Looking for expert opinions

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Sarina,

Like mentioned above, take all these "expert" opinions with a grain of salt because you'll find if you go on tank tours that there are many different ways to set up & run a reef tank and many of the methods are polar opposites. When we did our first one here on the coast, we saw tanks that were KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) to full-blown high tech with auto-top-offs, plumbing behind false walls & huge skimmers & sumps. What we learned is that there is NO one way to do it. Personally, I have gone from total KISS to having overflow boxes plumbed to large sumps with powerful skimmers & UV sterilizers, and lit with MH & PC actinics & LED moonlights. A lot will depend on your budget & time & willingness to learn or do the work necessary to keep up with your reef tank.

Enjoy this time and be an info-sponge. Good luck.

Anthony

[TheReefGeek]

take all these "expert" opinions with a grain of salt

I must say, this is a bit insulting!
I would say take the opinions for what they are, OPINIONS. To me its all about sharing opinions and experiences.

Definition of opinion:

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

I say take in as many opinions as you can, and give them the consideration they are due, because people are spending the time to write them, they must believe them and have some experience or knowledge that have lead them to believe it, so they must have something to offer. But remember that there are many ways to successfully setup a reef.