Hey all, here's my introduction. I've only ever had CF lights so basic softies were my choice, plenty of reef-friendly fish and basic inverts. Always on a budget, I managed to have a pretty nice setup for myself.
My saltwater addiction started about 2003 after 5-6 years of keeping freshwater varieties. I set up a 30gal with 2x65W CFs, Amiracle sump and a DIY HOB refugium with a 36W CF.
View attachment 3236
In 2006 I bought a house and had room to upgrade so I went with a 55gal using the same hardware.
View attachment 3237
But, in 2009, working two jobs left me know time to take care of my babies, so I sold it off and switched to freshwater (African Cichlids). Now, working from home, I have much more time available. So, in July of 2011 I decided to start small with a Biocube 8. Everyone has been happy and doing well, though the softies are very slow growing. Guess that's no surprise given the stock lights in this tank.
View attachment 3238
Finally, about 6 weeks ago, I decided to get my 55gal back to some salties again. I moved the Africans to a 30gal in my office and kickstarted my 55gal with a dirty filter and bioballs from my 8gal Biocube. Adding about 2-3 fish per week I'm up to 2 Yellow Damsels, 2 Chromis, 6 Yellowtail Damsels and 2 Clowns and half a dozen hermits. I was trying to keep away from a sump for right now so I am using an Emperor 400, a Prizm Pro Deluxe skimmer and 1 circulation pump. I've got the 2x65W CF running new 20,000K lights and 1 36W CF (from my old refugium) running a 10,000K with some pathetically fake decorations instead of live rock.
View attachment 3239
My plan is to add some Angles, which I've never had before, and eventually a sand-sifting goby and a couple of Skunk Cleaner Shrimp and Peppermint Shrimp. I'm hoping for a Flame Angel to be added this week then maybe a Coral Beauty or Bi-color Angel after that. I'd like to swap out the 36W CF for another 2x65W CF to showcase the fish in a better light.
I always loved colorful softies but angels should preclude that from happening in this tank. Besides, I don't have the lights to keep some of the spectacular zoas that a lot of members on here are keeping. I'd love to attend a DBTC but I don't think my plain softies would have much demand, nor would either tank support those very colorful ones I always see up for adoption.
View attachment 3240
Maybe at some point in the future I'll put aside an LED lighting fund and go that route. In any case, I still enjoy reading the posts here and admiring other member's setups.
Cheers!
My saltwater addiction started about 2003 after 5-6 years of keeping freshwater varieties. I set up a 30gal with 2x65W CFs, Amiracle sump and a DIY HOB refugium with a 36W CF.
View attachment 3236
In 2006 I bought a house and had room to upgrade so I went with a 55gal using the same hardware.
View attachment 3237
But, in 2009, working two jobs left me know time to take care of my babies, so I sold it off and switched to freshwater (African Cichlids). Now, working from home, I have much more time available. So, in July of 2011 I decided to start small with a Biocube 8. Everyone has been happy and doing well, though the softies are very slow growing. Guess that's no surprise given the stock lights in this tank.
View attachment 3238
Finally, about 6 weeks ago, I decided to get my 55gal back to some salties again. I moved the Africans to a 30gal in my office and kickstarted my 55gal with a dirty filter and bioballs from my 8gal Biocube. Adding about 2-3 fish per week I'm up to 2 Yellow Damsels, 2 Chromis, 6 Yellowtail Damsels and 2 Clowns and half a dozen hermits. I was trying to keep away from a sump for right now so I am using an Emperor 400, a Prizm Pro Deluxe skimmer and 1 circulation pump. I've got the 2x65W CF running new 20,000K lights and 1 36W CF (from my old refugium) running a 10,000K with some pathetically fake decorations instead of live rock.
View attachment 3239
My plan is to add some Angles, which I've never had before, and eventually a sand-sifting goby and a couple of Skunk Cleaner Shrimp and Peppermint Shrimp. I'm hoping for a Flame Angel to be added this week then maybe a Coral Beauty or Bi-color Angel after that. I'd like to swap out the 36W CF for another 2x65W CF to showcase the fish in a better light.
I always loved colorful softies but angels should preclude that from happening in this tank. Besides, I don't have the lights to keep some of the spectacular zoas that a lot of members on here are keeping. I'd love to attend a DBTC but I don't think my plain softies would have much demand, nor would either tank support those very colorful ones I always see up for adoption.
View attachment 3240
Maybe at some point in the future I'll put aside an LED lighting fund and go that route. In any case, I still enjoy reading the posts here and admiring other member's setups.
Cheers!
