is it the equipment? or is it the sealife?

[benny z]

just curious which part of the hobby intrigues you more?

we are seeing all types of techno-gadgets with neat electronic interfaces, internet connectivity, remote control capabilities, etc.

putting my way-back hat on, i remember seeing all the saltwater life in retail displays at my lfs's growing up, and always thought it was interesting. but i also remember the fist time i saw a "behind the scenes" saltwater support/filtration room at a lfs, and being even more intrigued with all the equipment (which, at that time were huge downdraft pvc venturi skimmers, remote tubs full of liverock, and uv sterilizers). the first time i saw a calcium reactor, i had the same rush of excitement about what a neat little device like that could be used for.

so i'm curious - for you, which gets you going more. the sealife we sustain, or the gadgets?

 

[rworegon]

Its all about the critters. The equipment just allows me to keep them healthy and happy.

 

[benny z]

i'm def the techy/geek type by trade, but also have a creative side. these are probably the reasons i choose both.

paired with my photography passion, reefing brings everything into a perfect little bliss.

 

[MJC]

Coral is of my most important but the other suff helps me keep my coral so to me it is equally important ;)

 

[Tylermacdonald15]

I think the coral is my biggest passion, then the fish, then the equipment.

 

[gtbarsi]

Since I setup my first tank about 6 months ago I have been taking it very slow, getting a feel for everything. I am a gear head so the gadgets are very cool, and I have been delaying adding more stock because there are additional things I want to do (gadget additions and change outs) before I have a tank full of life that requires constant attention. I moved my tank just after Thanksgiving so it was against a wall separating the finished and unfinished parts of my basement.

I suspect I will be completely focused on gadgets for the next couple of months. In the unfinished space I will be setting up a permanent RODI, and salt mixing station, building a new sump, with a new to me oversized skimmer, reactor manifold, reactors, separate fuge, and then adding ATO, and a full time dedicated QT.

My hope is after that things will be very stable, and then I can focus on the life the tank, and gadgets support.

 

[Eienna]

The equipment's no good for staring at.

 

[benny z]

The equipment's no good for staring at.

hah! some people would disagree! :D

do a quick youtube search of "whatever popular skimmer" and you might just spend hours watching little bubbles.

(guilty!)

 

[eliramos]

def the little fishes
the equipment just gives me anxiety

 

[benny z]

Since I setup my first tank about 6 months ago I have been taking it very slow, getting a feel for everything. I am a gear head so the gadgets are very cool, and I have been delaying adding more stock because there are additional things I want to do (gadget additions and change outs) before I have a tank full of life that requires constant attention. I moved my tank just after Thanksgiving so it was against a wall separating the finished and unfinished parts of my basement.

I suspect I will be completely focused on gadgets for the next couple of months. In the unfinished space I will be setting up a permanent RODI, and salt mixing station, building a new sump, with a new to me oversized skimmer, reactor manifold, reactors, separate fuge, and then adding ATO, and a full time dedicated QT.

My hope is after that things will be very stable, and then I can focus on the life the tank, and gadgets support.

i can see how the various stages of setting up a new tank could affect the direction of your intrigue!

 

[general0]

I think my gadgets are as intriguing to me as the corals and fish are. I like to show off the mechanical/brains of my setup almost every time I show off the corals and fish as most don't realize what it takes to run a saltwater tank. I like the response I get from someone not familiar with the hobby when I show them what it takes to keep a system like this going and they begin to understand its not just a big goldfish bowl with water and some pumps and then I have to explain that yes, all the corals are living organism! I tried not to get sucked into the gadget craze but still have the required pieces to make it easy to maintain. Not sure I accomplished that, as I have seen some pretty basic system that are amazing!

 

[Beradd]

For me its all about the corals ...its what im staring at and making sure have what they need to survive and thrive, learning there names and being able to identify, but I do love the design and plumbing and building a lot. I think both parts are a super fun part of the hobby and kinda necessary to be fluid in both to be successful.

 

[TJ's Reef]

Most definitely the 'Sea Life' have been hooked literally on Fish(ing) from a very young age. On Marine systems the incredible amount of diversity in Fish/Coral/Inverts that can be kept successfully in our lil 'Glass Boxes' is mind boggling, can and do spend hours in observation daily. Who needs TV when you have your own "Reality Show" within arms reach that you can actually interact with. On all the equipment, cool as it is just peripheral toys that are fun to purchase, setup or build for health and stability of our systems thus increasing the enjoyment of watching our livestock.

Cheers, Todd

 

[mcarroll]

Some folks seem in a competition with themselves to see if they can overdo the livestock or equipment on their tank more.

I think we need a zen-reefing movement to spread the concept of "enough".

For myself, it may be a tie between my coral and my skimmer. I'm sure by any rational measure I spend an inordinate amount of time looking at both. ;)

-Matt

 

[benny z]

Good discussion!

 

[reefwiser]

One can have every piece of equipment available and still have a tank crash and lose it all. People put a lot of energy into getting the hottest set up. When a simple system can do just as well. It's all down to doing the basic things correctly and consistently. Water changes and correct lighting can do a lot.
Sea life is important to me. Seeing captive breed fish and propagated corals are very important to the future of the hobby.

 

[benny z]

over 1/3 of the votes thus far are indicating that reefers really love their equipment as much as their sealife! :D

 

[Swine]

I am in the both category as well. What's so exciting about this hobby is the problem solving and using the technology to do what you need. For instance I just made an auto feeder for my tank.

But the reason I get excited about the equipment is to try and make the best habitat I can for the animals and corals I want and already own

 

[jcollinsks]

Man I work in IT for a living, all I really want out of this hobby is the fish and coral. Sure I get as excited as the next guy when new tech comes out, but I need the balance of the calming fish and corals that live their lives completely oblivious to technology!

 

[Flameback Pair]

Both here. Initially I just liked the fish but I'm getting more and more into coral.