Hopes and dreams versus reality.

[ninjamyst]

Photo of my tank at 8 months old.. algae free and thriving.

Then I stopped paying attention to water parameters and checking my equipments and my doser actually got clogged and alk drop caused a cascading effect and semi crashed the tank.

After many frustrating months of correcting alk, getting phosphate and nitrate in check, and taking care of trace elements, tank is thriving again.

I am going to go against many people and say that while maturity matters, once you are pass the 6-12 months mark, what matter most is stability. It's not any fancy lights or crazy wave makers, or any snake oil additives. It's about your water parameters and stability. It does not require 4 years for your tank to thrive. It may require 4 years of experience and trial and error on your part to keep things stable though....

 

[BryanM]

Photo of my tank at 8 months old.. algae free and thriving.

Then I stopped paying attention to water parameters and checking my equipments and my doser actually got clogged and alk drop caused a cascading effect and semi crashed the tank.

After many frustrating months of correcting alk, getting phosphate and nitrate in check, and taking care of trace elements, tank is thriving again.

I am going to go against many people and say that while maturity matters, once you are pass the 6-12 months mark, what matter most is stability. It's not any fancy lights or crazy wave makers, or any snake oil additives. It's about your water parameters and stability. It does not require 4 years for your tank to thrive. It may require 4 years of experience and trial and error on your part to keep things stable though....

My snarky side asks what makes it algae free?

Otherwise I ain’t there yet but I agree

 

[ninjamyst]

My snarky side asks what makes it algae free?

Otherwise I ain’t there yet but I agree

Lots of tangs =P. You want to grow algae. A healthy tank will have algae.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I think the key to those amazing tanks you see are time, and stability. People don’t have tanks that look that way over night. It takes a lot of time and dedication to get going from a pile of rocks in a container, to this mini slice of a reef at home.

 

[Thalasstronaut]

Very few people have what it takes to create a tank like you see on YouTube igni etc. And many that you do see are a just set up for the video and haven't been running for years. I'm a skeptic sorry if I'm wrong, the internet has made me that way. I wish you total success but IMO you may be setting the bar too high to enjoy the hobby much if you will always be reaching for someone elses goals.

This is on point. Specifically the skepticism of “what you see.” For how long was seeing something with your own eyes the ultimate test of credibility?

Social media has ruined that baked in instinct we have (to trust our eyes) because the authors of the images and videos we see have an unprecedented amount of control over what we see. YouTube is a valuable tool for seeing certain livestock, getting a sense of size, etc., but as far as getting an accurate reflection of the day to day life of a tank— it can’t be accurate. I’m not an expert or even intermediate reefer, but I see it with other hobby videos, in areas I do consider myself very knowledgeable, such as guitars:

It’s interesting how every gear review video series only ever has glimmeringly positive things to say about the guitar they’re reviewing. What a happy coincidence that whatever company sends bribes, I mean promo items, to YouTubers only ever happens to be a company that makes a quality instrument. And what good luck that the item being reviewed just so happens to answer whatever ache the viewer feels inside. We’re fortunate to live in such an era, huh?

In reality, we only call people like this “influencers” because they want to be called that. In another life they were called advertisers, and that was before everyone realized what a dirty word that is. And most YouTube channels, the professional looking ones, anyway, are just glorified infomercials. We go to YouTube, search for content, roll our eyes at the annoying 30 second ad, and then happily watch a 10 minute ad about some equipment we need to truly be happy with the state of our tanks. David Foster Wallace, the author, said that commercials are an art form (with the point or message just being, you know, buy Tide) but that they were notable in that it’s the only art form that people avoid outright, even the examples we acknowledge as “good.” Very rare is it to go “Oh that was a good commercial” and then seek it out to watch for its own sake.

Well we are living in the next stage of that evolution. We watch commercials for entertainment now, just probably without realizing it. My point is, and I know I’m ranting now, that there is a happiness to be had in grinding out a worthwhile endeavor, like an aquarium. But constant comparison just creates envy or discontent with what you have. Certain things are essential, but I suspect that if you have a tank up and running you probably aren’t a major purchase away from happiness. So instead of smelling the roses on the long and winding road, you’re looking all the way to the end and sighing and wishing you were there. And the extra nefarious part is that you’re not even looking at the real end of the road, it’s not a goal, you’re looking at a mirage that someone put out to make you want to spend more money. Mirages don’t inspire, they delude.

Anyway I could go on but I’ll cap this at an almost reasonable length, point is, you’re right.

 

[freddywoa]

I think for the most part what we see are pictures that don't portray reality. I see it all the time, someone share pictures that have a lot of time in editing to showcase something unrealistic. I've seen many beautiful tanks in person and none of them look like their photos. Some people just know how to take a photograph.

As for the tank of the months, most of the pictures you see is the culmination of days of prep work just to get those shots.

If you come over my house 9 days out of 10, you're looking at a reef through glass covered with algae. No one is above that.

The sad thing is, people get lured into that idea, and also praise people only because they can take a good picture.

Truth! If more people took the time to take care of their tanks instead of edit pics,There would be way more people sticking with this hobby instead of discouraged….But such is the way of the world now a days….filters vrs reality. Ive had tanks well over 20yrs. Consistency at whatever level is 100% the key

 

[Lyss]

For me personally success was learning my limitations and then making the decision to work within them. During the Covid years I had all the time in the world to dote on a reef tank. But last year that started to change. I still work from home most days of the week, but I do go in to the office more and spend weekends out and about again, and travel again. I realized the full reef wasn't fitting into my current lifestyle and began selling off all of my corals except for one large toadstool. I still have my same fish that I had when I set my tank up 3 1/2 years ago, but now I just have that one easy soft coral, and it has made life so much easier for me. Personally, I think staying within the bounds of what you are able to maintain is the best way to feel happy and like you are successful. You can fill your tank with beautiful corals, but if you don't have the time or means to maintain that, it's just going to go downhill and then you'll feel down on the hobby.

 

[trini2debone]

I have been in an out of this hobby a few times. The last time I left it was definitely a sad but also joyful day. This hobby is difficult and frustrating and a money pit. It's also filled with so much conflicting information and "flavors of the day".
Well.... I am either a glutton for punishment or have too much spare income, so I decided to jump in again. So, I have to ask the question: what is the real secret (or maybe it's not a secret) to those picture-perfect aquariums? Certainly, it's not the latest and greatest protein skimmer or Neptune controller. Nor is it a $2000 LED setup. I know the majority of reefers out there don't ever achieve the nuisance algae free aquariums that get posted in the tank of the month. Their zoas don't pop with magical colors and grow prolifically. They aren't propagating corals as a side hustle. So, what does it actually take?

I would say, stop trying to have a picture perfect tank. Instead shot for a great ecosystem for your livestock. The livestock we took out of their thriving ecosystem for our enjoyment.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I love seeing the fabulous tanks we all envy. They are really quite incredible.

Just expanding a bit on the title of this thread, I think seeing those nice tanks is a double edged sword.

It gives people something to strive for, and hope for.

But they also set up a comparison between your own personal reality, and the pictures and videos of the best tanks, and very often the comparison leaves one unsatisfied with their own system.

It's a fact of life in general. There is always someone who is smarter, richer, more handsome, with a better job, a better house, a better car, more friends, a happier home life, cuter pets, better vacations, whatever. The same applies to reef tanks.

Striving for better is the name of the game in a reefing hobby (IMO), but we also need to accept and be happy with the reality we can attain.

 

[ReeferCub]

There is no secret, imo.
Most that fail make it harder than it needs to be.
Have a plan for stability and what to do when parameters are out of line.
My current ext 170 is now 7 months old, stable and has 40+ acros already.
This is my old 18" aio nano cube at 10 months.
2 part, no skimmer, good light/flow.
This can be done with any system.

Do you have a thread where you have more details about this tank? I have a similar sized tank and I want to copy your entire setup and dosing routine. I will be very happy if I can get even close to what you have here.

 

[X-37B]

Do you have a thread where you have more details about this tank? I have a similar sized tank and I want to copy your entire setup and dosing routine. I will be very happy if I can get even close to what you have here.

Yea here you go. If you have any questions just dm me.

Thread '18" AIO Nano Cube Stag System' https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/18-aio-nano-cube-stag-system.883090/

 

[Reefer Matt]

I have been in an out of this hobby a few times. The last time I left it was definitely a sad but also joyful day. This hobby is difficult and frustrating and a money pit. It's also filled with so much conflicting information and "flavors of the day".
Well.... I am either a glutton for punishment or have too much spare income, so I decided to jump in again. So, I have to ask the question: what is the real secret (or maybe it's not a secret) to those picture-perfect aquariums? Certainly, it's not the latest and greatest protein skimmer or Neptune controller. Nor is it a $2000 LED setup. I know the majority of reefers out there don't ever achieve the nuisance algae free aquariums that get posted in the tank of the month. Their zoas don't pop with magical colors and grow prolifically. They aren't propagating corals as a side hustle. So, what does it actually take?

Imo, the secret is that those “picture perfect” tank owners don’t share their downfalls usually. You only get a chosen snapshot of the tank to see. Everyone has algae and livestock loss at some point, it’s part of reefing. Some may be trying to project perfection for attention or validation from the community as well.

 

[ReeferCub]

Yea here you go. If you have any questions just dm me.

Thread '18" AIO Nano Cube Stag System' https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/18-aio-nano-cube-stag-system.883090/

Thank you so much!

 

[ninjamyst]

Imo, the secret is that those “picture perfect” tank owners don’t share their downfalls usually. You only get a chosen snapshot of the tank to see. Everyone has algae and livestock loss at some point, it’s part of reefing. Some may be trying to project perfection for attention or validation from the community as well.

This is so true. No one gonna post photos of their tank after a crash or after they come home from vacay with algae covering the glass. But that doesn't mean the good photos are fake either. Like everything in life, there are good days and there are bad days

 

[X-37B]

Imo, the secret is that those “picture perfect” tank owners don’t share their downfalls usually. You only get a chosen snapshot of the tank to see. Everyone has algae and livestock loss at some point, it’s part of reefing. Some may be trying to project perfection for attention or validation from the community as well.

This is true in some cases.
Thats why we have build threads to document everything.
I like to follow people to see the real results they obtain with their methods.

 

[Troylee]

patience really is the key! Also keep it simple and you’ll have great success! Reefing is only hard as you make it! Flat out!

 

[Scott Campbell]

My snarky side asks what makes it algae free?

Otherwise I ain’t there yet but I agree

Long ago I embraced the algae in my tank. And the flat worms and bugs and bristle worms and aiptasia and such. And the tank has thrived ever since. The trick is stocking the tank with organisms that feed on the algae and fast reproducing organisms. In a 220 gallon I have 3 small tangs, 5 urchins and numerous snails for the algae, 3 wrasses of different sizes for the worms and a file fish for the aiptasia. While my refugium is an ugly mess packed with flat worms, algae, xenia, bristle worms and aiptasia - nothing is really apparent in the main tank. The fish also seem happier when able to graze for food all day. I don't say this to annoy you - but I often worry if I have enough algae growth to sustain all the urchins.

Of course you need a tank large enough to accommodate a variety of "useful" critters and you have to find a balance so that you don't have more organisms than food they can graze on. Which takes some time to figure out. But you can always add supplemental feedings of seaweed.

It can be very difficult and demoralizing to fight against the natural tendencies of your tank.

 

[jk1knight]

I personally think that having an expert reef tank consult is invaluable. We spend so much money on tech and additives and…(you fill in the blank).

I recently went on vacation and had a really knowledgeable reefer come over to my house to help with my talk and do a water change while I was gone.

He found multiple opportunities within 30 min to an hour of being at my house that I had no idea needed to get fixed and/or addressed.

For example, my dosing pump tubing disconnected a month ago and dripped All for Reef onto the bottom of my tank stand. I had not idea that it dripped onto the power supply to the pump for my UV sterilizer.

I saw the disconnected dosing pump and reconnected the tubing and cleaned up the mess, but never realized that the pump for my UV sterilizer was not working. He caught it right away. I saw the light from the UV sterilizer and thought everything was working fine (NOT).

He also noticed that my overflow pipes were clogged which risked future flooding.

He also saw that my sensor for my reef mat was not mounted and working correctly. I thought that I got that right out of the box, but apparently not.

He also found a plumbing drip from a return line that was thankfully dripping directly back into my sump. It was simple to tighten the fitting.

I have over 12 years of reefing experience. It can be really invaluable to get a 2nd opinion and/or have an expert take a look. It was really helpful hearing his perspective.

By the time he came over, there was quite a bit of algae. He stated that I probably needed to triple or quadruple my clean up crew. In all fairness, he was right. I have no problem spending money on my reef tank, but I always resist spending $200+ on snails and hermit crabs…laugh.

He also made some helpful suggestions on dosing and my refugium and how I have my current flow set up in the tank.

In summary, if you are not getting the results you want, I highly recommend a periodic 2nd opinion or tank consult from an expert. You do not have to listen to everything they say, but your reef will almost certainly be better because of their expertise. It is money well spent ($150?). It is probably the best $150 I have spent on my tank in quite some time.

Personal trainers are great regarding results in the gym. Nutritionists are great in their own field. Same with doctors and lawyers, etc. If you are frustrated and/or not getting the results you want, I highly recommend a periodic expert reef tank consult.

 

[Julbra]

It is true that I was lured in the hobby by those picture perfect reef tanks. I expected far too much from a lot less work and much quicker.

I had done a lot of intense research before diving in so knew - to some extent - what I was getting myself into. But I confess I still did underestimate the amount of work required and was a bitten by contradicting advice.

After many tears, a few thousand dollars and a couple of years later I can say I now find my tank very rewarding.

I may not have the Reef of the Month level of polish but I have my dream fish, shrimp and corals and enjoy the views with minimal maintenance.

My advice is:
* don't skip maintenance (you are after all responsible for your pets' well being)
* never despair (things will look better tomorrow)
* don't touch your reef when you're peeved off
* stay curious (in successes and failures)
and you will be rewarded.

Alternatively find someone with a nice reef already and move in with them.

 

[SudzFD]

I have been in an out of this hobby a few times. The last time I left it was definitely a sad but also joyful day. This hobby is difficult and frustrating and a money pit. It's also filled with so much conflicting information and "flavors of the day".
Well.... I am either a glutton for punishment or have too much spare income, so I decided to jump in again. So, I have to ask the question: what is the real secret (or maybe it's not a secret) to those picture-perfect aquariums? Certainly, it's not the latest and greatest protein skimmer or Neptune controller. Nor is it a $2000 LED setup. I know the majority of reefers out there don't ever achieve the nuisance algae free aquariums that get posted in the tank of the month. Their zoas don't pop with magical colors and grow prolifically. They aren't propagating corals as a side hustle. So, what does it actually take?

In my opinion. Takes stable parameters, namely alkalinity, with enough calcium and magnesium. A dosing pump for those three items should make a huge difference.

Second to that, really mature tanks have so much microfauna and biology going on that we can’t even see. Sponge growth, is huge. All of these things help balance the tank.

Good luck! Patience is key.

I tell people plan on FOWLR for a year. Maybe add some easy softies in during that time. If they do well try dim LPS. If those do well try an easy sps like a montipora. When that starts taking off with growth, try some acro sticks.