Hello from Tustin! New to the forum and the hobby!

D

dandannoodles

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#1
Hi All,

I'm Daniel and I'm a complete newb when it comes to reef tanks. I'm in the process of getting my first tank going. It's gonna be a 20 gallon long. I'm putting together my equipment at the moment and will start my cycle as soon as everything comes in!

This is what I'll be running:
- 20 gallon long
- 120 watt Ocean Revive LED
- 75watt Jager heater
- Hydor Koralia Nano 425
- Aquaclear 70 HOB, modded to function as a refugium

I plan on picking up some dry Fiji Pink Aragonite and dry rock. I want to seed with a live rock and some live sand and let that run for a month or so. I'm still undecided on the RODI system, so I think I'll be buying RODI water and mixing it myself, at least to start up the tank.

Once I'm done with my cycle and I have some algae on my rock, I'll decide on my clean-up crew!

I'm in North Tustin, so there are lots of LFS near me. Should I buy my rock and livestock from those stores or buy them online?

Let me know if my plan is sound, and I'm excited to be here!
 
EyeReef

EyeReef

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My Tank Build
#2
Welcome Daniel to SCR! We love photos here so put them up when you have a chance.
 
gr1mm

gr1mm

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Welcome to SCR! +1 on pictures when you get it going also 120watts of light is a bit much for your 20 gallon tank.
 
Reefomeez

Reefomeez

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Welcome!

IMO- do your homework but give your favorite LFS(s) the first pitch. Research what you want and how much it would cost you online, in person, private party...and then give your LFS the chance to match or beat it. Often times they'll work with you. I can't tell you how useful and beneficial it is to have a good relationship with an LFS. That's one thing that a website won't allow.
 
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KathyB

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#14
Welcome! I'm a newbie to the forum too, but had big reef tanks over 15 years ago. So I'm getting back into it. This forum has a tremendous amount of information and everyone is really helpful! It's a great place to hear different opinions and to help you make up your mind on what's right for you. The LFS in the general area around Tustin seem really good. I'm getting ready to buy rock and sand for my 225 gallon (a significant investment) and have been shopping prices and quality both on-line and locally. I've decided that the rock is what forms the bones of how the tank looks, so even though I really like some of the on-line prices, I've decided to give my business to one or more LFS in the area. I found a store (very near Tustin) that took me in the back, showed me all of his rock, and without being pushy, offered to pull out some carts and let me take out pieces, stack them up for some aquascaping ideas and pick what I want. I like that kind of service and the opportunity to build local relationships and support LFS. Good luck with your new tank. I look forward to seeing a tank build thread from you soon. ;-)
 
D

dandannoodles

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#20
Just bought 30 pounds of dry rock from ReefCleaners.com. I plan to seed with a small piece of live rock. Anyone in my area that wouldn't mind loaning me a piece of rock? (Or have a few pounds for sale.) I'd also like a few cups of live sand to help seed my sand bed as well!
 
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