How do you encourage other reefers?

[Rocks reef]

I try to relate to shared frustrations by admitting that I have been there too. That way they don't feel like they are the only one.

I also share the good, the bad and the ugly about my own tank in my tank thread. After all, its a reef journey and sometimes we learn things the hard way! But one can bounce back from anything if they want to.

That is a great attitude to have, I'm glad you are here on R2R.

 

[Rocks reef]

Does "encouraging" them not to buy a red sea tank so they dont get discouraged when a seam fails qualify?

It does yes, since there are so many threads on here that mention that exact thing!

 

[Rocks reef]

I like to read what is asked and take a moment to put my self in their shoes. But with my experience help them figure out their situations with what they have or recommend a good option. It’s not always about the latest and greatest, sometimes it’s about simplicity and what works. Helping others is my passion in life and Reef2Reef is an amazing community to help others. Love it here!

Very well stated my friend!

 

[NCsalt]

Just keep swimming.

 

[Freenow54]

I try to relate to shared frustrations by admitting that I have been there too. That way they don't feel like they are the only one.

I also share the good, the bad and the ugly about my own tank in my tank thread. After all, its a reef journey and sometimes we learn things the hard way! But one can bounce back from anything if they want to.

Yes usually I can figure things out but the current situation I am in is frustrating. I have lost three supposedly easy to raise frags , and two others still on a rack are stagnate for about two months now . Softies and others going crazy. Been asking even reef squad but no real response's. Internet ie AI no real direction either

 

[Fish Styx]

I try to be welcoming and supportive of all, by meeting them where they are in their reefing journey and offering support, friendly advice, and coaching when asked.

Compliments are great and all, but constructive criticism is just as valuable, IMO. I feel that the two should be doled out in equal measure, and with the same compassion and sincerity.

Namaste

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think it is important for folks to know that every tank, no matter how nice the pics and videos look, has both ups and downs. Not many people post videos of the corals that died, or whatever their current problem is. But we all have them. If folks accept this, they will be less likely to blame themselves for every problem, and help keep them from getting excessively discouraged.

 

[Freenow54]

I try to be welcoming and supportive of all, by meeting them where they are in their reefing journey and offering support, friendly advice, and coaching when asked.

Compliments are great and all, but constructive criticism is just as valuable, IMO. I feel that the two should be doled out in equal measure, and with the same compassion and sincerity.

Namaste

I agree but have little patience for some of the actions of LFS people. Also some here are plain rude a person in dire straights was offered physical help from a rescue group and did not respond to them because they spent so much on the equipment and did not want to start over. Just wanted to hear what they wanted.

 

[Reefer Matt]

I think it is important for folks to know that every tank, no matter how nice the pics and videos look, has both ups and downs. Not many people post videos of the corals that died, or whatever their current problem is. But we all have them. If folks accept this, they will be less likely to blame themselves for every problem, and help keep them from getting excessively discouraged.

Absolutely. Even the big name livestock businesses have losses. We just don’t hear about it because they have a reputation to uphold, imo.

 

[Freenow54]

Also I have all the respect in the world for the reef squad people , but if they are going to swoop in like superman after I try to offer my opinion based I admit on experience , and make me look foolish there is little reason for me to comment. I recently commented about cycling using live fish as being inhumane . a reef squad guy chimed in that they knew a lot of experienced moral people who practice this. Why would you if a fishless method is published?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Also I have all the respect in the world for the reef squad people , but if they are going to swoop in like superman after I try to offer my opinion based I admit on experience , and make me look foolish there is little reason for me to comment. I recently commented about cycling using live fish as being inhumane . a reef squad guy chimed in that they knew a lot of experienced moral people who practice this. Why would you if a fishless method is published?

Don’t be deterred by others posts, if you think you are right.

Being in Reef Squad does not mean every opinion they express is optimal. The idea is to have folks who have a focus on helping when needed, but we all disagree on lots of stuff and Reef Squad is no different.

 

[Freenow54]

Thank You that helps the part that bothers me is that they have " reef squad ' in their profile. So as I said to them they presented themselves as an expert taking away any if any credibility I may have built

 

[Reefer Matt]

Thank You that helps the part that bothers me is that they have " reef squad ' in their profile. So as I said to them they presented themselves as an expert taking away any if any credibility I may have built

Please don’t let badges determine your level of worth. You are valuable to the community, and the Reef Squad members are not experts. Well, I’m not anyway.

 

[EnterName]

Also I have all the respect in the world for the reef squad people , but if they are going to swoop in like superman after I try to offer my opinion based I admit on experience , and make me look foolish there is little reason for me to comment. I recently commented about cycling using live fish as being inhumane . a reef squad guy chimed in that they knew a lot of experienced moral people who practice this. Why would you if a fishless method is published?

I know it's frustrating, but I hope you will continue to encourage people doing a fishless cycle in a respectful way. There will always be disagreements, but without people speaking up, newcomers might not even consider alternative ways.

 

[Freenow54]

I know it's frustrating, but I hope you will continue to encourage people doing a fishless cycle in a respectful way. There will always be disagreements, but without people speaking up, newcomers might not even consider alternative ways.

Point Taken Thanks

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

Not so much encouragement but I tell them to stop fidgeting and messing around with their tanks so much. Lighting is the big thing to me. Set it and forget it. Everytime you make a change to your lights you’re basically hitting the reset button and the growth of your corals becomes stagnant for months having to adapt to the new settings before they get going again.

 

[vlangel]

Yes usually I can figure things out but the current situation I am in is frustrating. I have lost three supposedly easy to raise frags , and two others still on a rack are stagnate for about two months now . Softies and others going crazy. Been asking even reef squad but no real response's. Internet ie AI no real direction either

I was reading your thread and I empathize with your dilemma. I did not answer that one because I am not skilled in those coral frags. I keep mostly easy softies and LPS and I sensed that you've got that down. I have always stayed away from sticks and tricky SPS because because I know that I don't monitor Alk, Calcium and Magnesium close enough to do a good job with them. I do admire the folks who do keep those coral and hopefully one of them will be able to help you.

 

[4FordFamily]

Don’t be deterred by others posts, if you think you are right.

Being in Reef Squad does not mean every opinion they express is optimal. The idea is to have folks who have a focus on helping when needed, but we all disagree on lots of stuff and Reef Squad is no different.

I second this. While perhaps reef squad suggests they know what they’re talking about - there are many opinions out there and more than one way to be successful.

For one, I have zero knowledge of coral. OK, very little. Fish disease, fish, and basics - yeah I can handle that.

But if your opinion is valuable to others, it will be received as such. We can disagree but ultimately I think all of our hearts are in the right place. :)

 

[00W]

Thanks everyone! I want to encourage but sometimes I feel like I'm being redundant with my comments of love! HA!

Love is never redundant.

 

[Sean Clark]

I try to put the most positive energy into my replies as possible. Even when the prognosis is bleak. The poster is looking for some light at the end of their tunnel. It is our job to provide that light as best as we can given the situation.