(for an article) What Do You Think Should Be Included in the 10 Commandments of Reefing?

Seawitch · Mar 4, 2019

So, a forum member has approached me about doing an article on what are The 10 Commandments of Reefing.

What do you think should be included in this list?

You're welcome to give me just one or several or all 10. And why you include that.

James M · Mar 4, 2019

Patience !!!!
Nothing can be rushed in this hobby and if you try, it ends badly

clm65 · Mar 4, 2019

Thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s coral?

oldfishman · Mar 5, 2019

Thou shall honor the cycling and water changes.

ca1ore · Mar 5, 2019

In no particular order, my own top 5 ....

Take your time - only bad things happen fast in this hobby.
Vette your sources - reef boards, YouTube and LFS can be a great source for both good and bad advice.
Be a skeptic - the greatest invention in the history of the hobby probably isn’t.
Research livestock purchases - it’s a win-win, both for you and those in your care.
Quality pays off - buy cheap, buy twice (or thrice if you last that long in the hobby)

Psychonaut · Mar 5, 2019

Never impulse buy

Maxx Yung · Mar 5, 2019

patience. dont buy fish without researching them, same for coral. quality first than buying twice as mentioned. dont do anything you do not know. ask for help!

Mastiffsrule · Mar 5, 2019

These are living things and not disposable objects. Treat them with same care if not more than (insert household pet name here) cat or dog.

Gareth elliott · Mar 5, 2019

-If you like something, disregard others’ opinions on what they like. Unless the opinion is on proper husbandry of a reef creature, listen to those. Its your tank not theirs.

Your tank only has to please you not a stranger [emoji4]

-Research, there are sources everywhere, dont trust the lfs employee.
That starfish is not a throw it in and it will thrive animal.

-dont buy fish for an upgrade you haven’t purchased or will purchase very shortly.

LesPoissons · Mar 5, 2019

1. Dont impulse buy- research!

2. Anything you try to do cheaply, be prepared to do it over and over.

Raege · Mar 5, 2019

1 patience
2 learn your tanks language listen and observe then react (not all tanks are exactly the same what works for one may fail in another)
3 keep a maintenance routine ( get sloppy start missing items things can go south)
4 never stop learning
5 if it ain’t broke don’t touch it (tank looking good be happy it’s working it’s not talking to you with a specific need leave it be)
6 have back up equipment heaters pump for gotta have running items (how many stories threads are there for losses due to equipment failures don’t be the next)
7 know your numbers use quality test kits know how to use them(innacurate test numbers lead to bad adjustments chasing numbers)
8 find support you trust LFS forum friends (2 minds are better than one etc plus it’s fun sharing the hobby)

vetteguy53081 · Mar 6, 2019

A- Thou shall not let impulse get the best of you
B- Thou shall not chase numbers and readings and get stressed out over numbers
C- Thou shall not buy the cheapest equipment you can find but rather the best equipment you can or can’t afford
D - Thou shall not tell your significant other what you actually paid for the stuff
E- thou shall become a supporting member on zR2R and help it maintain the great resource it is

Tony Thompson · Mar 6, 2019

Rule number one, treat it as a science not a religion.

Personally one of the most annoying things about some parts of this hobby are the rigid adherence by many to common beliefs that actually don't stand up to scientific scrutiny. In fact in many instances they don't even stand up to common sense.

Where as a religion stays stagnant in its statements, Science moves forward with new discoveries and better understanding. Always follow the science and be flexible to discussion and procedure.

That said here is my pennies worth.

1. Stability, always look to keep your parameters within the generally accepted levels but most important keep them as stable as possible.

2 Research, do your own research from reputable sources rather than just throwing open questions. You don't need to be a scientist but a little knowledge always helps and often increases one's interest in the hobby.

3. Keeps things as simple as possible, the more involved the more likely chance of failure, instability and increased workload.

4.Duty of care, these are living creatures, treat them with the respect they deserve.

5. Security, put a lid on it, (see 4.)

6 Enjoy, this is a great hobby, it can be very easy to implement and highly rewarding. If it is starting to become a chore then you need a rethink your options.

7 Support your LFS. a good LFS is an invaluable resource.

Paul B · Mar 6, 2019

I guess I won't say to put in an undergravel filter, so I got nothing.

Jase4224 · Mar 6, 2019

Tony Thompson said:
Rule number one, treat it as a science not a religion.

Personally one of the most annoying things about some parts of this hobby are the rigid adherence by many to common beliefs that actually don't stand up to scientific scrutiny. In fact in many instances they don't even stand up to common sense.

Where as a religion stays stagnant in its statements, Science moves forward with new discoveries and better understanding. Always follow the science and be flexible to discussion and procedure.

That said here is my pennies worth.

1. Stability, always look to keep your parameters within the generally accepted levels but most important keep them as stable as possible.

2 Research, do your own research from reputable sources rather than just throwing open questions. You don't need to be a scientist but a little knowledge always helps and often increases one's interest in the hobby.

3. Keeps things as simple as possible, the more involved the more likely chance of failure, instability and increased workload.

4.Duty of care, these are living creatures, treat them with the respect they deserve.

5. Security, put a lid on it, (see 4.)

6 Enjoy, this is a great hobby, it can be very easy to implement and highly rewarding. If it is starting to become a chore then you need a rethink your options.

7 Support your LFS. a good LFS is an invaluable resource.

Well, I can’t put it any better myself.