Hello from Whidbey Island!

Fapman · Apr 21, 2024

SeaJelly said:
Since you’re in Seattle, do you have any local resources (fish, corals, equipment, etc.) that you recommend?

Yes if you have FB join the PNW fish group and I would recommend Barrier Reef LFS in Renton.

SeaJelly · Apr 21, 2024

Fapman said:
Yes if you have FB join the PNW fish group and I would recommend Barrier Reef LFS in Renton.

Awesome! Thank you so much!

Kasrift · Apr 21, 2024

SeaJelly said:
Hello Reef2Reef community!

I’m brand new to reefing and am excited to embark on this new adventure and join this community. I’ve found that there’s so, so much to learn about this hobby and it’s great to know that there are so many people out there who love reefing.

I never really thought about having a fish tank. It’s not that I was against it, it just never crossed my mind as something to do. But then I went to Petco by chance one night after driving around to clear my head and somehow ended up bringing home a betta fish.

That then turned into me researching how to create the best environment for my betta, “Benimaru”, and that evolved into even more research in setting up larger aquariums. I decided that ultimately I wanted to start a saltwater aquarium.

Growing up my mom always had aquariums. The majority were saltwater. I remember that over the years we had a small octopus, a lionfish, and a sea urchin. I loved to just sit in front of it and watch the fish. It was amazing having a piece of the ocean in our home!

So, I decided that I’m going to set up my first saltwater aquarium. This will be my first aquarium (other than Benimaru’s). Every free moment of my time has been spent researching how to start a reef tank, I don’t even know how many hours I’ve researched, but it’s more than 30.

Other than my reefing adventure, I’m a mid-twenties married woman that works at a large national bank in retail banking. I’ve worked at this bank for nearly 5 years and am licensed with FINRA. I love finance, which will certainly help with budgeting the reef tank!

My husband and I have been together for 9 years and we have two cats and a dog. Our dog, Leo, is a 4 year old, 90lb German Shepherd. He is the best buddy boy and the best thing in my life (after my husband). I recently stopped pursuing my bachelor’s degree, so now I actually have time to figure out what hobbies I enjoy doing!

Currently, I’m focused on finding the right tank/stand/sump/equipment for my new reef tank. Most of my free time is spent researching and learning about saltwater aquariums, which has been a lot of fun. I have several word documents with information I’ve found. But I also love photography and playing piano!

Whidbey Island Pie is awesome. I always swing by there when in the North West!

Gumbies R Us · Apr 22, 2024

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

SeaJelly · Apr 22, 2024

Kasrift said:
Whidbey Island Pie is awesome. I always swing by there when in the North West!

Yes! Whidbey Island Pie is fantastic. Always worth splurging on it.

mfinn · Apr 22, 2024

Welcome to R2R from Olympia.

CoralB · Apr 23, 2024

Welcome !!

Buckster · Apr 24, 2024

Hello and Welcome to R2R! Years ago my brother in law informed me to buy the biggest tank I could fit in the living room. I purchased a 180 gallon. I think for you what could be a thought would be to purchase a 32 biocube and if things work out well then get something larger if you want. The 32 could then be used for a QT tank.

SeaJelly · Apr 24, 2024

Buckster said:
Hello and Welcome to R2R! Years ago my brother in law informed me to buy the biggest tank I could fit in the living room. I purchased a 180 gallon. I think for you what could be a thought would be to purchase a 32 biocube and if things work out well then get something larger if you want. The 32 could then be used for a QT tank.

Thank you!!

Yes, I’ve heard to buy the largest aquarium you can fit/afford. I have two spots in my living room that would be ideal. The smaller area can fit a 36” length tank and the larger spot can fit up to a 60” length tank. I’ll be having an electrician come out soon to either upgrade our existing circuit or run a dedicated line.

I recently came across the “NUVO INT 170 gallon Complete Reef System”. It’s available to ship right away and is 50% off. Based on what I’ve researched, Innovative Marine is a great brand. It’s a little concerning that it’s 50% off, but the total cost would be comparable to a smaller tank because of the discount.

Do you think starting with a 170g would be a bad idea? Regardless of size I’m going to try to do things “right” by appropriately cycling the tank and everything. I’m starting by looking at the fish and corals that I would want so then I can plan out best what the aquascaping and equipment would be.

I’m super tempted to just buy this tank system, but I understand a 170g aquarium is a much bigger endeavor rather than a smaller tank.

Buckster · Apr 24, 2024

SeaJelly said:
Thank you!!

Yes, I’ve heard to buy the largest aquarium you can fit/afford. I have two spots in my living room that would be ideal. The smaller area can fit a 36” length tank and the larger spot can fit up to a 60” length tank. I’ll be having an electrician come out soon to either upgrade our existing circuit or run a dedicated line.

I recently came across the “NUVO INT 170 gallon Complete Reef System”. It’s available to ship right away and is 50% off. Based on what I’ve researched, Innovative Marine is a great brand. It’s a little concerning that it’s 50% off, but the total cost would be comparable to a smaller tank because of the discount.

Do you think starting with a 170g would be a bad idea? Regardless of size I’m going to try to do things “right” by appropriately cycling the tank and everything. I’m starting by looking at the fish and corals that I would want so then I can plan out best what the aquascaping and equipment would be.

I’m super tempted to just buy this tank system, but I understand a 170g aquarium is a much bigger endeavor rather than a smaller tank.

My first tank was the 180g. When I returned to the hobby I again purchased a 180g. So starting with a 170g I don't think is a bad idea. Some believe that the larger tank won't have a swing change as fast as a smaller tank. I just love the focal point of the tank in my living room.

SeaJelly · Apr 24, 2024

Buckster said:
My first tank was the 180g. When I returned to the hobby I again purchased a 180g. So starting with a 170g I don't think is a bad idea. Some believe that the larger tank won't have a swing change as fast as a smaller tank. I just love the focal point of the tank in my living room.

Yeah, from what I’ve read there’s a bit more room for error because of the volume.

With a 170g I definitely have more variety with fish and corals. It will be the first thing you see when you walk through the front door, too! I think that will be really cool.

PharmrJohn · May 17, 2024

Greetngs and Welcome to our collective obsession!

Unless there is another Whidbey Island somewhere in the States, we live pretty close to each other. I'm in Shelton. I also enjoy playing Piano. It was the VERY first instrument I took up (in 2nd grade). I've restarted playing after a 35 year hiatus. Music is a tool I use to completely disappear. A great stress reliever!

SeaJelly · May 17, 2024

PharmrJohn said:
Greetngs and Welcome to our collective obsession!

Unless there is another Whidbey Island somewhere in the States, we live pretty close to each other. I'm in Shelton. I also enjoy playing Piano. It was the VERY first instrument I took up (in 2nd grade). I've restarted playing after a 35 year hiatus. Music is a tool I use to completely disappear. A great stress reliever!

Hello! Thank you!

Yes, we’re only a couple of hours away from each other. Happy to meet you fellow Washingtonian! Piano is great, I taught myself when I was 9 and then took lessons and have loved it since. I can completely disappear into it as well, that’s the best way to put it. When I’m focused, especially on learning a new piece, I spend hours playing without realizing.

PharmrJohn · May 17, 2024

I'm the same way (except for the hours part!) on drums. I'm self taught on that one over the past 25 years. Never a lesson. I got good enough to play in a bar band but that's about it. When I retire, I hope to actually play in a band for fun. I was a helleva trumpet player back in HS and College, but haven't played for about 35 years. Learned a little guitar (NOT very good) and bass over the last 15 years (garage band level). Bass is fun, but I'm just not that adept at string instruments.

Brazilian Reefer · May 17, 2024

SeaJelly said:
Hello Reef2Reef community!

I’m brand new to reefing and am excited to embark on this new adventure and join this community. I’ve found that there’s so, so much to learn about this hobby and it’s great to know that there are so many people out there who love reefing.

I never really thought about having a fish tank. It’s not that I was against it, it just never crossed my mind as something to do. But then I went to Petco by chance one night after driving around to clear my head and somehow ended up bringing home a betta fish.

That then turned into me researching how to create the best environment for my betta, “Benimaru”, and that evolved into even more research in setting up larger aquariums. I decided that ultimately I wanted to start a saltwater aquarium.

Growing up my mom always had aquariums. The majority were saltwater. I remember that over the years we had a small octopus, a lionfish, and a sea urchin. I loved to just sit in front of it and watch the fish. It was amazing having a piece of the ocean in our home!

So, I decided that I’m going to set up my first saltwater aquarium. This will be my first aquarium (other than Benimaru’s). Every free moment of my time has been spent researching how to start a reef tank, I don’t even know how many hours I’ve researched, but it’s more than 30.

Other than my reefing adventure, I’m a mid-twenties married woman that works at a large national bank in retail banking. I’ve worked at this bank for nearly 5 years and am licensed with FINRA. I love finance, which will certainly help with budgeting the reef tank!

My husband and I have been together for 9 years and we have two cats and a dog. Our dog, Leo, is a 4 year old, 90lb German Shepherd. He is the best buddy boy and the best thing in my life (after my husband). I recently stopped pursuing my bachelor’s degree, so now I actually have time to figure out what hobbies I enjoy doing!

Currently, I’m focused on finding the right tank/stand/sump/equipment for my new reef tank. Most of my free time is spent researching and learning about saltwater aquariums, which has been a lot of fun. I have several word documents with information I’ve found. But I also love photography and playing piano!

Welcome to R2R and Happy Reefing!