As long as we are discussing new forums/threads, I for one would like to see a "
lessons learned" forum...a one stop place where Reef "wisdom" can be collected, saved and read for all posters... Am sure all of us (at least once or twice
) have made large (and costly) errors that should be shared for all.
(i.e. "the moral of the story is...")
Of course while they might include some embarasment
- It might save a lot of grief to others.
Example...
"Be aware of "cheap pond pumps"
WATCH OUT for those fresh water pond pumps...greatest mistake I ever made was getting a "cheap" one when I was first starting out. 
For the next year or so I battled a terrible copper problem...every time I got it under control, it came back with a vengence...killing off every invert and all LR in tank...almost gave up hobby --- in fact I hated it for a while.
Finally discovered my "cheap" pump had a brass sleeve/fitting in it that was leaching copper into my tank.
I could have bought a couple dozen of the best pumps on the market for all the $$$ I spent on inverts and Cu removing remedies. 
BE CAREFUL! 
Lessons Learned..." The moral of the story is..." 
jb
