New in New Jersey!

[thetopcow]

Hi

I have just moved to Springfield, New Jersey. I want to learn as much as I possibly can about keeping reefs, building tanks and filtration systems and as much as I possibly can about the hobby.

I have kept fish tanks for a few years now. I had a few small tanks(20-30 gallons) three 75 gallon tanks, and a monster 450 gallon tank. All the tanks I kept were freshwater consisting mostly of cichlids and catfish. I bought the 450G to convert to marine but never had the time or money. I always wanted a big marine tank, but never knew enough about the science of maintaining these tanks. I also want to start breeding marine fish, starting with clowns and eventually try and do the near impossible and breed tangs
in captivity.

How does one become a professional in "reefkeeping"?
What would one have to study? marine biology, maybe

If anybody knows of a place where I can work part time(I have a full time job)
to learn as much as I can about reefkeeping. I will work for little or no money. I'm just really interested in reefkeeping.

Thank You
Gavin

 

[RARECLOWNSNJ]

Gavin

Check out Jerseyreefs.com and im from Springfield too.


Lots of places around.

 

[thetopcow]

Thanks, RARECLOWNSNJ

I posted the same thread on Jerseyreefs.com.
I hope that I get some replies

 

[ryangrieder]

Week, first welcome to MR.

How does one become a professional in reef keeping?
By not quitting, having patience, reading, not jumping the gun and impulse buy, read, learn from mistakes, ask questions, read, save up some money and don't cheap out, read, listen to advice, don't be afraid to ask questions you may feel are dumb or "noob" every question is an important question, do as much research as possible, enjoy this site and read any thread that may interest you or even if it doesnt just read...ohh and did I mention read? Yes, there is ALOT to know. Is it hard? No. You seem to know your freshwater, salt is just more advance. It's not complicated. You and anyone can do it.

Marine biology is everything with marine life. If you wanted to learn about it, well, that's an idea, an expensive idea, but a idea. I believe Farley dickenson college has basic pre rec. Classes for marine biology. No one here is a marine biologist. Well, maybe 1 or 2, but all of us here are in the hobby because we love and respect it. It's enjoyable, calming, addictive, and in the end, you can build your own mini Picasso ... Aka your own reef, the way you want it.

 

[thetopcow]

Thanks, Ryan

I'm not planning on starting a reef anytime soon. At the moment I just want to learn as much as I can. I've done a considerable amount of research on the topic and I've volunteered at the local aquarium in my hometown.

I would like to build tanks, filtration systems, lighting, breeding etc as a full time job, but I do not know where to start.

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it