R2R Member Testimonials

pelphrey · Sep 16, 2016

For me it is the technology the site provides. The other places just simply keep the site alive. The functionality of this site is far superior to the other forums, recently there was a new set of "like" features that were tested out. I've said it before but simply liking a comment or picture is my favorite feature, I don't always have input but I want to show my support. The site administrator is not only visible but extremely active in the community. Rev is always asking questions, providing input and encouraging members to create build threads or specific threads to better explain/share a post buried deep inside an active topic.

This site puts of a different vibe, better explained it's really a judgement free zone. I've come to appreciate this site much more as I've progressed in the hobby. As a matter of fact when I do a specific google search I am always looking for the Reef2Reef links before any others!

nitro · Sep 16, 2016

After a long day it feels like home.
Nitro

revhtree · Sep 16, 2016

I literally got a little choked up and had a few tears pop up! I appreciate the kind words about me but with all honesty R2R could NEVER be the place it has become without the leading of God in my life and the awesome people He put here to help make this forum a real community. The mods, impression team and experts are top notch in this industry and deserve a ton of the credit! Then lastly but not lastly is the membership! YOU ALL make this a home! I really do care for you all.

steve&mari · Sep 16, 2016

revhtree said:
I literally got a little choked up and had a few tears pop up! I appreciate the kind words about me but with all honesty R2R could NEVER be the place it has become without the leading of God in my life and the awesome people He put here to help make this forum a real community. The mods, impression team and experts are top notch in this industry and deserve a ton of the credit! Then lastly but not lastly is the membership! YOU ALL make this a home! I really do care for you all.

@revhtree honestly the call and praying with me was a beautiful moment for me. God has inspired you to be a voice for him and I could feel his and your love support and inspiration through your words and voice. You have set the tone here and we are glad to follow that lead and tone throughout the site. God inspired you as a Christian leader to develop a great reefing community based on respect and caring for not just a aquarium but each other also. I thank God for you and everyone here we each are part of the reasons why R2R is what it's become home.

drernesto · Sep 16, 2016

I'm addicted to this forum, everyday I learn something new. I feel that I'm part of it. The moderators are so friendly. Keep it going!

Diesel · Sep 16, 2016

R2R is more than reefing only.
Threads start out with a simple or complicated question but soon some humor get mixed in there to take the pressure off what is so beautiful and intriguing to so many.
The Team R2R/Mods and ReefSquad do a great job but we can't do it to all without the members here, supporting or not, there's no difference or classification in this hobby.
And you can take it from me as I have seen it all.

Anyone else wants to share your story and commitment to the reef hobby?

FYI, we had a silly thread a few months back and I believe the title was "Mods Stop"

can't find the link on the moment but it was funny, it was nothing but it turned out into a thread that many ppl on here became good friends and that's what it all about, making those connections that if you need to fall back on something you can make that contact to help you further out in this hobby.
Lets turn this thread into a feedback on your own experiences how you became the hobbyist that you are now.
It's fun, educational, helpful but in times needed to make a forum like this better and ppl after a long day just want to login to talk about or just read on the interest as this hobby is so much bigger as all us together.
Looking forward to some interesting stories.

Diesel · Sep 16, 2016

revhtree said:
I literally got a little choked up and had a few tears pop up! I appreciate the kind words about me but with all honesty R2R could NEVER be the place it has become without the leading of God in my life and the awesome people He put here to help make this forum a real community. The mods, impression team and experts are top notch in this industry and deserve a ton of the credit! Then lastly but not lastly is the membership! YOU ALL make this a home! I really do care for you all.

You're not alone my friend

Dextereef · Sep 16, 2016

This forum is the best. I have learned so much from members here, I have helped a few members, I've bought stuff, I've sold stuff, participated in contests, met great vendors, and much much more. This is one of the few sites that are on my "daily check-in" list and I always see something that gives me that "oh cool!" feeling. Keep up the good work. I can't think of any negatives now...there are just too many positives to be worried about that!

Jimbo662 · Sep 16, 2016

I'm constantly checking for new threads. This is a great place to learn from others whether it be a problem they're having or new equipment they've added or questions.

120reefkeeper · Sep 16, 2016

What R2R and our hobby has done for me.

Well first of all I'd like to say I'm a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. During my time in the military I did what needed to be done. I had some really bad problems when I returned home and got out of the Marines. I had anger issues, drinking issues, terrible dreams . I just couldn't fit back into society. I felt anger, guilt, sadness and most of all ,I thought the world would be better off without me.

The only way I can explain it is if you train a dog to attack and then you put that dog on a chain. Then the day comes that the dog is released from the chain and he attacks, and does exactly what he's supposed to do. The hard part is assimilating back into society. The dog doesn't want to go back on the chain.

For several years I had this struggle. Then I stumbled upon reef keeping. I listened to all the advice and started slow, read tons of books and talked with many fellow reefers.I finally found my outlet. Reef keeping for me was therapeutic. My mood improved , my mind cleared and after I gave my heart to Christ I was born again!

I was a member of another online forum for many years and to be honest I can't remember the last time I was on it.

R2R has reinvigorated my love of this hobby and all the nerds who love it too. Reef keeping to me is a job/hobby/lifestyle unlike any other . It can't be mastered, it keeps your mind active and with R2R we all get to share our successes and sometimes failures. R2R is my outlet , it's enjoyable, friendly and family safe! I look forward to each new day on R2R and what the latest topics of discussion are. I also love to lend a hand when I can. As most of us that have been around for awhile can attest to the struggles , I only dreamt of such a place when I started. Thank you all for the privilege of being part of a vast network of people who share a bond like no other. A bond like I once had with my brothers at arms! God Bless!

Diesel · Sep 16, 2016

120reefkeeper said:
What R2R and our hobby has done for me.

Well first of all I'd like to say I'm a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. During my time in the military I did what needed to be done. I had some really bad problems when I returned home and got out of the Marines. I had anger issues, drinking issues, terrible dreams . I just couldn't fit back into society. I felt anger, guilt, sadness and most of all ,I thought the world would be better off without me.

The only way I can explain it is if you train a dog to attack and then you put that dog on a chain. Then the day comes that the dog is released from the chain and he attacks, and does exactly what he's supposed to do. The hard part is assimilating back into society. The dog doesn't want to go back on the chain.

For several years I had this struggle. Then I stumbled upon reef keeping. I listened to all the advice and started slow, read tons of books and talked with many fellow reefers.I finally found my outlet. Reef keeping for me was therapeutic. My mood improved , my mind cleared and after I gave my heart to Christ I was born again!

I was a member of another online forum for many years and to be honest I can't remember the last time I was on it.

R2R has reinvigorated my love of this hobby and all the nerds who love it too. Reef keeping to me is a job/hobby/lifestyle unlike any other . It can't be mastered, it keeps your mind active and with R2R we all get to share our successes and sometimes failures. R2R is my outlet , it's enjoyable, friendly and family safe! I look forward to each new day on R2R and what the latest topics of discussion are. I also love to lend a hand when I can. As most of us that have been around for awhile can attest to the struggles , I only dreamt of such a place when I started. Thank you all for the privilege of being part of a vast network of people who share a bond like no other. A bond like I once had with my brothers at arms! God Bless!

I can relate my friend, stay solid and connected.
Great story and a example for many of our heroes.

This is a little of topic but @revhtree we as R2R should honor our Veterans by honoring them a banner in the colors of our flag.
Ppl will recognize why they can be free and in peace to exercise this hobby as a simple like or thumbs up can mean the world to our service members.

120reefkeeper · Sep 16, 2016

Diesel said:
I can relate my friend, stay solid and connected.
Great story and a example for many of our heroes.

This is a little of topic but @revhtree we as R2R should honor our Veterans by honoring them a banner in the colors of our flag.
Ppl will recognize why they can be free and in peace to exercise this hobby as a simple like or thumbs up can mean the world to our service members.

It does mean a lot and thank you for making a great suggestion. I know most veterans are very humble about there experiences. It's the little things that mean the most to me. I love this country and I for one would do it all again without a second thought. [emoji4]

Breadman03 · Sep 16, 2016

When were you in @120reefkeeper ? 00-04 here, though I ended up staying stateside due to the timing of PCS and EAS.

I stumbled upon this site some time ago due to a member selling a gigas clam, but never really visited the site. Fast forward a little bit to MACNA 2015 when I spot the R2R booth and the name just struck me as being familiar. Well, this lovely lady proceeded to ply me with a towel. Okay, it is really a washcloth with a little clip on it that is really handy for hanging from a belt loop, but nevertheless, it spurred me to come check the place out again and I realized just how open it is here. Dissenting ideas are rarely met with dismissal and there is even a great little tab for unanswered threads. I mean really! That is great for finding the "lost" discussions and preventing a plea for help from going unanswered.

Diesel · Sep 16, 2016

120reefkeeper said:
It does mean a lot and thank you for making a great suggestion. I know most veterans are very humble about there experiences. It's the little things that mean the most to me. I love this country and I for one would do it all again without a second thought. [emoji4]

Your mission is completed Sir, just keep loving your country and continue to spread your love to others.

Diesel · Sep 16, 2016

Breadman03 said:
When were you in @120reefkeeper ? 00-04 here, though I ended up staying stateside due to the timing of PCS and EAS.

I stumbled upon this site some time ago due to a member selling a gigas clam, but never really visited the site. Fast forward a little bit to MACNA 2015 when I spot the R2R booth and the name just struck me as being familiar. Well, this lovely lady proceeded to ply me with a towel. Okay, it is really a washcloth with a little clip on it that is really handy for hanging from a belt loop, but nevertheless, it spurred me to come check the place out again and I realized just how open it is here. Dissenting ideas are rarely met with dismissal and there is even a great little tab for unanswered threads. I mean really! That is great for finding the "lost" discussions and preventing a plea for help from going unanswered.

Nothing but the truth Sir.
Welcome to R2R.
Btw, the little swag you got is to wipe the tears from Joy and sometimes tears from Sadness away as we support every one and all not only in your questions hobby related.

120reefkeeper · Sep 18, 2016

Bump [emoji110][emoji4]

Paul B · Nov 11, 2016

I am a Vietnam Vet who served in Nam and Cambodia for a year. I never saw a road, roof, ceiling, plumbing or anything else except monkeys and unfortunately the enemy and I never came out of the jungle while eating C Rations most of the time.
My wife tells me I have issues but I don't think so. As a matter of fact, I think I came back better. Now, nothing bothers me.

I am not sure why but if my car was stolen, someone wanted to beat me up, I went broke or my pipefish died, it wouldn't bother me like I feel it would bother most people.
As for Reef2Reef, I love this site. So much so that at night I turn on the computer to this site and use my monitor for my pillow so I can instantly open my eyes and see what I posted because I probably forgot.

Rybren · Nov 11, 2016

I've got a touch more than 35 years in with the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force); most of my career has spent working along side my brothers and sisters of the USAF here in Canada, in the US, and overseas. I really feel like they are my brothers and sisters, and I feel the same way about many of the folks that I've met through reefkeeping.

R2R has helped me form and cement many of these relationships. It is a respectful place where people can voice differences of opinion, usually without being flamed. Ideas and thoughts are encouraged. Thanks for encouraging that atmosphere.

Today as we celebrate Remembrance Day here in Canada and Veteran's Day in the US, I would like to thank all of those who wear or have worn the uniform of their country. I salute you all.

RamsReef · Nov 11, 2016

I add R2R to my cereal, that stuff is tastey for every meal, fish love it too.

Ljaus · Nov 11, 2016

So much I could write, i was a memeber of two other forums but they were stagnant to say the least. I seen R2R on facebook, thought I would check out the forum and now I'm addicted. I was reefing before I joined but I still learn something everyday, I've never being on a forum that is so accepting and helpful and as @Diesel said there is no classification or difference within this hobby and especially on R2R. Everyone has a laugh at their own expense and no one is to shy to ask questions, even those with years of experience. I would recommend this forum in a heartbeat although I would call it a community of friendly, very helpfull, addicted reefers.