How has your perspective on reef keeping changed since you first started?

[Gumbies R Us]

Think back to the day you first started managing your tank. You were new, had little knowledge, and were ready to learn more. As the years progress, you become more experienced and probably have a different outlook on reefkeeping than when you first started. I am wondering how has your perspective on reef keeping changed since you first started?

 

[mjszos]

My biggest perspective shift has been on the fish themselves. When I entered the hobby, I was in the “they’re just fish” camp… now I realize they each have their own unique personalities, and are intelligent creatures. I’m not entirely convinced they have a bond with me outside of “food provider”, but I adore all of them more than I ever thought I would; I thought coral would be my first love in the hobby, but it’s definitely the fish.

Also laziness/complacency = compounding problems.

And finally, patience. This hobby has hands down been the biggest catalyst in teaching me to be patient, and understand/realize the rewards of my patience.

 

[PharmrJohn]

My new focus will be, basically, maintaining a tighter control on chemistry. My last tank, I ran fast and loose. It was successful.....Until it wasn't. Not gonna fall in that trap again. Concerning perspective, at the beginning, I was just concentrated on what looked good. I wanted a pretty tank. And that's what I got. But I didn't have any connection to the livestock. I'd like to appreciate what I will have a little more. To pay more attention to fish personalities.

 

[skey44]

The building of the tank has slowed for now and collecting/growing is the new goal. Just added a doser for afr to try and stabilize my chemistry and be able to go hands off a little longer as needed.
Now I'm looking to fine tune my stability and maintenance practices. Looking for those perfect fits livestock wise to finish off the stocking.
Getting in tune to the rhythm of what the tank needs nutrient and chemistry wise.

 

[sixty_reefer]

In my first years I used to give to much attention to chemistry side off the hobby, these days I tend to focus more on the biological side of the hobby. In hope that all inhabitants are cared for.

 

[Reefer Matt]

I don’t see it as a hobby anymore, it’s part of who I am. I go to my day job to pay the bills, and then my dream job with the tanks at home. Reefing gives me focus, patience, humility, and peace. If I could do it all day I would.

 

[Science/G]

It hasn't changed much from a passion sort of thing. Love is love they always say. That being said, my perspective on acceptable nutrient levels has changed, and the way I monitor and maintain water chemistry.
As I reflect more, I think I have pivoted from the idea that bigger is better. I had a 65 that became a 90, that turned into a 180 gallon reef and eventually a 310. For me now, my 30 gallon long is the perfect reef tank.

 

[littlefishy]

My tanks have gotten smaller, simpler, and understocked. I find it keeps burnout from happening. Now I run a filterless (except floss at glass scraping) Nuvo 10. During the holidays I will be downsizing to a 3g fishless and treating it like the vase reefers; air tubing and 90% nsw changes weekly.

 

[Faurek]

Yes, used to think that nutrients should be at 0 years ago, now I put food in the tank.
Also used to be bigger the better with more equipment, now I run a 3.5g pico with a cheap hob and 2 return pumps for flow.

 

[Faurek]

My tanks have gotten smaller, simpler, and understocked. I find it keeps burnout from happening. Now I run a filterless (except floss at glass scraping) Nuvo 10. During the holidays I will be downsizing to a 3g fishless and treating it like the vase reefers; air tubing and 90% nsw changes weekly.

Don't think fishless is the way, my 3.5g ran with a molly and was fine, since he died SPS have been temperamental, need to dose aminos and powder food. Hopefully in the summer I can get some oddball fish.
There is a great value on fish fish food and waste.
Good luck with it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think the expectations for success are way higher now than in the early 1990's, far more organisms are available, equipment is far more electrically efficient and controllable, dead rock is much more of a thing now, tanks are much bluer, tank raised organisms are more prevalent, and there are many more companies with secret ingredient additives and methods.