I want to leave reefkeeping

[AnnaG]

I haven’t read through every comment on this thread but from what I have read I’ll say this: the beauty of you having posted your concerns is that the collective community came together to support you in two ways. First, helping you identify what your reef tank means to you. This is important because it can either convince you to tear down or remind you why you’re here. Second, the community has also shared what their reef tanks mean to them. Sharing this helps you identify what the hobby means to all of us, not just you. Knowing this tid bit can help give insight as to why we will love what we do so much, and perhaps give you the little nudge you need to just keep swimming. For me, I do this, despite the losses, because it helps me with my PTSD. I served 6 years active duty and I didn’t come back the same person. However, for the time I stand in front of my tank and watch the hidden life, nothing else matters. No wounds exist. Just sound serenity. This is why I reef.

I know I was very overwhelmed by the support from everyone. Couldn't believe the amount of responses I had received. It was great, in a weird way, to know that everyone else has had many setbacks and issues, and that it wasn't just me. Reefing is so relaxing and while it can be stressful at times, it feels great to have a "slice of the ocean" . Its great to have a such a supportive community here to help you out

 

[Unitylover]

I haven’t read through every comment on this thread but from what I have read I’ll say this: the beauty of you having posted your concerns is that the collective community came together to support you in two ways. First, helping you identify what your reef tank means to you. This is important because it can either convince you to tear down or remind you why you’re here. Second, the community has also shared what their reef tanks mean to them. Sharing this helps you identify what the hobby means to all of us, not just you. Knowing this tid bit can help give insight as to why we will love what we do so much, and perhaps give you the little nudge you need to just keep swimming. For me, I do this, despite the losses, because it helps me with my PTSD. I served 6 years active duty and I didn’t come back the same person. However, for the time I stand in front of my tank and watch the hidden life, nothing else matters. No wounds exist. Just sound serenity. This is why I reef.

Thats wholesome

 

[snorklr]

no idea if you have a ro/di or are buying LFS water...but one advantage to a 20 gallon tank is you can treat it like a goldish bowl...change the water...its a lot cheaper than the latest miracle cure or piece of high tech equipment

 

[Unitylover]

no idea if you have a ro/di or are buying LFS water...but one advantage to a 20 gallon tank is you can treat it like a goldish bowl...change the water...its a lot cheaper than the latest miracle cure or piece of high tech equipment

goldfish bowl!??!?!??

 

[snorklr]

probably too young to realize the reference...long ago people kept goldfish in little bowls...no filtration, flow or aeration...and they survived....why? because they changed the water in the bowl every day (and the fish could gulp air from the surface)...the point being if you did a 100% water change in your tank every day everything would be very happy....since thats physically and financially impossible now its time for filters,skimmers,algea harvest, the nitrogen cycle and countless forms of bacteria to try to remove things that are toxic and dosing to replenish things that are used up...but on a small enough tank large water changes are the simplest thing to do to see if things improve

 

[Unitylover]

long ago, the chinese kept them in ponds.

probably too young to realize the reference...long ago people kept goldfish in little bowls...no filtration, flow or aeration...and they survived....why? because they changed the water in the bowl every day (and the fish could gulp air from the surface)...the point being if you did a 100% water change in your tank every day everything would be very happy....since thats physically and financially impossible now its time for filters,skimmers,algea harvest, the nitrogen cycle and countless forms of bacteria to try to remove things that are toxic and dosing to replenish things that are used up...but on a small enough tank large water changes are the simplest thing to do to see if things improve

they put them in bowls to flex them, then put them back in the pond

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

probably too young to realize the reference...long ago people kept goldfish in little bowls...no filtration, flow or aeration...and they survived....why? because they changed the water in the bowl every day (and the fish could gulp air from the surface)...the point being if you did a 100% water change in your tank every day everything would be very happy....since thats physically and financially impossible now its time for filters,skimmers,algea harvest, the nitrogen cycle and countless forms of bacteria to try to remove things that are toxic and dosing to replenish things that are used up...but on a small enough tank large water changes are the simplest thing to do to see if things improve

100% water change everyday, im almost positive would be detrimental to most corals requiring stability and nutrients i could do that, but I NEVER would.....talk about needing to add things back..

Just my opinion y'all...

$$$reef on$$$

 

[Unitylover]

imagine how much you would spend on salt as well ;Greedy

 

[Unitylover]

you would use 15 pounds of salt in 2.5 water changes on a 20 gal

 

[Henressy]

Hi guys,

I’ve had a marine aquarium for about 9 months now. I bought a pair of clowns in July, a torch coral around the same time. Also bought a cleanup crew, then a soft coral and cleaner shrimp in November. Lastly i bought a collector urchin in January. In September i lost the pair of clownfish to ammonia poisoning in a hospital tank. Very sad that day and haven’t had fish since. This week my urchin lost a bunch of his spines and realised he was starving- he’s making a good recovery thankfully. Now my torch coral that i’ve had for so long is dying. i was thinking recently to upgrade the aquarium to a larger one, with a skimmer, refugium and dosing pump. But that’s a whole $4k . Even then it seems reefers with these great setups still have issues or corals dying or fish dying, then what is the point? i don’t want to shut my tank down but i’m tempted to. i did so much research but still have these problems.

I feel your pain… I understand I was at a point to also to nuke my 14 gallon nano…
I was impatient at first…. I lost fish on the way but now I have gain patience and watch numerous videos on various information on reef keeping. It’s all about begin consistent .
don’t give up now I have a 35 gallon reef with two new corals and like six fishes ….
I’m still learning everyday but always find the best chemistry to make your tank thrive. Sometimes we have bumps in road but the challenge is to stay afloat and it takes time and fails..
Be safe and I hope u find your best resulution.
HENRESSY

 

[jramy123]

I feel your pain.. This hobby is very rewarding, but also has its downsides. What does your tank mean to you? Is it a showpiece for your home? Is it a project you always thought you wanted?

We all have different reasons for starting this journey. For myself, I have always loved aquariums and have had one for most of the last 35 years or so. I have had FW and SW both, and last year started with an actual reef. Yes, it is expensive, yes, losses hurt. I just last week had a brand new coral die within a week of getting it, and another one I have had for several months die for no real apparent reason. This is how it goes sometimes.

In the end, My tanks are a dream I have had for decades. I have always wanted a reef tank and now I have 2. One of them is a SERIOUS pain the the bum... but even though they are a lot of work, the peace they bring me when I just sit and watch them makes it worthwhile. My slice of the ocean, in my living room.

And you are a Sharks fan so that hobby is always a let down each year for the cup

 

[Henressy]

And you are a Sharks fan so that hobby is always a let down each year for the cup

That’s funny just like the ny jets and giants always a let down