Getting back into the hobby after a long hiatus (1 Viewer)

[boudster]

Hi All,

Most of you probably don't know me since I've been out of the hobby for about 5-6 years, but I've just moved back to Houston from Russia and I'm ready to set up a new reef in my new home. I'm likely looking for a custom tank build somewhere in the range of 60"X18"X18". Have there been many changes in reef technology over the past 5-6 years in terms of lighting, filtration, substrate, etc? My previous tank was a 250G in-wall with a mixture of metal halide and VHO with a closed loop, refugium, etc. This time around I'm looking to go as high-tech as possible....the more automated the better. Just looking for some ideas to get me started....at this point I'm open to anything. I'm looking for a non-aggressive tank with live rock, hard and soft corals, clams, etc.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[boudster]

Also, I'm live in Spring and am interested to hear about any good aquarium shops in the area!

 

[Miller]

Welcome back boudster! I'm back after a similar absence. I'm still refreshing my memory but I'm sure other will chime in with more helpful information other than a fond welcome!

Also, I'm live in Spring and am interested to hear about any good aquarium shops in the area!

 

[RR-MAN]

Welcome back boudster. I do remember you.

 

[frankc]

I don't know you, but I'll welcome you back anyway. And if you miss Russia too much, my wife and I have three Russian Wolfhounds you could visit.

There is finally a pretty good store in the area, open about a year. It's called Global Leader Aquatics, and it's more or less across the freeway from The Woodlands Mall, in a strip center behind Papa's BBQ.

The biggest changes in the last few years have been with lighting and automation. I use LED lights and like them, but I have so far resisted any urge to get one of the electronic tank controllers that can automate many functions. There are several people in MARSH who can tell you anything you want to know about them.

 

[reeftopia]

Come visit and check out my 700 gal reef just north of spring. I run the leds which is the only way I think to go. My sps is growing out of the water, sometimes have trouble keeping it cut back.

 

[Reefahholic]

Welcome back!

 

[Oceanlife Aquariums]

welcome back.

 

[boudster]

Thanks everyone.....wow....LED lighting wasn't even an option (except for moonlight setups) when I was here last. I will definitely have to do some research on that.

 

[boudster]

I would definitely be interested in checking out your tank. Let me know if you have any free time this weekend.

Come visit and check out my 700 gal reef just north of spring. I run the leds which is the only way I think to go. My sps is growing out of the water, sometimes have trouble keeping it cut back.

 

[boudster]

There is finally a pretty good store in the area, open about a year. It's called Global Leader Aquatics, and it's more or less across the freeway from The Woodlands Mall, in a strip center behind Papa's BBQ.

Thanks! I'm going to check them out today.

 

[inigomontoya]

You should definitely NOT visit David's tank first, everything is a letdown afterwards. Your first tank will double before you even build it.