New to Board and Hobby

pschmidt · 03-05-2008, 09:39 PM

I have always wanted a reef aquarium. I would like to know where to go to get all the things I will need to set up my aquarium? What should I buy and where, from tank to fish. Any help would be appreciated.. I am willing to spend 3-4,000...

***lReef lKeeper*** · 03-05-2008, 09:42 PM

it really depends on what you are going to be keeping in the tank. we have 4 or 5 stores in Louisville that are all pretty well stocked. you should also check out Louisville Marine Aquarium Society :: Louisville Marine Aquarium Society !! you will get a lot of local help over there.

pschmidt · 03-05-2008, 09:53 PM

thanks 1Reef 1Keeper. I looked at LMAS and registered. Would this be a good organization to join and come to some meetings? I was thinking 50 to 75 gallon tank, however I am reading things that tell me 40 to 50 gallon may be better because of lighting requirements and then there are several name brands on tank, which is better? Is glass better than plexi glass? So many questions. Can you tell me a few stores to go too that won't confuse me.

***lReef lKeeper*** · 03-05-2008, 10:48 PM

i would definately join LMAS. i am a member of the club and also very active with them. we are going to Inland Aquatics next Saturday if you are interested in going with us. the stores that i like are East End Aquatics, Aquatica, but most of my coral now comes from other members or online.

i prefer glass tanks to acrylic tanks. at Aquatica you will see that Todd (the owner) works with acrylic and builds alot of the equipment that we use.

i would also say to go with the biggest tank that you can afford to buy. it makes it easier to maintain by having a large body of water. the larger the system ... the higher the level of error before something bad happens.

pschmidt · 03-05-2008, 10:59 PM

Thanks I will check my schedule. I have a few race horses and I believe one of them is scheduled to run on Saturday at Mountaineer Park in West Virginia and if so I will be there. Do you all have mnthly meetings?

***lReef lKeeper*** · 03-06-2008, 05:53 PM

we have meetings every 3rd sunday of every month, unless it is a special event. then it is usually on a saturday.

pschmidt · 03-06-2008, 09:38 PM

where are these meetings held and who do I call if I want to attend?

**CarmieJo** · 03-06-2008, 09:47 PM

Hi Paul and

to TR.

poppin_fresh · 03-06-2008, 10:07 PM

Welcome Paul, just remember those horses have a lot of potential as glue if they dont perform well on the track!

PhotoJohn · 03-07-2008, 01:50 AM

I would check ebay for the equipment and tank. There are great deals to be had on ebay once you know what you are looking for. Read over peoples tank longs on the TR sight. It may give you a better idea of what you want.

**Amphibious** · 03-07-2008, 08:55 AM

Welcome to TR, Paul. Research, research, research then, before purchasing anything throw out a question to us. This an expensive hobby. Making uninformed decisions is a big mistake. No one on this forum, not even the vendor members, have hidden agendas. Here are a few member tank threads that will give you some ideas to ponder.

http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/me...obsession.html

Amphibious' 135 gal Reef

Small Fry's 120

There are many more. I picked these to give you some idea of what we have gone through to achieve our reefs. You will get many ideas and find there is not one way to do things, but many different ways, to be successful.

Looking forward to helping you.

Dick

***lReef lKeeper*** · 03-07-2008, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pschmidt

where are these meetings held and who do I call if I want to attend?

you can just check the homepage of the club (lmas.org) to see where it is and then just show up. we do not require people to call us to make sure they can come to a meeting.