How many friends have you made?

[Reefer Matt]

Hey y'all want to hang out on a google meet up video chat one evening and talk reefs? I've talked about it before but this gives a great excuse to get together and forge some friendships!

I think that would be a cool idea. Imo, it’s best to pick a date and time on your own, then announce it. You won’t ever get a consensus.

 

[Hunna’s Stunnas]

I’ve been very lucky with having such a great local reefing community. The Atlanta Reef Club has some incredible members that I’ve gotten to know over the past few years. Some more so than others, as to be expected.

Between active forums and ~5 in person meetings every year, there’s plenty of chances to interact with local reefers. Even just from buying/selling coral locally, either hanging at someone else’s house checking their tank(s) out or them coming over to mine and doing the same.

I just traded a baseball bat for a jawbreaker and dragon lady bounce last night, with someone I’ve known from the club for a few years and bought/traded with a few times previously. His kids play baseball and I manage a sporting goods store, so it worked out for both of us.

 

[Lavey29]

I'm friends with my local LFS and employees have been to my house. I've had great conversations with numerous fellow reefers on here especially @saullman . Kenny and I have been conversing for many months on here and via phone early on. We live on opposite ends of the country but share the same passion to have a beautiful reef to stare at in our home. I've had many others DM me also seeking advice which I'm happy to share but I'm just Joe Reefer like most on here always trying to learn and improve in the hobby.

 

[Tahoe61]

Long term friends that I have never met in person, yet they have been good to me with support and equipment. We have followed each other's life adventures and tank tribulations.

 

[PharmrJohn]

If we're talking about people that I've gotten to know with information trading on a personal level, it's 6 or 7. Of those, my Fishy Bestie list numbers 2 or so.

 

[EliMelly]

I made a couple. One I thought was great, bought some corals from him, brought him to lunch, he helped with my tank and all. He offered to help sell some of my gear. I took him up on his offer and he stole it all and disappeared.

Pretty sad because I would’ve given it to him for free if he asked. He started using some of it I asked him if he wanted to trade for some corals and he disappeared…

Pretty sad.

 

[Goaway]

Several. I really can't count. Different states. And they're wonderful people, with other amazing hobbies.

It's not their fault i love living in a box. Going outside is horrifying.

The ways the internet has opened doors to connect people.

Interesting isn't it?

 

[Savage Henry]

2 Tangs
2 Chromis
2 Clowns
Swallowtail Angelfish
Male Bluethroat Trigger
Male Lyretail Anthia
Melanurus wrasse
Orange spotted goby
Royal Gramma
and a Pajama Cardinal

Soooo... 13

I too have made many fishy friends and a few spikey ones as well, but all but three are dead.

 

[DylanE]

I agree with others that this is a very niche hobby. I don't have any "IRL" friends that are into it. That being said, I have plenty of friends that love to see the tank. We've also got an 18 month old so a lot of our friend group are other parents and based around the kiddos. I love that during every get together, at some point I'll hear "if you want to go in the office and see the fish, you have to ask Dylan." Not even other reefers will listen to you with the intensity of a 2 year old as you describe your current fish and stocking plans lol.

 

[Savage Henry]

Over ten years ago I was a member of an online group. They had actual meetings, which I attended. I met some nice people and got some good advice. I also was fortunate to help out as one member built a new tank so I got to learn how to do that.

 

[Savage Henry]

I’ve also been involve in other aquarium groups, which can be hit and miss, but you need to identify the core long timers and get to know them. Groups can be very clicky.

 

[billyocean]

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Over ten years ago I was a member of an online group. They had actual meetings, which I attended. I met some nice people and got some good advice. I also was fortunate to help out as one member built a new tank so I got to learn how to do that.

That's cool you were able to help build a tank!

 

[Savage Henry]

That's cool you were able to help build a tank!

Well, to stand around and hold up a piece of glass while they applied silicon. Yeah, I reckon I’m a professional.

 

[Savage Henry]

Well, to stand around and hold up a piece of glass while they applied silicon. Yeah, I reckon I’m a professional.

But, it was the little details and hints that I learnt that were important.

 

[rtparty]

I met Thomas Burton through reefing and he is now one of my best friends

I didn’t realize how many of my friends and acquaintances have come from reefing until I thought about it

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Well, to stand around and hold up a piece of glass while they applied silicon. Yeah, I reckon I’m a professional.

I have done a lot of standing around and holding pieces, haha.