POLL: How many years have you been doing this hobby?

[ZoWhat]

How many years have you been doing this hobby?

 

[UkiahTheTurtle]

I've almost been in saltwater for a year but have been doing freshwater for about 5 years on and off

 

[stanleo]

Ten years. I started by taking over a 55 gallon that wasn't being cared for properly. Had that for about two years. Then started my current tank a little over two years ago. So I am still learning a lot but through all that I have had a freshwater tank of one kind or another.

 

[JCTReefer]

I put 16-20, but I'm thinking 21-25... I wish I could pinpoint or reference the exact time I started. Vehicle I was driving. Life event that took place. Back in 2000 I would have been 21, so keeping up with things wasn't a huge priority. Joined ReefCentral in 2005. Marine depot still has record of me placing an order in 2005 "Aqua C EV400", but I was reefing for a few years before that. I guess I'll never know. I certainly remember the tank progressions in detail, and what got me into the hobby. But the exact time-frame is lost. Bummer.

 

[N.Sreefer]

Only 8 years for reef keeping, 2 decades for aquarium keeping, so I answered 6 to 8 reef keeping is definitely a different game.

 

[brandon429]

I have been trying to convince folks online their ammonia readings are false for 20 years logged on the various forums. barely making headway, yay!

 

[Jeffcb]

I got my first 5 gallon slate bottom Metaframe when I was 6. I wish I still had it. It was freshwater but...

 

[Imaexpat2]

I was a freshwater guy for years, like 25 before I took the plunge and came to the Dark Side. Looking back, since 2000 its is mind blowing where this hobby is now compared to what was available then, when I started! What a journey its been...yet I still am learning something new everyday!

 

[JCTReefer]

I have been trying to convince folks online their ammonia readings are false for 20 years logged on the various forums. barely making headway, yay!

Do you remember when Hi-Tech/Kevin shut their doors? I had a 100 gallon system when that took place. Trying to figure out what year that was. Drives me absolutely insane that I can't remember. Was just having this conversation with someone the other day. No archives that i can find either when it closed.

 

[brandon429]

I still have one coral from Kevin not a joke yay old times

my oldest captive coral, a blastomussa from hi tech on 50th st.

I'll add this booster: Kevin's mom owned a pet store in Plainview in the eighties for sure. I bought guppies from Kevin as an eight year old and he was about fifteen, paid him with all nickels and pennies multiple times lol

Hi tech closed in about 2007 iirc

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

17th year reefing anniversary coming up in April! WOW!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

started 20 years ago, but took an 8 year break in the middle

 

[D4jack]

I had my first freshwater tank when I was 5. My grandfather bought it for Christmas. A 20 long with some gouramis and angelfish. My first saltwater tank was in 1998. A 55 gallon with power compact lights and a skilter 250 filter. I still have the ballast for the lights I'm not sure why.

 

[iMi]

I've been at it for many years with breaks. Everything from reefs, FOWLR, Discus planted, etc. Keeping those fingers wet.

 

[Dburr1014]

About 30, fresh water before that. Never go back to fresh.

 

[ZoWhat]

Bump

 

[ApoIsland]

I'm amazed by these results. Almost 10% of the responses are for more than 40 years in reefing. 50% are more than 15 years.

10 years for me. I have seen so many members come and go in our local reef club I figured the majority of the responses would be less than 5 years.

 

[Cherie cook]

How many years have you been doing this hobby?

As a kid I used to buy those pregnant seahorses sold in the back of comic books. Poor little devils had a truly frightening paternal death rate in my tank!