"Phases" of Reefing...

[JonoB]

Probably isn't a new idea, but I was thinking about this this morning. I enjoy the outdoors and hunting quite a bit and you will often hear people talk about the "phases" of hunting, which is basically broken down in to "shooting anything and everything you can", then on to "holding out for a 'trophy' animal", and last the "enjoying teaching others/mentoring" side of it. It goes deeper than that but you get the basic gist.

I wonder, could you break reefing down in a similar way? I've only been in the hobby about a year and a half, but I would say its changed for me. I went from "cool pretty fish and wavy rock thingies that will look pretty" to being way more into the tech side of it and constantly wanting to upgrade to a bigger tank. From reading on here, I would say a lot of people get to a point where they are more interested in the "challenge" of harder species, and maybe finally just enjoying the tank as a whole and not wanting anything to change.

What do you think?

 

[Scotty Buttons]

Excitement.... broke.... happy..... broke...sad..... broke.... excited again.....broke...

 

[WVNed]

I seem to be stuck in the "what is going on now" stage.

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

I think it’s pretty similar to what you described for hunting. You buy all the corals you can to start with because they look pretty, then your tank is full of cheap green stuff. So then you start to think of specific things you want in your tank, and then you start to try and share your knowledge.

 

[davescj]

I think there needs to be a phase of "yes, I am OCD."

 

[ScottR]

I think in the beginning it’s put any coral in your tank. The cheapest and fastest growing. Then you end up cutting out the weeds and moving on to other corals. Then you trade off them and put in the most expensive and beautiful ones.... and they never grow.

 

[35ppt]

I think it’s pretty similar to what you described for hunting. You buy all the corals you can to start with because they look pretty, then your tank is full of cheap green stuff. So then you start to think of specific things you want in your tank, and then you start to try and share your knowledge.

I can identify with the tank full of green corals at first. lol Luckily the most invasive thing I got was hollywood stunner.

 

[StatelineReefer]

1. Denial
"Reefkeeping can't be that hard! I'm going to apply myself, learn the best methods, and buy the best equipment! I won't get Dinos, GHA, or let my nutrients get out of control, because I'm smarter than that!"
2. Anger
"I hate this hobby, why does everything I put in my tank wither away in a few months!?"
3. Bargaining
"Okay, maybe I'll spend a little more on bacteria/Vibrant/clean up crew... Maybe then my tank will look pretty... please?"
4. Depression
"Maybe I just wasn't meant to grow coral, I should just put the tank into storage and just be done with it"
5. Acceptance
"I alone am responsible for my tank and it's outcome. I shall battle these trials and come out ahead, I will learn patience and everything that has happened in my tank will be a valuable lesson for everyone who comes after. I fought so that others may learn to fight"