A Training Tank is what I need at first

[wbzorker]

I've been studying the invertebrates,the hardy soft corals, polyps and zoos. I'm so cluless about these beauties that I'm struggling to recognize them in photos :-). Time and study will fix this, but I've decided that my first tank will be a training tank and I'm exploring bio package systems where some of the decision making is made for me by experienced folks.

The system I'm leaning towards is the Bullet Proof Reef system from GARF. Basically, they provide the sand, grunge and live rock with directions for supplements and cycling. Then they provide the janitorial service and your first batch of beginners corals. They recommend the exact lighting, skimmer and powerheads for my size tank. Their live rock is manufactured with plug holes in them so that when you add their frags you just pop them into each hole. After 6 months (or more), if I'm ready I can add the next batch of corals with increased lighting, etc. They basically hold your hand through the entire set-up.
This isn't how I would want to handle my second tank but I think that it will help me to make fewer mistakes with the first. Then my research can include watching the development of the creatures as I learn more about them biologically.

Anyway, this sounds right for me, but I want to ask you folks for your opinion of this as a training tank. The company appears ethical on the net, but if you have heard anything otherwise I would appreciate the info.

Thank you for your thoughts,

[Kuli_Loach]

Doing it yourself isn't hard. All you basically have to do at first is take a tank w/ powerheads and a heater w/ live sand and rock until it cycles and then you have to worry about everything else which may take a month or so. During that time you can invest in the light based on what kind of corals you want. I personally wanted high light corals so I got a higher wattage light and also use sunlight. Some corals like Kenya tree don't require any more light than that of a reg. florescent light. I would start out with the easier corals suck as kenya tree and mushrooms etc. What size tank are you looking into?

[spudbuds]

GARF is a reputable place. They are a non profit based out of Boise (where I live). I got some of their grunge for my tank and I'm pleased with it. I'd likely use it again on my next tank.

I have a few thoughts about what you are doing. It's a fine way to go if you decide to, but I wouldn't use it as for short cutting the learning process. I'm afraid if you do it this way you won't learn as much as if you made all the mistakes. Then with your next tank, you may make some newbie mistakes because you didn't have the experience. Basically, if they are telling you what to do, you may have a very successful reef, but not completely understand why.

If you decide to do it, make sure you do some independent research on everything they are telling you. They are very knowledgable people and will provide some great info for you, but they also have product to sell (even though they are non profit). Also, their way isn't the only way so make sure you are researching all the alternatives as you go.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide and your progress.

- Bill

[wbzorker]

Thank you both for your replies:-) I really appreciate the support I'm getting here.

Mr. Prototype, I'm sorry to say that I'm still stumped on the whole coral issue. :-( I've spent a whole lot of time looking at pics of corals and frags of corals and specifically the things that have been suggested for a newbie tank. I still don't know what corals I like and don't like. I'm not even sure that most of the stuff I'm looking at are corals. I'm enjoying the pics but can't say I've progressed much on my research goals. Well, that is, I do know that a Chicken Liver Sponge will never grace my tank. :hmm3grin2orange:

Bill, please don't think that I'm going for a shortcut here. I love research. So much to learn, and so much time :-) When the research is done, I just change hobbies. The plus for me with this system is that it will be a teaching aid with visual props. Take coralline algae for example. From pics I understand that it's the color on the rocks. I want to actually see it, see how it spreads, research what it needs to be happy etc. Then, once I have a good handle on it, move on to the next thing I don't understand that shows up. Or zoos for example. I want to see one, see how it reacts to different things, understand the parts of the critter and how they function, research what color forms are available, how quickly they grow, how long they live etc. I want to know everything lol. What I'm struggling with is that there is just too much for me to take in when I need to research everything just to get started. It's a long drive for me to get to the closest LFS to actually see any of this stuff.

Folks, I don't learn as quickly as I used too, but I still love to learn and for me that's what it's all about.

So, back to the fun part. lol What do you folks think about plenums? I've read a bit about them and think I understand how they work. I've also read that many people just raise their rocks off the tank bottom with props/rods or pipes. Are they doing this because they don't have a plenum, and should, or are they doing this for some other reason? I've read the "ocean doesn't have a plenum so why should your tank" argument. What do you folks use?

Thanks again for the help. I honestly wouldn't have the courage to do this strictly on my own.:11:

[spudbuds]

I completely understand about the overwhelming amount of things there are to learn. One of the best things about this hobby is there is always something new to learn about. When I first got my tank, I spent 2-3 months just researching and learning (and I think that was pretty fast). I'm still learning new things everyday. Your approach sounds fine, but I'd still recommend at least month or two of research prior to starting the GARF method.

Regarding plenums, I don't know that there is to much harm is using one. The reason I didn't is I couldn't find anything that a plenum provided over having good live rock and a deep sand bed. It seemed like extra work for minimal gains. Perhaps the GARF people can explain the reasoning better.

Keep us posted and keep the questions coming.
- Bill