So this is where everyone went!!

Mark75 · Aug 17, 2015

Hello guys,...I checked the other forum and thought the ETRC was no more!

I am from Knoxville and my wife and I decided to start another reef tank. We are battling a bit of "empty nest" syndrome and have more time and cash now that our son purchased a house and moved out. We both agreed another reef tank was just what we needed to rid ourselves of extra time and cash.

We had a mixed reef tank in the past with mixed success, I guess mixed success could describe everyone's tank! I have even purchased some sps frags that done well from some of you guys. We sold everything and are having to start from scratch.

We ordered a Cad lighting Artisan 50g. cube combo that will arrive hopefully this Thursday or Friday.
I purchased a BRS RO/DI unit and some sand from the guys at Aquatic Marine. The Artisan comes with sump/return pump/skimmer. The skimmer is the PLS100, I am pretty sure most of the supplied equipment will be upgraded sooner than later but it will get us a tank up and running.

For flow I am planning on using the Jebao RW line, maybe an 8 or 15? I like a lot of water movement!
The lighting is driving me nuts!!! My wife is dead set on a very simple tank mount set-up! Our last tank had a huge 250 mh hanging over it and she hated it. I have narrowed my choices to either the AI hydra 52 or Radion XR30w. I really liked the look of the Kessil 360we but not sure that would be enough light?

What has happen to live rock? I picked up a softball sized rock at a lfs and it weighed 10lbs.! Felt like concrete, can you not get good porous live rock anymore?

Our plan is to have a very minimal rock work in the center of the tank, very shallow sand bed. Choice sps frags on the rocks and a few lps/zoas low on the sand.

Reefrookie220 · Aug 17, 2015

I have some dry pukani rock big pieces makes for minimal rock work. Very light and very porous 3$/lb.

And welcome back to the hobby!

Jmcdaniel0 · Aug 17, 2015

If you decide to go Kessil I am a factory supplier and I can get you a great deal. I also am a distributed of Reef Radience lights. Their photon series is pretty neat. If you join the reef club, I provide the lights and stuff at cost, . Plus shipping.

Jmcdaniel0 · Aug 17, 2015

Meant to ask, what are the dimensions of your needs tAnk? I bet a single 360we would do it.

Chriscrna · Aug 17, 2015

Welcome back to the hobby. Marco Rock key largo dry rock is as porous as it gets. That's the only rock I use. Runs roughly $2.50 per lb. As far as lights go, Ocean Revives are hands down the best bang for your buck. Sounds like one or two T247's would work well for your tank. If money's not an issue, give it all to Josh.

cee · Aug 17, 2015

Welcome back. I don't recall you from your user name but alas I'm not getting any younger and the memory tends to go early. The "trend" these days seems to be dry rock seeded with a piece of "LR" which is the route I've been going with my last few setups. Cheaper and less likely to introduce unwanted critters. LEDs seem to produce good SPS colors (based on my experience) and the Jebao wavemakers seem to work just fine and don't cost as much as Tunze or the other one. If you're in the market for SPS, hit me or David Sease up in the Knox area. Not many others I know of who are into the SPS locally since Rob had issues with his tank (but there are a lot of new members in the club who I don't know very well).

Chriscrna · Aug 17, 2015

Fortunately, I got several SPS frags from Rob before his "issues". One of them happened to be his coveted Last Dragon. Unfortunately, none of them are really ready to frag. But when they are, I'll pass them around.

Jmcdaniel0 · Aug 17, 2015

When i get my little tank up and running I would love to get a piece of that! As far as money goes, toss what ever you have extra my way. No questions asked!