How do I find a mentor?

[Eye H8 Empty V]

So I've been watching the new weekly Talk 360 BRS videos going over the mistakes that they've made and their personal reefing journeys. These videos will eventually lead to Ryan's(owner) 360 gallon home build. One of the things that they seem to stress is finding a local mentor. Having a mentor would be awesome but I feel like I'm at a loss.

I live in SoCal and have a few LFS' but I don't trust any of them. One of them I used to know extremely well, even did livestock runs for them 15 years ago. I wouldn't go back to them because I've read a multitude of reviews stating that they overcharge people at the register, which is super shady. I went into another LFS and they told me that my QT tank needs to be setup for a month before I can add fish. I went into another LFS about 25min away and walked around for 40min and not a single person asked me for help. They walked past me about 15 times and helped lots of other people but for some reason ignored me. These guys were supposedly on that show tanked, which I never watched. I do know the owner of one of the biggest online coral and fish shops. I ran into him at RAP and we both remebered each other. I'm going to visit tomorrow as I just purchased a metal fabrication shop down the street from his shop and might talk about fabricating stands for him. But he's about 45min away. I met him when he first opened up about 15 years ago. That was the last time I had a tank up which was one of the first 24 Gallon JBJ Nano Cubes.

I would love to find someone local but I don't seem to have the resources. Any advice would be awesome and thanks for listening to my rant!

-Billy

 

[MSB123]

So I've been watching the new weekly Talk 360 BRS videos going over the mistakes that they've made and their personal reefing journeys. These videos will eventually lead to Ryan's(owner) 360 gallon home build. One of the things that they seem to stress is finding a local mentor. Having a mentor would be awesome but I feel like I'm at a loss.

I live in SoCal and have a few LFS' but I don't trust any of them. One of them I used to know extremely well, even did livestock runs for them 15 years ago. I wouldn't go back to them because I've read a multitude of reviews stating that they overcharge people at the register, which is super shady. I went into another LFS and they told me that my QT tank needs to be setup for a month before I can add fish. I went into another LFS about 25min away and walked around for 40min and not a single person asked me for help. They walked past me about 15 times and helped lots of other people but for some reason ignored me. These guys were supposedly on that show tanked, which I never watched. I do know the owner of one of the biggest online coral and fish shops. I ran into him at RAP and we both remebered each other. I'm going to visit tomorrow as I just purchased a metal fabrication shop down the street from his shop and might talk about fabricating stands for him. But he's about 45min away. I met him when he first opened up about 15 years ago. That was the last time I had a tank up which was one of the first 24 Gallon JBJ Nano Cubes.

I would love to find someone local but I don't seem to have the resources. Any advice would be awesome and thanks for listening to my rant!

-Billy

I have a ton of free time. Send me a PM or text me with any questions you have. I’m in SB.

 

[AiKkz]

R2R is your mentor!! Ask away!!!

 

[SuncrestReef]

Are there any reefing clubs in your area? I'm active in a club in the Pacific Northwest and it's a great group of people of all levels of experience. I've learned a lot from them, and also contributed my experience when possible. What's nice is you can get advice without any bias you might get from a store owner wanting to sell products.

 

[Eye H8 Empty V]

I have a ton of free time. Send me a PM or text me with any questions you have. I’m in SB.

Thank you sir, you are awesome!

 

[Eye H8 Empty V]

Are there any reefing clubs in your area? I'm active in a club in the Pacific Northwest and it's a great group of people of all levels of experience. I've learned a lot from them, and also contributed my experience when possible. What's nice is you can get advice without any bias you might get from a store owner wanting to sell products.

I've posted in the local section of R2R and no luck. Only a few responses and the closest person is about 90min away.

 

[samnaz]

Many folks here are more than happy to help with your endeavors and any questions you have, myself included!

 

[Eye H8 Empty V]

Many folks here are more than happy to help with your endeavors and any questions you have, myself included!

Thank you! Maybe I'm asking too much but I'd really like to find someone local who can show me their tank, check out mine and shoot the breeze.

 

[samnaz]

Thank you! Maybe I'm asking too much but I'd really like to find someone local who can show me their tank, check out mine and shoot the breeze.

Understood. Living in SoCal I’m sure you’ll find someone. If not, we are always here :-)