'll still get the questions, and that's ok - that's why the beginner's section is here. But having a single thread in which a lot of the basics are covered - basics that will get all new reefers up to speed on what they NEED to know - will reduce some of the questions

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Ok, so there are always a LOT of questions here on NR, but many of them are repeated ad nauseum here in the beginners' section because there is a lack of an "all-in-one" guide that allows new reefers to find all the information in a single thread, resulting in poor searches (or none at all). I think it would be helpful to have a guide, and I've been working on one for a quick, simplistic crash course in how to get a reef aquarium up (equipment, options, etc). Would this be something other people would actually like to see and do people think it would actually be useful? I don't want to spend the time for nothing.

 

Absolutely would be useful and would like to see!

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alanwest09872

Ok, so there are always a LOT of questions here on NR, but many of them are repeated ad nauseum here in the beginners' section because there is a lack of an "all-in-one" guide that allows new reefers to find all the information in a single thread, resulting in poor searches (or none at all). I think it would be helpful to have a guide, and I've been working on one for a quick, simplistic crash course in how to get a reef aquarium up (equipment, options, etc). Would this be something other people would actually like to see and do people think it would actually be useful? I don't want to spend the time for nothing.

I would love to see this. I know when I first started I found answers to questions on google and other forums. But when you find a forum that you like and trust you wanna get your answers from them making sure they are correct.

If I may make a request. If you do put up one up with equipment have 3 options. Like a good better best situation (cheapest to most expensive)

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It's a good idea and I'd have been receptive to one when I first got here. One thing to consider is that people might use it as a substititte for thorough research. I'd cover it in disclaimers but something like general rules of thumb, params, order of setup, high ranked gear options in different categories, breakpoints on tank size or gear. You could also pull a consensus on beginner corals and balances of life that are symbiotic and good for beginners. These would be very, very useful.

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  • 1 month later...

I think it would be helpful!! I know as a newbie myself, I would find it helpful. Especially with some sections on filter media and such. That is what I found most confusing (and still do). What do you put with what and where. Lots of good ideas here - MrLang made a few good points as well.

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fishfreak0114

I'm a noob and I think that it would be fantastic to have a thread that covered the basics and common questions. I know I've asked some noobish questions that everyone's probably heard millions of times. Fact is there's just not enough threads out there that cover that kind of stuff.

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I have a few thoughts on this... First off thanks Tibbsy for making an effort to do something like this!

 

The current beginners articles are so old...

 

So I like the idea of a beginners guide - I think it should be focused on the biology first and then explain how the equipment supports or enhances the fundamental biology. I also think it should try to steer clear of the more advanced topics or topics that aren't essential to keeping a reef tank - stick to the basics of setting up and maintaining a nano-reef.

 

If I were writing a beginners guide I would try to help steer the hobby away from the mentality of "This is the way I did it so it will work for everyone else". It seems like a lot of misinformation is spread that way. Discuss the options in such a way that a beginner can decide which method would be best.

 

There should be lots of pictures where possible so it's not just a bunch of text. I'm sure if you put a call out listing what kinds of pictures you're looking for you would get plenty of submissions.

 

Finally, I think that you should have sections for current trends, useful links, and FAQ's. If you really wanted to you could try to steer the following discussions by indicating that future posts should be either a current trend/update, a useful link, or a link to a FAQ.

 

Good luck!

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A more up-to-date beginners guide is a good idea. The trick is in finding a way to make sure it gets read before all the beginner's questions get posted. You could also provide links to specific tank types here on Nano-Reef that are successful examples of the different methodologies used to set up and maintain a nano tank.

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100% agreed, that would be excellent. My GF would love to get dwarf seahorses but has never kept fish in her life, it would be helpful reading content either way.

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Ok, so there are always a LOT of questions here on NR, but many of them are repeated ad nauseum here in the beginners' section because there is a lack of an "all-in-one" guide that allows new reefers to find all the information in a single thread, resulting in poor searches (or none at all). I think it would be helpful to have a guide, and I've been working on one for a quick, simplistic crash course in how to get a reef aquarium up (equipment, options, etc). Would this be something other people would actually like to see and do people think it would actually be useful? I don't want to spend the time for nothing.

This is a great idea. Maybe parse out sections to various volunteers, then combine the contributions into one document.

 

Were it not for a friend to guide me along the way, this would have been overwhelming to get into.

 

He did this intro for me back in 2011. Some info is outdated (the LED info), though.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Equipment:

 

Tank

All-in-One (comes with light and filtration chambers in the rear)

Good for a starter tank, less initial start-up cost, will have some limitations

 

Regular some come reef ready (holes drilled for plumbing)

Will have more of a start-up cost, limitless expandability

 

Stand

This will depend on size of tank and whether it is an All-in-One

 

Lighting

Depends on what you want to keep in the tank. Ranges from Power Compacts, T5s, Metal Halides, and LEDs

Power Compacts good for a fish only tank and some low light corals

T5 a fixture with good reflectors can keep any type of coral, replace bulbs every year

Metal Halide - can keep any type of coral, generates a lot of heat, give the best look with shimmer, replace bulb ever 9-12 months, higher energy cost

LEDs new and expensive, still not completely proven to provide the correct spectrum for all types of coral (but is stated as being able to keep all type of coral), less heat, dont need to replace every year, provides shimmer, dimmable

Combo light T5/MH, T5/LED, MH/LED

 

Biological Filtration

Live Rock usually 1lbs/2lbs per gallon

Sand enough for 1-2 thick

Refugium Optional. Usually contains macro algae/LR/sand in a separate area from the display area. Good to have as it provides a place for growing bacteria/pods for feeding tank inhabitants. The macro algae uses up excess nitrates and phosphates.

 

Mechanical Filtration

Filter Floss catches large particles floating in the water column

Carbon purifies water

Purigen absorbs ammonia/nitrite/nitrate (not needed until after tank completes cycling)

Granular Ferrite Oxide (GFO) absorbs phosphate (not needed until after tank completes cycling)

Protein Skimmer Optional. Good to have because it takes out the organics in the aquarium. (not needed until after tank completes cycling)

Sump If you dont have an All-in-One, youll need a sump to house all of your equipment, which is usually below the tank in the cabinet

 

Heater to keep temps in tank stable

 

Return Pump main pump of system

 

Powerhead in display tank to cause motion in tank and to avoid dead spots

 

 

Testing Equipment

Refractometer measure your specific gravity (SG)

Pinpoint pH monitor only thing that can reliably measure pH

Test Kits to measure: Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, (dkh, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphate: not needed until you keep coral)

 

Water

USE ONLY RO/DI WATER!!!!

 

Misc. Equipment

Algae scrubber cleans glass

Algae scraper clean coralline algae off glass

5 gallon jugs to buy and store RO/DI fresh/salt water

Buckets for water changes (this should be the only use of these buckets!)

Fan/chiller keep tank from getting too hot

Auto-topoff replace evaporated water (only fresh RO/DI water, not salt RO/DI water)

Power Strips w. timers for automation of lights, etc.

 

Build-up sequence:

What I would do:

 

 

 

1. Check pristine tanks for leaks.

 

2. Drill 40B tank, install bulkheads, then cap them somehow. Fill tank, look for leaks.

 

3. Build stand

 

4. Plumb tank to sump

 

5. Run with Mos pump (leak check skipped in step 2)

 

6. Develop/Install ATO

 

7. Install dividers into sump, no post divider-install leak check needed. But I would run a check to make sure water flow (and levels) is how you expected and it doesnt overflow when power goes out

 

8. Finish stand (skin it)

 

9. Buy light/pump

 

10. Place tanks, install light onto stand

 

11. Install pump (SICCE 3.0)

 

12. Get/install skimmer

 

13. Buy Filter media (filter socks, media bags, carbon), Test Kits, power strips with timer or a Reef Keeper Light, algae glass scrubber

 

14. Buy heater, thermometer, fan?, 5 gallon jugs, refractometer

 

15. Get live rock, sand and water

 

16. Fill Tank

 

17. Cycle tank

 

18. Buy Filter media (GFO or Phosguard, Purigen)

 

19. Get mp10

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So far I've been putting together a little document, but I've been swamped with work, so it hasn't really happened. I'm still working on it. I plan on discussing everything I can think of. I can add or remove as needed.

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  • 4 weeks later...

So far I've been putting together a little document, but I've been swamped with work, so it hasn't really happened. I'm still working on it. I plan on discussing everything I can think of. I can add or remove as needed.

Any news on this? I'm asking because without a close friend guiding me into this hobby, there's no way I would have taken this on; it all seems so overwhelming.

 

A one stop guide would be great.

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Any news on this? I'm asking because without a close friend guiding me into this hobby, there's no way I would have taken this on; it all seems so overwhelming.

 

A one stop guide would be great.

Working on it ;) Lab has ben crazy busy lately so I haven't had a ton of time. I am still pushing ahead on it. Just takes a lot longer than I thought!

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I could've sworn there was something like this already here on the site. That or I'm losing my mind. But I swear I read something here about this. I think its a good idea either way, but realize that people will still just ask questions. Its easier than reading a long in-depth document. Especially when you are all excited about setting up a saltwater aquarium thinking its super simple because the Petco employee or LFS employee said it would be.

 

Edit:

One bit of information that should be stressed more than anything is the Alk/Ca/Mg relationship. Make it simple. Get Mg up to 1200-1300 first and then dose alk and calc equally until they are at acceptable levels. This would've been very helpful 6 months ago when I was trying to figure out how to stabilize my parameters.

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Great idea,

 

but the amount of information that I have required before and after getting the tank.

Reef keepers really need to set up their own wiki site ;)

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So, as a brandy new reefer, I would suggest at least a small mention of water top offs. Been at it only a few weeks now, so haven't had much to top off, but total "ah-ha" moment when I realized eventually I need to top off with fresh, not salt water. Felt stupid for not thinking of it earlier, but the thought was, "its a salt water tank, I top off with salt water". Might be good to mention that in the guide, once salinity is where you want it, top of with fresh water so it doesn't keep going up.

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I could've sworn there was something like this already here on the site. That or I'm losing my mind. But I swear I read something here about this. I think its a good idea either way, but realize that people will still just ask questions. Its easier than reading a long in-depth document. Especially when you are all excited about setting up a saltwater aquarium thinking its super simple because the Petco employee or LFS employee said it would be.

 

Edit:

One bit of information that should be stressed more than anything is the Alk/Ca/Mg relationship. Make it simple. Get Mg up to 1200-1300 first and then dose alk and calc equally until they are at acceptable levels. This would've been very helpful 6 months ago when I was trying to figure out how to stabilize my parameters.

So, as a brandy new reefer, I would suggest at least a small mention of water top offs. Been at it only a few weeks now, so haven't had much to top off, but total "ah-ha" moment when I realized eventually I need to top off with fresh, not salt water. Felt stupid for not thinking of it earlier, but the thought was, "its a salt water tank, I top off with salt water". Might be good to mention that in the guide, once salinity is where you want it, top of with fresh water so it doesn't keep going up.

All of these things are in the plan already. And afyounie, there are a few beginner guides here, but many of them are outdated or incomplete. I'm thinking of a single guide that contains equipment lists, nitrogen cycle stuff, parameters, water changes/top-offs, fish, inverts, lighting requirements, etc.

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