What is something every reefer should experience once?

[Freenow54]

I’ve always wanted to go snorkeling somewhere, or go to a tropical island to go see a real reef!

Cozamel is cheap for you , and I saw fish just looking from the dock that I saw diving at 40 feet so excellent place to snorlkle

 

[kitti-fish]

Failure. Not everyone’s cup of tea. I think we get too comfortable when things are smooth sailing. Things can come up and disrupt the flow and we should be prepared for the unexpected. It usually leads to long term better outcomes because with know how to be ready for anything.

 

[StartingATank]

Large algal bloom

Why do you say that? (I’m new )

So you know how to clean one up, as I had to deal with that and have never had another large algal bloom since since I know how to deal with one

 

[keagan]

I think ever reefer should experience the beauty and growth that come along with MH lit aquariums. All the new folks starting out with Leds will likely never get to see this wonder.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

Why do you say that? (I’m new )

Builds character.

 

[Paul B]

Going SCUBA diving in the places where they collect your fish. Then jump in the water with your cheap $5.00 swing arm hydrometer and draw a line on it where the thing floats.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

Going SCUBA diving in the places where they collect your fish. Then jump in the water with your cheap $5.00 swing arm hydrometer and draw a line on it where the thing floats.

Paul, you are showing your age; There are no $5 hydrometers anymore! But leave it to you to carry a hydrometer with you on vacation!

 

[Dakota_reef]

This might sound negative, but one of the hardest lessons to learn is a tank crash. I've had a few in my few decades of fishkeeping, but I feel like until you go through one, a person can get complacent. Which, coincidentally, is what I just went through. It really teaches you to focus on your husbandry, consistency, and awareness that all it takes is one.false.step.

 

[Freenow54]

Why do you say that? (I’m new )

He is Joking on the Dark Side of Humor ( I hope )

 

[troublemaker]

It’s been mentioned above, but a crash is a definite character builder. This hobby is about seeing if you get up at least one more time than you got knocked down. Success is easy to persevere through, the learning curve isn’t.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Everyone should get to experience success. Hopefully before failure.

I have experienced both, but through my mistakes and failures I have become a better reefer

 

[Dakota_reef]

I think ever reefer should experience the beauty and growth that come along with MH lit aquariums. All the new folks starting out with Leds will likely never get to see this wonder.

I love this comment. MH/T5 combo is just a beautiful thing to see over a tank. My 150g has a 60" Giesemann pendant with 2x 250w 20K Halides and 4 80w T5s. I used to have a 250w 10K over my 50g planted FW. So pretty.

And yes, that's a lot of wattage compared to LEDs, but I've always preferred MHs. Plus, I have solar panels now so I dont have to pay for the 8kWh per day I run them.

 

[BryanM]

Not that this takes much, but failing usually translates in to learning.

Succeeding in the face of adversity.

 

[christinna77]

I agree with snorkeling/diving on a reef. It gives you a whole new perspective on fish stocking and responsible reef keeping.

 

[PolypPocket]

Why do you say that? (I’m new )

He is Joking on the Dark Side of Humor ( I hope )

Ohhh lol now I feel dumb haha

 

[PolypPocket]

Why do you say that? (I’m new )

Builds character.

Ahhh hahaha

 

[PolypPocket]

Large algal bloom

Why do you say that? (I’m new )

So you know how to clean one up, as I had to deal with that and have never had another large algal bloom since since I know how to deal with one

Ahhh got it. Care to share your valuable knowledge?

 

[StartingATank]

I mostly learned that you shouldn’t let it overwhelm you.

 

[KrisReef]

I’ve always wanted to go snorkeling somewhere, or go to a tropical island to go see a real reef!

Grand Cayman is very close !

 

[cloak]

A shock?
Water and electricity don't mix.
GFCI? GL.