Our Own Worst Critic: Do you get excited to show off your tank to fellow reefers, or are you hesitant?

[Nordy]

With my first tank at my old house, I received many flattering compliments, even from reef veterans. It was behind the leading entry way from the front door. It could not be missed, and it was a catalog of corals and reef life. My second tank in my new house had a few unfortunate maladies, but my unrelenting critical nature to have success has prevailed. This tank is downstairs in a spare room that has turned into my den. People I love and respect, I am anxious to show it off for them. But I covet this tank as my own, a lot more willing to show some pictures on this forum, than a random Joe who once had a carnival goldfish. Maybe some night I’ll do a poker night in my den with my raucous card playing buddies, or maybe not. It is my element, my vision, passion and fulfilling experience.

 

[polarbeard]

I like to show my tank to my friends and people I know. Definitely have been hesitant to show on here. I’m very new to reef tanks and keeping any tank I guess.
I’ve kept reptiles all my life. I used to be pretty active in some reptile forums and I will say there are a lot of reptile people who tend to be very high and mighty and love to criticize new keepers who may be making honest mistakes.
That tends to make me not want to share a lot with forum members. I have lurked on this forum enough to know that it generally doesn’t seem that way here at all. A lot of people on here tend to be very understanding and helpful without demeaning those who know less.
Still though, I’ve been hesitant but I’m coming around.