Biggest Lesson You've Learned?

[Peter_in_the_city]

I think its nice to admit mistakes and learn from our experiences. I've probably committed all the sins of reefkeeping, so I'll list a few:
Tang in a 60 gallon (didn't work)
Copper in a display tank (this one wasn't too bad but seriously just get a 20 long during a 1$/gallon sale)
Added buffer to raise pH (oh man don't do this. I was chasing 8.0 pH and succeeded in getting my alkalinity to 20+)

 

[vlangel]

Have a cheap battery back up aerator pump that plugs into an outlet and senses when the electricity goes off.

 

[Spare time]

The biggest mistake I see in this hobby is saying correlation=causation

 

[PeterB113]

I think its nice to admit mistakes and learn from our experiences. I've probably committed all the sins of reefkeeping, so I'll list a few:
Tang in a 60 gallon (didn't work)
Copper in a display tank (this one wasn't too bad but seriously just get a 20 long during a 1$/gallon sale)
Added buffer to raise pH (oh man don't do this. I was chasing 8.0 pH and succeeded in getting my alkalinity to 20+)

Just made the buffer mistake. Been having alot of fun getting my Dkh down from 17.5.....

 

[Ocean’s Piece]

I had a freshwater turtle tank for years before saltwater and I feel these lessons I have learned apply to both freshwater and saltwater. Even though I have had a saltwater tank running for 3 months now, I have learned quite a few lessons:
1. There’s more than one way to do things and if you do something another way, don’t stress.
2. Avoid buying stuff from Amazon for convenience and find reefing stores that sell items for better deals.
3. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
4. Leaving things be and waiting is better than constantly fiddling and rushing.

 

[Mark Gray]

Nothing good happens fast in this hobby.

 

[Mydoghasfleas]

To never give up. If it goes wrong, to use it as a learning experience and a chance to be better next time. Don’t forget to enjoy the small stuff!

 

[CanuckReefer]

To never give up. If it goes wrong, to use it as a learning experience and a chance to be better next time. Don’t forget to enjoy the small stuff!

Fleas are the really small stuff...username checks out lol ....well said....

 

[nursebran]

Never trust your memory.
Filling the ATO make sure you set timer with Alexa®

Oh gosh! I’m amazed there is a mistake that I haven’t made (this 1) but, I’ve made up for it with so many. I’ll take note. In this hobby/ how people have quotes...I started to make mine, “If it can go wrong, it will!” Lol

 

[LayT27]

Biggest lesson is always have a redundancy and power back up.

 

[tamanning]

What works in one tank may not work in another. Cost my friend his reef.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

the biggest lesson I learned is SLEEP ON IT, save those dollars until tomorrow!. I've wasted so much money on impulse buys

 

[SteveG_inDC]

I would say biggest lesson in shopping for dry goods or livestock is do not buy anything on impulse. I try to make a list of what I *need* including both stocking list and equipment. I have gotten in the most trouble when I see a "deal" and it seems tempting. Almost every single time I've regretted it -- don't save $20 to get the wrong powerhead because it was on sale. Don't get that maybe-not-reef-safe fish because someone is giving it away for free.

Do research and decide what you need and then find the best deal for it. Don't suddenly change your stocking plan because of a cool fish you saw. STICK TO THE PLAN and if you have to change it, spend at least 24 hours thinking about it.

 

[nursebran]

To never give up. If it goes wrong, to use it as a learning experience and a chance to be better next time. Don’t forget to enjoy the small stuff!

Definitely! Because, that 1st year was ruff. So, many mistakes! But, now... it’s the simple things: healthy fish (not as many) but, they were carefully picked, quarantined, researched. My corals: many are still small, but I do see growth (finally!) Seeing my Acans, that started out on a frag plug, are (almost) covering a rock. Little things, but good... big payoffs! So much fun, when things go right! It just takes time Definitely, a lesson in PATIENCE! That one, I’m still working on. Lol

 

[nursebran]

I would say biggest lesson in shopping for dry goods or livestock is do not buy anything on impulse. I try to make a list of what I *need* including both stocking list and equipment. I have gotten in the most trouble when I see a "deal" and it seems tempting. Almost every single time I've regretted it -- don't save $20 to get the wrong powerhead because it was on sale. Don't get that maybe-not-reef-safe fish because someone is giving it away for free.

Do research and decide what you need and then find the best deal for it. Don't suddenly change your stocking plan because of a cool fish you saw. STICK TO THE PLAN and if you have to change it, spend at least 24 hours thinking about it.

Very good, point! We’ve all been tempted by a dream fish or coral! RESTRAINT and PATIENCE, are a virtue... that I am still working on! Lol