NEW to reefing, what was the BEST thing you learned quickly?

[Slocke]

While I dont have an explanation for you, that is a great policy. I have an order in with Dr. Reef, honestly, I dont mind paying the extra money to have them take the risk to QT the fish, I know I am not that patient and not going to QT fish if they are in my house. The cost was not crazy so if you have a LFS that is doing this as part of their business model that is awesome, especially if the prices are lower. Do you know if they have an online presence? what is the URL?

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The question was somewhat rhetorical to explain my point haha. Unfortunelly they're fairly small so they don't do much online.
They're moving locations. I decided to return to some of the other stores and was shocked by the prices: 50$ vs 18 for a firefish, 80$ vs 35 for a Falco, 430$ for a small zebra eel vs 80 for a medium at Nemo.
I think I'll wait till Nemo reopens haha

 

[ScubaFish802]

This week will be a little different and maybe a little more fin (fun) as we discuss "when you're new to reefing" type topics! I remember when I was new and how reefing had opened up a whole new world to me. Along with that came so much I didn't know about and so much more opportunity to immerse myself into reef aquarium education. Today I would love to hear what the best thing you learned about while still new to the hobby! Let's GO!

When you were NEW to reefing, what was the BEST thing you learned quickly?

image via @sawyer010

Actually, from your picture, one of the 1st things I was told here was that the API "Master Saltwater Test Kit" I had was junk
I have been really happy with the Salifert line though ever since

 

[David Groos]

An aquarium is a closed system, so if you put food in, it has to come out somehow

 

[BryznNguyen]

Dont rush things and do your research before doing or buying anything

 

[eqbal9947]

Patience.
Don't trust your LFS if they keep trying to give you more quick chemical/additive fixes.

 

[vetteguy53081]

38 years. Impulse will get the best of you

sliw it down

 

[Ashish Patel]

That attention to details in every little thing is important. Skip one thing and it will come back to bite you. I had Fish only with LR for 10 years before going Reef - i think this helped me the most.

 

[Bensonthefish]

I've learned that 1. it's not easy (too many pests like velvet, brown jelly, bobbit worm, flatworms, etc; water chemistry). 2. Expensive but also very addicting.

 

[Rick's Reviews]

It's definitely worth the effort and end goal is absolutely amazing

 

[RichReef]

Since 1993. It started with a Lionfish.

The quickest thing I learned?

RO/DI is 100 percent a must.

 

[Novicereefer]

This week will be a little different and maybe a little more fin (fun) as we discuss "when you're new to reefing" type topics! I remember when I was new and how reefing had opened up a whole new world to me. Along with that came so much I didn't know about and so much more opportunity to immerse myself into reef aquarium education. Today I would love to hear what the best thing you learned about while still new to the hobby! Let's GO!

When you were NEW to reefing, what was the BEST thing you learned quickly?

image via @sawyer010

Tap water won't work at all! And keep my hands out of the tank. Oh and you can't cheat the system...be patient ( tried to speed up coral growth by using reef roids constantly. They grew a little and I had a HUGE nitrate and phosphate spike. Had to do a 75% water change over the course of 5 days). Everything is good again

 

[Sebastiancrab]

Check out every LFS in your vicinity otherwise you might end up overpaying or settling for one that sells unhealthy livestock.

If anyone can explain to me why one LFS in my vicinity quarantines everything they sell but can still manage to sell fish at many times a lower price than the other stores around I'd love to know!

Could be volume sales. They have the best price and quality!

 

[Dburr1014]

Don't believe everything people tell you.

 

[mindme]

When I research something, I will look at many examples and things people do. Then I look for what they all have in common.

Those things they all have in common are usually what provides the real success.

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

Don't believe everything people tell you.

Not sure I believe you!

 

[Biglew11]

been reefing about 5 years. my ah ha moment came about 2.5 years in when I finally realized the relationship between nitrates and phosphates, and needing some of both and if one is bottomed out the other will rise.

 

[mindme]

been reefing about 5 years. my ah ha moment came about 2.5 years in when I finally realized the relationship between nitrates and phosphates, and needing some of both and if one is bottomed out the other will rise.

I learned in freshwater tanks that when one bottoms out, it promotes algae growth.

 

[Mark Bradley]

1. As my RO unit isn’t attached full time adding taps to the pipework to keep units in water
2. Get a doser
3. Use a Phosphate reactor
4. Watch hours of videos to get a good starter knowledge

 

[Billabong]

Best thing I've learned is patience! The best thing I've learned quickly is to keep acetone on hand. dang it fingers stuck again!!!

 

[Sean Clark]

Knowing what you don't know is the best thing to know.