Regrets about reefing?

[Murica]

I absolutely love having my saltwater tank. Right now, there’s a couple corals but I’m waiting to get my phosphates, nitrates, and budget in check before I add a ton more.

I, however also really miss having larger fish, eels, etc. My decision, whether I go full reef or fowlr will be with me… probably for the life of the tank (forever). I’m afraid if I invest in the corals and get the tank looking awesome, that 10 years from now I’ll be burnt from the constant maintenance of a re tank and wish I went fowlr instead.

Do any long term reefers wish they just had a fowlr tank?

i could always get a smaller reef tank down the road, but that might not be possible…

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

I absolutely love having my saltwater tank. Right now, there’s a couple corals but I’m waiting to get my phosphates, nitrates, and budget in check before I add a ton more.

I, however also really miss having larger fish, eels, etc. My decision, whether I go full reef or fowlr will be with me… probably for the life of the tank (forever). I’m afraid if I invest in the corals and get the tank looking awesome, that 10 years from now I’ll be burnt from the constant maintenance of a re tank and wish I went fowlr instead.

Do any long term reefers wish they just had a fowlr tank?

i could always get a smaller reef tank down the road, but that might not be possible…

I understand what you are going through. The solution for me was to have separate tanks for everything. SPS tank, LPS tank, Softy Tank, Frag tank, and FOWLR tank. All on separate filtration. Easier and satisfying. That way I get it all.

 

[zaga]

No regrets here. But I think my gf does since I have to say no to 99% of the fish she wants lol.

 

[SaJon]

I absolutely love having my saltwater tank. Right now, there’s a couple corals but I’m waiting to get my phosphates, nitrates, and budget in check before I add a ton more.

I, however also really miss having larger fish, eels, etc. My decision, whether I go full reef or fowlr will be with me… probably for the life of the tank (forever). I’m afraid if I invest in the corals and get the tank looking awesome, that 10 years from now I’ll be burnt from the constant maintenance of a re tank and wish I went fowlr instead.

Do any long term reefers wish they just had a fowlr tank?

i could always get a smaller reef tank down the road, but that might not be possible…

You don't have to do a wall to wall reef and still have it look beautiful. However, being able stop adding corals is another story. Lol. Addiction is real in this hobby. What size is your system ?

 

[Murica]

You don't have to do a wall to wall reef and still have it look beautiful. However, being able stop adding corals is another story. Lol. Addiction is real in this hobby. What size is your system ?

450 gallons, so epic reef or kick arss fowlr. For the sake of the argument, let’s say you’re only limited to one tank

 

[SaJon]

450 gallons, so epic reef or kick arss fowlr. For the sake of the argument, let’s say you’re only limited to one tank

Nice, you have plenty of room. A tank that size will look great either way. You can get those large colorful angels and such and not even need alot of coral. I just shut down and sold my 300g due to a spinal injury I know I will miss it. I'm going to enjoy the hobby through all of you

 

[Bucs20fan]

So I have both, A 60 breeder reef tank and a 180 fowlr. I would do just a reef tank in the future just because of the diversity. So many different organisms all doing their own thing. Lots of color and its a constant challenge. I appreciate the constant challenge keeping the reef growing.

A fowlr while really cool, especially coming from freshwater monsters, is super enticing. Although its much the same, almost exactly really, just doing water changes with salt water. The only challenge in a fowlr is keeping nutrients at a lowish stable level really. And when you figure that out, the only challenge is keeping food costs down.

 

[Murica]

Nice, you have plenty of room. A tank that size will look great either way. You can get those large colorful angels and such and not even need alot of coral. I just shut down and sold my 300g due to a spinal injury I know I will miss it. I'm going to enjoy the hobby through all of you

Been there, two discectomies here. Hope you feel better!

 

[i cant think]

I’ve never wanted to go FOWLR, the reason why is the fish I like tend to avoid soft coral because of their nasty toxins. So I instead have one tank for SPS and one for LPS and Softies such as leathers and mushrooms.

 

[Murica]

The pictures are a little dated.. but here’s what I’m working with

 

[Dbichler]

That’s why you go with soft corals best of both worlds. Get some coral and the fish you want. Never had a problem with any fish with soft corals.

 

[SaJon]

The pictures are a little dated.. but here’s what I’m working with

Beautiful !!!

 

[Lavey29]

I understand what you are going through. The solution for me was to have separate tanks for everything. SPS tank, LPS tank, Softy Tank, Frag tank, and FOWLR tank. All on separate filtration. Easier and satisfying. That way I get it all.

You must not be married

 

[vetteguy53081]

Been 39+ years and still no regrets, other than occasional challenge from SPS coral

 

[HomebroodExotics]

Let me introduce you to my friend called MTS (multiple tank syndrome). Enjoy

 

[Slocke]

I have a 110 mixed reef and a 125 FOWLR. In retrospect I wish I'd started with the FOWLR and learned how to do simple salt at first and then done a smaller reef tank. I made so many unchangeable mistakes at the beginning and am now not very happy with my coral tank.

Now what I have is a coral tank which I'm not happy with and a FOWLR I really like.

 

[homer1475]

Corals, or for the lack of a better term, a reef is what drew me back in from a FOWLR.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

You must not be married

Almost 20 years married, three teenage kids.

 

[Murica]

Beautiful !!!

Thanks!