What have you learned from this Hobby?

[DrGonzo]

I am interested to hear some of the profound and not so profound lessons learned about the ocean, coral, fish or anything from this hobby.

I learned how resilient my system can get over time, despite my mistakes, laziness, and experiments.

I also learned how smart fish can be.

 

[ming]

That I should have quit before I went through my $700 budget for my first reef tank

 

[DrGonzo]

Tell me about it. Budgets do not get along well with this hobby.

That I should have quit before I went through my $700 budget for my first reef tank

 

[BILBO913]

Ive learned that my girlfriend has no concept of money when it comes to the hobby, and belive me thats a good thing :lol_large. also that some of the most beautiful and interesting, colorful creatures in the world come out of the ocean!!!

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Going slow and taking your time is the way to do things right. Listen to others and make sure you take responsibility for the lives you take into your own hands because they are precious.

 

[DrGonzo]

that some of the most beautiful and interesting, colorful creatures in the world come out of the ocean!!!

True.

 

[dubs]

that there is more than one way to do things ..also read and learn save u alot $

 

[gimincorp]

This hobby is NOT very time consuming. However you do have to STICK to schedule and TEST regularily water parameters. Initial start-up costs are High or HUGE (equipment, lifestock, materials), depending on your "appetite" and your budget. Maintenance costs are minimal. So, overall reef-keeping is affordable as long as you are willing to commit CERTAIN time to it (say 30 minutes weekend), and 5-10 minutes per day

 

[ocholoco]

hey

Buy the best or youll end up buying again, In my case..lol...

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Stick to strict water change schedule and everything will be fine.

 

[Galantra]

Problems can occur but being resilient never giving up. Also no matter what you know about saltwater you can always be open to new ideas and learn something new that might work for you.

 

[Killarsox]

Patience is a virtue.

 

[DrGonzo]

Patience is a virtue.

Yes, yes it is.

 

[jrobbins]

I've learned how to suck hose.

 

[TRUKINGNY]

ask questions and dont think your way is always the right way and be open to ideas from other people

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

I learned that "Murphys Law" is real and happens a lot.....:splitspin All kidding aside there is quite a bit....but the first things that come to mind is a maintenance routine; being consistant and diligent with this is critical. The other thing is redundancy in safety equipment.....float switches, heaters, probes, emergency power....basically everything that can and will break have a backup plan in place from the getgo....

 

[jerl77]

get a second job:tongue1:

 

[DrGonzo]

Here's another one: Tiger cowries are not reef safe.

 

[jadakiss]

rodi should be used when setting up a tank for the first time instead of tap!

 

[johnny roastbeef]

That given enough PVC I can build anything and with enough cable ties I can attach anything to it.