How old is too old to start in the hobby?

[Charley]

Just wondering how old is too old to start in this hobby? Water has to be changed, takes years to see corals and fish grow, a ton to learn, breeding, etc.? Does it make sense to jump when older?

 

[Kershaw]

As long as there is plan for maintenance if not physically able to do so. I don’t think there is an age you shouldn’t do it. No age requirement to sit back and enjoy it. And never to old to learn something new.

 

[ScottyD36]

I don't think age plays a role in anything. I think if something will make you happy it is worth it. You would be surprised how much you learn in a quick time from having a tank in the first year.

 

[trainbob]

Started this June and I am 66 years old . Thought I better start now. One thing that I do is small daily water changes as not to overwhelm myself at one time

 

[G Santana]

I took 25 years off, just got back and I'm 60, best decision I've made in a long time, second was joining R2R.
I'm managing a 130 gallon and having a blast, don't worry about tomorrow's growth enjoy your tank today.

 

[Weasel1960]

Just getting back in after being gone for 34 years so basically like never having done it before. Spent the last year catching up currently buying my gear a little at a time….just turned 60.

 

[Gordi]

I'm 64 and about 9 months in.
Unless you count the 40+ years of thinking about it.

 

[SPR1968]

As long as you can physically do things or pay someone to you will be fine

Look into systems to do automated water changes and it will make everything so much easier. I no longer need to carry water around.

And corals grow quicker than you think providing they are cared for correctly. You can have a good looking reef in 12 months

 

[Gtinnel]

It's possible to setup the tank to where there is no heavy lifting required. I haven't lifted a bucket of water in well over a year. The only physically demanding thing I have to do is carry my buckets of salt from the door to the mixing station, and I could technically roll them if I needed to.

 

[dedragon]

Isnt this why we have kids and grandkids? Build the tank at armpit height with a sump behind the wall and elevated and have the kids do all the heavy lifting

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

72

Edit: 72 years, three months, four days, six minutes, and a half a second old. Anyone older is too old.

 

[dedragon]

It's possible to setup the tank to where there is no heavy lifting required. I haven't lifted a bucket of water in well over a year. The only physically demanding thing I have to do is carry my buckets of salt from the door to the mixing station, and I could technically roll them if I needed to.

Auto water changes im guessing if so im jealous, but yea do that too

 

[Gtinnel]

Auto water changes im guessing if so im jealous, but yea do that too

Yes, and it's great. Before that I was rolling around brute cans.

 

[Ranjib]

i know at least 3 persons (60+) that are first time reefers. Some by accident :0) , all have experienced good and bad times with their tank but all are very happy about it at the end. reefing is a common bond and discussion topic among us that breaks many barrier.

now days, maintaining a pico tank is very easy and I'll highly recommend if tank size-induced challenges are of concern.

 

[ying yang]

As said above can start a tank at any age if can do the maintenance on it or friend/ family member can help.i know my water changes are easy using pumps and hosing to move water from buckets to my tank and justva hose to siphon water out,and made a dolly myself but can buy dolly"s
So any age can enjoy this beautiful hobby if can read books or go on Internet on phone/ tablet/pc,Google is easy,we just type any question we have

 

[OU812Reefing]

Just wondering how old is too old to start in this hobby? Water has to be changed, takes years to see corals and fish grow, a ton to learn, breeding, etc.? Does it make sense to jump when older?

As far as coral most grow pretty fast with (proper care) and with water changes you can do automatic

 

[Stigigemla]

I am 75 and have a shop with 26 tanks + quarantine.
I think it is very good for old persons to start reefing. Our brain needs some new input every day in order not to slow down too much and in reefing there is almost endless to read and learn. You will learn directly from Your tank too.
It is a way to keep being young.

 

[Dan_P]

Just wondering how old is too old to start in this hobby? Water has to be changed, takes years to see corals and fish grow, a ton to learn, breeding, etc.? Does it make sense to jump when older?

Answering the question “what is too big and complicated for me” might be accomplished at any age with a small scale experiment. Start a small saltwater aquarium. You will experience all the joys and frustration of a larger system but with a fraction of the cost and weight handling requirements.

If you enjoy learning, can handle being frustrated, are good at growing things, had an aquarium, or just enjoy nurturing living things, go for a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium of the least fussy fish and soft coral.

 

[attiland]

Just wondering how old is too old to start in this hobby? Water has to be changed, takes years to see corals and fish grow, a ton to learn, breeding, etc.? Does it make sense to jump when older?

As long as you can lift a fist size of rock and stand by your tank for 10 minutes while your hand is submerged in the water you are fine. The rest can be automated that includes water changes.
mid you can’t do that you have to have some help

 

[Stigigemla]

I believe the easiest way to start is with a tank of 80 to 120 gallons. It is more stable in the chemistry and You dont overload it that fast. Of coarse, it costs more than a smaller tank but stability and better equipment has its value.
The safest way to start is to begin with reading and watch tutorials on Youtube.
BRS TV has a lot of good tips for beginners but they are missing the most essential topic.

What kind of fishes, corals and other animals do You want and will prepare for?
And then: What kind of tank and equipment do they need?