Easy-Cheap-Nice, Your choice

[MgSullivan]

When you are getting into hot rods and modifying cars there is a saying that goes around “You can have 2 of the 3 options but not all 3. Fast, Reliable, Cheap”

Since being in the reefing hobby now over 10 years, I’ve helped a few people get started with tanks and had dozens of people ask the typical “How much does it cost?” “How much time does it take?” “Isn’t saltwater way harder than freshwater?” The truth I’ve learned is that generally you get out of reefing EXACTLY what you put into it.

I think there is a fair comparison to that saying for car people with reference to reefing.
Easy. Cheap. Nice.
You can have 2 but generally not all 3.
I think it is kind of important for beginner reefers and people considering getting into the hobby to consider.

What do you all think? Any opinions on that theory?

 

[lavoisier]

I think that is generally true. The caveat I would add is that some of us enjoy DIY and do not see it infringing on "easy."

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

I toss out easy most of the time as a DIY type guy. Its the part of the hobby that I love so it carries no weight in my decisions. 9/10 the Fast, Reliable, Cheap model rings very true.

 

[MgSullivan]

I understand what you are saying but I think you are more referring to it being “Easy” to setup. Whereas I’m referring to more along the lines of maintaining it being “Easy”.

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

Yes. Definitely yes then

 

[Cell]

I dont think it's quite the same. I've seen top of the line setups with struggling reefs as well as bare bones systems that flourish. The technology can help, but the user/aquarist definitely matters more.

 

[MgSullivan]

I dont think it's quite the same. I've seen top of the line setups with struggling reefs as well as bare bones systems that flourish. The technology can help, but the user/aquarist definitely matters more.

Yeah you have a point and I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder. “Nice” or “Easy” are subjective.