What motivates you in the hobby

[Gumbies R Us]

Sometimes, I feel like we need motivation to do certain things in life. For me? I sometimes need motivation to get stuff around the house done regarding cleaning, haha. I am wondering, what keeps you motivated in this hobby? Make it is the drive to have a successful tank, to have something to do with your free time, or maybe it is seeing all the fish happy to be a part of your tank. Curious to know everyone's input!

 

[pal98111]

I am motivated when I see my fish out and about - no one hiding and no bullies and my corals looking happy. I am especially motivated after a water and filter change and all parameters in check and ready to go to the LFS for something new to add.

 

[Rmckoy]

I have lost many hours just sitting and losing myself watching fish swim around .

How simple life would be with no stress or worries at all .

 

[EricR]

For me it would be:
1. I just enjoy observing nature -- yeah, I know,,, this isn't really nature, but still
2. Fun for guests -- good conversations
3. When something unexpected starts happening, it's a learning experience
*for example, currently dealing with alkalinity rise with no dosing (((other threads covering potential sources and how to deal with ...so I keep learning stuff)))

 

[Rmckoy]

For me it would be:
1. I just enjoy observing nature -- yeah, I know,,, this isn't really nature, but still
2. Fun for guests -- good conversations
3. When something unexpected starts happening, it's a learning experience
*for example, currently dealing with alkalinity rise with no dosing (((other threads covering potential sources and how to deal with ...so I keep learning stuff)))

Sudden Increase or decrease of nitrates will affect alkalinity .

 

[Gundy]

I’m setting up a 380 gallon reef tank after being out of the hobby for 20 years. I’m getting back into reefing because I miss having a little slice of the ocean in my family room and observing all the fish, corals and inverts interacting with one another. Yes, it’s a lot of work but love the satisfaction and relaxation I get from sitting in front of it.

 

[EricR]

Sudden Increase or decrease of nitrates will affect alkalinity .

Thanks, not my situation but won't elaborate further here. (((Already much deeper down the path of source and solution, at this point,,, but thank you for the tip)))

 

[Reefer Matt]

Learning new things and sharing with others.

 

[Pickle_soup]

...last year I lost my 2-year-old son to a super rare mutation, literally, he was the only recorded case of this particular mutation in the world. I have had tanks for a long time, saltwater since 2002, but I stopped taking care of my tank when he was born, just not enough time. But I use to bring him down here to watch the fish swim, it helped him fall asleep. When the mutation destroyed his heart when he was in the hospital for 11 months, I just gave up on my tank, no time at all, but the fish and corals were doing fine. During his stay in the hospital, he loved watching Finding Nemo, and I always played a video of swimming fish with sleep music on Youtube for him. And he loved playing with water. When he passed away, I was just going to get rid of it all. I didn't want to do anything. But eventually, I have decided to start all over, get a new tank, equipment, and fish, as a sort of memorial at home for him. I am a broken person, but cleaning the tank, watching the fish, and helping others here, make things a bit easier. So I am motivated to do the best I can to make this tank healthy and beautiful.

 

[Sizzlingreef14]

Seeing one of my LFS’s bring in boxes of wild coral and shove it out the door same day. ticks my the F off. Just a quick buck and not caring about making the hobby sustainable and better for the hobbyists. It’s one thing to bring in wild corals to cultivate, but when it’s in and out same day/week you’re in it for the money. That’s why I love growing my frags and selling cheap.

 

[Rmckoy]

...last year I lost my 2-year-old son to a super rare mutation, literally, he was the only recorded case of this particular mutation in the world. I have had tanks for a long time, saltwater since 2002, but I stopped taking care of my tank when he was born, just not enough time. But I use to bring him down here to watch the fish swim, it helped him fall asleep. When the mutation destroyed his heart when he was in the hospital for 11 months, I just gave up on my tank, no time at all, but the fish and corals were doing fine. During his stay in the hospital, he loved watching Finding Nemo, and I always played a video of swimming fish with sleep music on Youtube for him. And he loved playing with water. When he passed away, I was just going to get rid of it all. I didn't want to do anything. But eventually, I have decided to start all over, get a new tank, equipment, and fish, as a sort of memorial at home for him. I am a broken person, but cleaning the tank, watching the fish, and helping others here, make things a bit easier. So I am motivated to do the best I can to make this tank healthy and beautiful.

Very touching story. And glad youre able to build this system as a memorial for him .

 

[CasperOe]

Always learning something new- and always being challenged!

.... and the gear #shame

 

[w8lifts]

fluffy acans! Something about the jiggle

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Learning new things and sharing with others.

yep!!! It’s always a joy learning something new and then being able to use what you have learned to teach others.

 

[00W]

Always learning something new.
Whether on my own tank or something from someone on here.

 

[7of9]

...last year I lost my 2-year-old son to a super rare mutation, literally, he was the only recorded case of this particular mutation in the world. I have had tanks for a long time, saltwater since 2002, but I stopped taking care of my tank when he was born, just not enough time. But I use to bring him down here to watch the fish swim, it helped him fall asleep. When the mutation destroyed his heart when he was in the hospital for 11 months, I just gave up on my tank, no time at all, but the fish and corals were doing fine. During his stay in the hospital, he loved watching Finding Nemo, and I always played a video of swimming fish with sleep music on Youtube for him. And he loved playing with water. When he passed away, I was just going to get rid of it all. I didn't want to do anything. But eventually, I have decided to start all over, get a new tank, equipment, and fish, as a sort of memorial at home for him. I am a broken person, but cleaning the tank, watching the fish, and helping others here, make things a bit easier. So I am motivated to do the best I can to make this tank healthy and beautiful.

I’m so very sorry for your loss. I can only imagine.

I hope tending this new tank brings you some comfort and peace. Sending you gentle hugs!

 

[bakbay]

Pure bragging rights! I now have 100g more than my buddy - I'm extremely motivated to keep it that way! ha j/k

Anyway, it's satisfying to see fish & corals from various parts of the world happily coexist in the comfort of your home - don't have to dive far! It's more satisfying to see all your patience & perseverance are finally paying off - a sense of accomplishment yet humility at the same time. However, as for me -- the most satisfying part of this hobby is to share it with my wife & oldest son -- we all love the reef tanks (plural)! That is my motivation. Ok, addiction - I've said it!

 

[Pickle_soup]

Very touching story. And glad youre able to build this system as a memorial for him .

Thank you.

 

[Pickle_soup]

I’m so very sorry for your loss. I can only imagine.

I hope tending this new tank brings you some comfort and peace. Sending you gentle hugs!

I appreciate it.

 

[mangolove]

Just like most things I own or do are a part of therapy and keeping me busy. This is one of those things