My first time starting a reef tank by myself. My daughter started and gave me a pico 2.5 gallon tank for my birthday a few months before Sandy, but I lost everything in the blackout that followed. Finally got my nerve up to start my own.
So far I have filled the tank with water (have ro/di system) and added live sand. I am using my Ehiem 2216 filter that powered the tank when it was a planted tank and have added two powerheads. My Buildmyled 20k LEDs have been shipped from Austin and are scheduled to arrive on Saturday.
So my next step is live rock. Not many pet stores nearby - closest is the ELOS store in Millburn, but I cannot afford to shop there. When I had my nano I met the guy in Parsippany who posts on craigslist and works out of his garage. Very nice guy and will probably see if he has any live rock. After reading the forums (this and reefcentral) I am scared of getting 'bad' rock that is full of evil hitchhikers. Anyone with sources for well cured rock or willing to sell about 20 pounds? I have been lurking on craigslist for someone breaking down a small tank. Came close last week to one in Clifton, but it sold while I was at work. Figure buying rock from someone who has kept it for awhile might be better. Am I crazy?
Anyway - my first post. I hope I don't regret my decision to start this tank and appreciate any help/direction/suggestions.
So far I have filled the tank with water (have ro/di system) and added live sand. I am using my Ehiem 2216 filter that powered the tank when it was a planted tank and have added two powerheads. My Buildmyled 20k LEDs have been shipped from Austin and are scheduled to arrive on Saturday.
So my next step is live rock. Not many pet stores nearby - closest is the ELOS store in Millburn, but I cannot afford to shop there. When I had my nano I met the guy in Parsippany who posts on craigslist and works out of his garage. Very nice guy and will probably see if he has any live rock. After reading the forums (this and reefcentral) I am scared of getting 'bad' rock that is full of evil hitchhikers. Anyone with sources for well cured rock or willing to sell about 20 pounds? I have been lurking on craigslist for someone breaking down a small tank. Came close last week to one in Clifton, but it sold while I was at work. Figure buying rock from someone who has kept it for awhile might be better. Am I crazy?
Anyway - my first post. I hope I don't regret my decision to start this tank and appreciate any help/direction/suggestions.