A Suggestion for Helping Newbies

This is a great idea, and possibly a great resource. I'd like to suggest that simplifying may be more effective and easier to quickly locate an answer to the stage a nubie tank is in (shopping, just bought it, cycling, chemistry, stocking, maintaining, or any other stage that's important). I think it can be simplified by ignoring the size and focusing on the stage.
For example, I just started plumbing my new tank. I've never done any sort of plumbing before. It would have been helpful to find a thread that had some links to articles as well as a textbook plumbing job, and some pics of completed variations. Next, I'll be focusing on sand and rock. I hate to stir up the pot even more as I think this is something needed here. Count me in on helping however you guys decide.

 

I think 10 systems may be asking too much. Why not 2 of the more commonly chosen system sizes (>30 gallon AIO and maybe a 55g or 40b), an economic/budget fowlr for both(here you could talk about setting up a sump, Live rock vs base rock, live sand, BB, DSB, stocking plans etc) and then maybe start to work into setting up a full blown reef (here is where we could get into equipment).

I believe this thread would go well with this: http://3reef.com/threads/list-is-ne...r-a-tank-of-x-gallons-official-thread.110722/

 

I think I see the benefit of going simpler, at least initally. The thing to keep in mind though is some folks will want to start bigger or smaller tanks. It would be nice to have some guidance for them too.

Perhaps the way to compromise it is to start with two builds and see where that gets us. I'm all for doing an all inclusive. Anyone want to pick one? Which is the most popular? Which is the best choice? Any thoughts? I think a 55g is also a good choice. I had one and its a nice size for someone looking for a larger tank.

 

I just want to understand what you are proposing. Are you suggesting that someone start a new tank and document from the ground up? And then repeat with different methods?

 

No, no. As lovely as that sounds, thats a bit demanding. I'm just suggesting we get put together conceptually a set of instructions for building a very particular setup with all the details included. I may then run the experiment myself to see how we do, but we should be able to come up with a step by step guide based on our combined experience.

Lets try it this way. Lets say our first tank guide is for a 55 gallon softie reef.

What are the questions we need to answer before we can start. I can think of a few, you'll be able to think of a lot more.

1. Skimmer or no?
2. What method of filtration are we going to use? Perhaps bio-pellets for simplicity?
3. Should we suggest t5 or LED?

What are the questions we need to answer for the newbie in order to build the tank? You will undoubtedly have more.

1. What do I buy and when? Detailed list including price guidance?
2. What is my step by step setup?
3. What do I stock? What about rock and sand?
4. When do I stock?
5. What is my maintainance?
6. Why is each piece of equipment here?
7. How does it fit this setup?

If you put a 55 gallon tank in front of me as a newbie, I'd start buying stuff with no coherent plan. Lets build one from the ground up. Once we like it, we can discuss whether we can test it or validate it by comparing to existing user tanks. Then we can discuss whether another tank would be a good addition to our advice column.

Make sense?

 

Build a virtual tank? Hmmm

 

You can use my old 55 gallon build if you'd like for a platform. I documented a lot in that thread. Do want the link?

 

I think a 55 would be a good size to use as a model. A nube could scale up or down from that.

 

http://www.3reef.com/index.php?threads/55-Gallons-of-Eye-Candy.94837/

 

Ill offer my opinions on these questions.

1. Skimmer or no? --> Yes. Skimmer is essential to remove nutrients.
2. What method of filtration are we going to use? Perhaps bio-pellets for simplicity? --> properly would be a sump. Bio-pellets arent really a filter but a media to grow denitrifing bacteria. this is a much more advanced topic and not really something a noob should do. they can be a very fine line and to KISS, dont use them. Sump, skimmer in the sump and you are good.. for a simple softie system
3. Should we suggest t5 or LED? either or. both will do the job. T-5 uses more electricity, but typically cheaper investment. but bulbs need to be replaced every 6 months.