Honestly... I joined initially because one of the vendors here (
@CherryCorals) was having a live sale and mentioned it when I was in visiting their shop one day. From there, I started lurking quite a bit, reading about all of the problem that other people were having that were the same as those I was struggling through. Since then Ive found that the vast breadth of knowledge, opinions and experience that Reef2Reef offers made it my one stop shop for questions, shopping (through the forum sponsors) and reference. I love that there are not only hobbyists on this site that are active (because face it, without a big participant base, forums are boring), but also sponsors that will field questiosn and make suggestions here (not only to their own threads, but they are active in the community too!), scientists that will offer an explanation as to WHY something is happening, not just a quick fix, and the sheer experience of others (Like
@Paul B ,
@3FordFamily ,
@evolved ,
@glennf and numerous others) and stories of why and how they are successful. I feel like my interest in the hobby has gone from the initial frustration and shock of trying to run a small salt tank with no real knowledge, to a point where now I feel like I have something to offer other people as they are starting out. And I feel like I can attempt somethings that I normally wouldnt have (like feeding live foods for example, or starting a calcium reactor) because I can read about others experience, formulate an idea, ask questions and experiment - all with support if I need it.
As a direct result of this forum; I have corals with no pests (from quality vendors and dipping routines), Fish that are thriving, getting along with one another and are without disease (again quality vendors and quarantining processes), a big tank that is in process of becoming something wonderful, and an appreciation for all of the things that are being done in the hobby that were unthinkable even ten years ago. Learning about how we're in the process of being able to captively breed tangs and anthias is amazing, watching live coral spawn in someone's tank, or just seeing sea creatures that we've never had the opportunity to see before. This forum lets me participate, even if I dont live anywhere near Florida or New York or California. I get to indulge my nerdy scientist side (outside of the work lab) but I also get to kick back and relax and look at gorgeous reefs from all over the world. This is truely a special place - I think thats evident by the love and support that the community puts out on this forums - from sponsors to adminstrators to simply those lurking and reading from the quiet of their armchair.
This may have gotten a little sappy, but its honest. I'm happy to be a part of this community and enjoy the benefits of it nearly everyday. I'm truly grateful for an opportunity and am happy to support the site as well!
(You've been warned!) 
You just become mesmerized by the open and friendly atmosphere. It's a pleasure being part of this community.
