To what extent do you read "build threads"?
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Crabs McJones
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I really enjoy build threads. Every one I've commented in I've read through at least once. I like it because it gives me potential ideas for my own reef. Especially people who are heavy into DIY stuff 
and I really enjoy looking at other peoples setups and admiring them.
and I really enjoy looking at other peoples setups and admiring them.
NY_Caveman
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My recent build was delayed about 7 months (several long stories). During that time I started following hundreds of build threads to live vicariously through others.
Now that my tank is setup, I am still following them all and adding several new ones daily. Honestly, there are many ways different users enjoy this forum. Some answering questions, some looking for answers, some just being general good ambassadors to the reefing community. Others use it sparingly and all of us are using it the right way for ourselves.
There are many reasons I follow build threads. One is to get ideas and see what others are doing and combining in their reefs. Another is that reefers tend to really put their personality into their build threads and that makes them very enjoyable. I also feel it can take a while for build threads to gain traction. By participating in several I hope I am helping move that along. Nothing is worse than someone putting tons of effort into an unfollowed thread. I feel this is one way I can help make this entire community stronger and I love doing it.
Now that my tank is setup, I am still following them all and adding several new ones daily. Honestly, there are many ways different users enjoy this forum. Some answering questions, some looking for answers, some just being general good ambassadors to the reefing community. Others use it sparingly and all of us are using it the right way for ourselves.
There are many reasons I follow build threads. One is to get ideas and see what others are doing and combining in their reefs. Another is that reefers tend to really put their personality into their build threads and that makes them very enjoyable. I also feel it can take a while for build threads to gain traction. By participating in several I hope I am helping move that along. Nothing is worse than someone putting tons of effort into an unfollowed thread. I feel this is one way I can help make this entire community stronger and I love doing it.
SPR1968
No, it wasn’t expensive dear....
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This is a really good question and something I’d never really thought about.
Personally I read through all of the posts and enjoy to do so, and if I feel I can add anything I will otherwise I will ‘like’ the post which I suppose means I agree with it.
I think we all enjoy build threads with lots of pictures because a picture can say more than words and it breaks up the threads.
The site is, in my opinion, the best and most friendly site around by far with everyone hear to help which is great.
Personally I read through all of the posts and enjoy to do so, and if I feel I can add anything I will otherwise I will ‘like’ the post which I suppose means I agree with it.
I think we all enjoy build threads with lots of pictures because a picture can say more than words and it breaks up the threads.
The site is, in my opinion, the best and most friendly site around by far with everyone hear to help which is great.
I voted other because there is no all of the above box. I'm currently following several rather long build threads (@Brew12 @Fudsey @Robin Haselden @NY_Caveman ) I'm semi-following several that I have skimmed over and commented on and skimmed a couple hundred more that caught my eye for one reason or another. Oh yeah I have completely ignored hundreds for various reasons mostly because they are outside of the size or type I'm currently working on.
NY_Caveman
likes words, fish and arbitrary statistics
I would love if R2R showed users how many people were following their Build Threads (but not necessarily who). It may encourage more continuing build thread activity. Even if only the OP could see it. I bet there are a lot of relatively inactive posters following people's threads. Would also be cool to see number of views in the Thread page (like you see in the "today's Posts" lists).
SashimiTurtle
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I have a few forum friends I'm following, and I skim thru a few others if I need inspiration.
I use my build thread as almost a daily blog of maintenance, fish and coral pictures and some extra curricular activities I feel like sharing. I post almost daily, but at the very least a few times a week. It gets quite long, but in my most recent build I'm trying to make navigating to key points easier. The first few posts are an up to date equipment and fish list. When I add, remove or change something I update those. The guys that I follow mostly do the same with their threads.
I use my build thread as almost a daily blog of maintenance, fish and coral pictures and some extra curricular activities I feel like sharing. I post almost daily, but at the very least a few times a week. It gets quite long, but in my most recent build I'm trying to make navigating to key points easier. The first few posts are an up to date equipment and fish list. When I add, remove or change something I update those. The guys that I follow mostly do the same with their threads.
Breadman03
Valuable Member
Now that is a cool idea!
Genomecop
Active Member
I read the entire thread and then hit the 'watch' button. Then I forget that I hit the watch button and at some point I read the whole thing over thinking I've somehow missed a great build.
Idoc
Getting lazier and lazier with upkeep!
I like build thread... I like to watch those similar to my size tank, bit still look at other size tanks for ideas. I really like those with very detailed explanations and project designs... this is how I setup mine in order to help newcomers... just my way of trying to give back like those who helped me get started. I just wish I had more time in the day to sit down and update mine!!!
Brew12
Electrical Gru
I love reading well constructed build threads. I only follow a few of them closely but wish I had time for more. I try to spend a large portion of my time helping people with questions they post which does limit my enjoyment of build threads. It is a treat when I come across one that blows my mind making me wonder how I missed it!
Fudsey
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I try and read many but skim through a lot of the larger ones unless I find something I'm interested in. Then I go back and read more thoroughly. I do follow many of them as well
mta_morrow
Of course I have room for 1 more fish!
I try to read a bit of everyone I can. Then I chose whether or not to follow along.
Some I follow because there is an interesting DIY or an issue happening that I face as well.
Some I follow because of the actual people involved and the comradeship.
And some I have no personal interest in at all.
Some I follow because there is an interesting DIY or an issue happening that I face as well.
Some I follow because of the actual people involved and the comradeship.
And some I have no personal interest in at all.
Fudsey
Jack of all trades, Master of none ;-)
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I should also add that there are a ton that, for some unknown reason, just get skipped.
Breadman03
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That's half the reason I haven't created a build thread yet. I've got solid gear, but really need to clean things up. It just seems that I only ever have 20 minutes to make a change. Of course, I've got an unplanned 8 days off this week. I've got extra vacation time to burn and told my boss to just schedule it whenever it was convenient. I'm picturing a canopy and clearing out my basement because I've been a bit of a hoarder.
