Life Cycle of the Average Reefer

[KrautBurner]

I just gave away two big green star polyp frags for free. but I ask that some of the frags be given away for free. pay it forward reef style. if I had other frags I would give them away to. it will help people that have had their tank crash and thinking about leaving the hobby and help bring in new reefers. I would have loved it if I could find free frags instead of paying $10 or $20 for a little frag from the lfs. even if my actions go no were I am out nothing, because I got my moneys worth watching it grow. that's what it is all about isn't it. not away to make money.

agreed,

we have a pretty good community here locally
lots of people selling, but a decent number of people trading/sharing

I got a half a dozen sps frags from a local guy for free (I was scared to mess with SPS)
he said that if they live/grow enough to frag, do the same for another new reefer.

I've given a couple frags out, mostly zoanthids/softies
and given chaeto to a dozen people.

I'd rather trade than sell stuff

 

[REEFKEEPER10]

I have not got burnt out. I just can't afford to stock my tank. I would love to put a few sps frags in my tank but my lfs went from $10 to $30 for stuff like zoos and starpolyp frags. I mean little frags. I understand that the store have bills that they have to pay but there has to be other ways. prices like that is why people leave the hobby when their tank crashes. that is why I gave away to green star polyp frag for free. these frag are real frags they have been growing in my tank for 6 months. I hope it catches on. pay it forward reef style. then people that want to start a reef tank and don't have the money have options. I mean if you have 3 frags sell two give one away.

 

[REEFKEEPER10]

I have not got burnt out. I just can't afford to stock my tank. I would love to put a few sps frags in my tank but my lfs went from $10 to $30 for stuff like zoos and starpolyp frags. I mean little frags. I understand that the store have bills that they have to pay but there has to be other ways. prices like that is why people leave the hobby when their tank crashes. that is why I gave away to green star polyp frag for free. these frag are real frags they have been growing in my tank for 6 months. I hope it catches on. pay it forward reef style. then people that want to start a reef tank and don't have the money have options. I mean if you have 3 frags sell two give one away.

looking at the corals for trade I realize that I need different corals. know one wants star polyps. I could frag my gaint green button polyp I guess but the rock is covered in white sponge and it grows slow. I can put it right under my 250 watt halides and it really opens up. well I have a new project for tomorrow.

 

[Saltgator]

I've been off and in the hobby since a little one running in the back bays down here. My current system has been with me now going on 2 yrs, and I'm just starting SPS. Maybe after I complete this (growing sps well enough to frag out), I'm going to start looking for something else like chalice and then rare fish breeding (if even possible). I believe that keeping up with one project at a time for me has allowed me to focus and lose track of time (time I'm happy with my reef), then start something else that is still geared around my reef.

 

[REEFKEEPER10]

I've been off and in the hobby since a little one running in the back bays down here. My current system has been with me now going on 2 yrs, and I'm just starting SPS. Maybe after I complete this (growing sps well enough to frag out), I'm going to start looking for something else like chalice and then rare fish breeding (if even possible). I believe that keeping up with one project at a time for me has allowed me to focus and lose track of time (time I'm happy with my reef), then start something else that is still geared around my reef.

the only other thing I have going on is a diy 3D background for a cichlid tank. I don't have the money for any corals or fish but it is cheap to do little aquarium project. it may not be my reef tank but it is still fish. I started it about 3 months ago but life and family come first. I figure I might get it done after christmas.

 

[Saltgator]

I hear ya. Next year my hobby is going to almost stop because I'll need a new truck (payment). I do agree, family first.

 

[REEFKEEPER10]

I hear ya. Next year my hobby is going to almost stop because I'll need a new truck (payment). I do agree, family first.

you could do fish only for awhile. that will keep you in it and give you a rest to get that spark back. my tank is almost fish only. I have five different corals and bt anemone. but all but bt have been through 90 degree water, low ph, hi ph, and a emergency tank swap. oh yeah two 10 gallon water changes in the last year with no problem. I lost my condy and my red and green encrusting monti to the 90 degree water but problem is fixed now.

 

[Leonard]

25 years+ At this point, I don't think I could live without an aquarium of some sort (even a beta bowl). I'm kind of over large tanks though (lots of work and expense).

 

[malnurs]

I am going on almost 5 years and It has come and gone. I agree that the more you put in the more you get out. I have really always tried natural ways like mangroves/ macro algaes for fun/alot cheaper. but havent been able to keep the most exciting and luxurious corals. (sorry chasing a rabbit) but anyways I had a daughter she had 2 heart surgeries so most of my tank died will be 1.5 years in january since tank crashed. since then I have been very apathetic towards it cause my life could not handle it but had just enough love and time to keep smaller stuff and one almost show size coral well and have 3 fish still.
Having a reef tank is more than just a hobby, a living piece of furniture or even an art...Reefing is a lifestyle. It will come and go wax and wane as you work with it and as your life changes. It is all up to you to keep at it or to say it was fun and nice for a while, but not for you anymore.

 

[scubadoo2]

I'm going on 27 years keeping reef tanks, with a couple years off when I moved because of my job, but I still kept some of my live rock for all those years.
I started in Pittsburgh in 1984, with a 90 gallon reeftank, went well over 200 gallon systems, and now in Maryland, 2011, I'm back to a 90 gal. again.

 

[MyReefToYours]

Started 12 years ago with a a 29 gallon and no clue what I was doing (took a couple years off since I had to break down for a move). Now I'm up to 200 gallons and loving it.