All,
This is my first post to this forum. Greetings from the East side of town!
As background, I’m a retired doc who has had, in the past, many years of aquarium experience. I had a 150 gal reef tank that did well for many years and in the past few years raised show guppies, with a 20 tank setup.
I have been out of the marine hobby for the past ten years or so and have gotten rid of the small tanks I used to raise the show guppies.
My sons (ages 10 and 11) would like to venture back into the marine hobby. We have lots of room in a basement hobby room that is set up for ‘fish stuff’, ie waterproof sheet rock, tile floor, ventilation, etc.
My vision would be to set up shallow tanks for corals and perhaps consider raising clown fish. We had a huge success with the show guppies and I know the techniques for rearing marine species in the home must have improved dramatically.
Equipment wise, we are starting with pretty much nothing. I am aware that there must be great equipment available these days with LED lighting, programmers, uv sterilizers, refractometers etc.
Was wondering if any of you might have some thought/comments? I’d love to visit a breeding setup or shallow coral tank.
Thanks in advance,
Michael Grady

Hi Michael
I'm breeding full-time over in Athens if you ever want to come over and see what I've cobbled together.

Welcome aboard Michael. I'm sure you'll find a wealth of information here as you sift through the posts & make decisions on what will work for you.

While things may have changed, the premise still remains the same in saltwater, and many people still opt for simple solutions over technology. Ultimately it's all in how you want to go about it. Personally I go the tech route, but it's not without risk & cost certainly.

Anyhow, welcome aboard & good luck!!

-Jeff

Michael,
Welcome back! I was breeding clownfish and Bangaii cardinals for a couple of years before having to break down the systems due to work travel. The number one thing I would suggest would be to get a copy of Matt Wittenrich's book, Breeder's Guide to Marine Aquarium Fishes. It has a great writeup on setting up a breeding systems, and a species by species account of what to expect. Sounds like you have a great area for the tanks. I used 10G tanks for my adult fish, and a couple of 20G "grow out" tank for the juveniles. You can also leave the adult in your show tank and capture the eggs or larva to hatch/raise in the seperate systems. This worked great for my established pairs (cardinals, blennies, etc)... any way good luck!

BZ

Hi Guys,

Thanks so much for the encouragement. We (my sons and I) are pretty excited to get this new project off the ground. I always love doing these types of projects with them and think it keeps then headed in good life directions.

Jim...I'll send you a PM and would love to come see your system.

Others...I would hate to ever impose, but wuld welcome an invitation to see as many systems as possible before 'beaking ground'. FYI, this will always just be a hobby for us. We will never sell fish and never compete in any way. We're just here to learn and enjoy.

Michael

Edit: Jim...the system would not allow me to send a PM. Would you mind sending a contat email to my address so I can PM you? michaeljgrady@comcast.net

You're welcome to come see my systems, but I'm about an hour away. With that being said, a lot of members have build threads that do a pretty good job of showcasing their system.

Here is my latest build involving custom LED's
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=59120

My other tank, 54 corner, is on here but hasn't been updated in a few years

One last thing. Fish stores will sometimes "buy" your grown out fish and give you store credit. That would certainly help with the hobby :)

Hi Crew (sorry I can't see what your actual name is),

Thanks for the reply. I love the fact that you built the led setup yourself. This is some thing I'd like to do as well and have the tools etc to do. Can you point me to a resource whne I can get the components?

Thanks!

Michael

Edit: Hi Bob, Thanks for the tip..I'll go ahead and order that book.. Where are you located?

Best,

Michael

Welcome and way to go for doing your homework!

michael,
I am in Marietta on the west side. You are welcome to come see my system but I no longer have the breeding set up going. If you do come out this way, I would suggest visiting John (JJ Ocean). His set up is great.

Hi Bob,

I'll be up your way tomorrow early/mid afternnon looking at another setuo from the forum. Is there a chance you might be around?

Thanks,
Michael

Hey Mike sorry i never called you. I lost your number then found it on a Sticky Note! Call coming tonight!

Hi Bob,

I'll be up your way tomorrow early/mid afternnon looking at another setuo from the forum. Is there a chance you might be around?

Thanks,
Michael

Michael,
Sorry I missed your post and just now saw it. If you are back in the area le me know and you are welcome to come by this weekend. email me at bobzarem@bellsouth.net if that is easier.

bob