What are your years of experience??

[Zach B]

17 years keeping saltwater tanks this October

 

[Idech]

I’m a newbie with saltwater but many decades with freshwater ! I suppose that‘s what most people do : start with freshwater then switch, or keep both.

 

[Reefer Reboot]

41 years and the only advice I have is, "Don't blindly believe anything I say, verify it first".

 

[DivingTheWorld]

35+ Here's a couple that might save your life:

1. If a tube pops off the back of your tank and starts cascading water, don't reach down to unplug stuff. Go find and shut off the breaker. Thankfully I survived!
2. Better yet, use GFI outlets!

 

[littlebeard]

About 15 years for me. I wouldn't consider myself advanced... I've probably run into more problems than someone whose only had their tank up a few years though Lol. So that's just experience ... not skill. I've also gotten slightly better at seeing the reefers who really know their stuff.

Regardless , I'm Still having a blast and one day I will get a few of those danged sticks to grow in my tank.

 

[Frithton]

Started 16 years ago just to see if I could do it.
Patience, research before you add animals, stability and keep it simple..

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

20+ and have learned I don’t know ****

 

[PanchoG]

I have more than 5 years of experience but I will not call me an advance reefer. Still have much to learn.

 

[dantimdad]

@dantimdad You definitely need to give us a gem of advice for all of us.

SLOW DOWN! Let nature take it's course. Put the chemicals in the trash.

 

[Greybeard]

1st marine tank, 1984, I think... Bought my first coral probably 1993.

Longevity ≠ expertise

Greybeard's rules of reefing:

1) Good things don't happen fast. Slow Down.
2) Keep your filthy mitts outta the dag blasted tank!
3) Water Changes.

 

[SPS2020]

If memory serves, I've been in the hobby around 33 years. Listen and learn from others; share your own experiences. It's been amazing to see what has come about in the hobby over the last decade. In the beginning (for me), Martin Moe's first two books (The Marine Aquarium Handbook and more importantly, The Marine Aquarium Reference) were both full of crucial information. I wore the Reference book out and bought the next edition. lol Other books and articles from Calfo and Sprung were essential as well. Online forums have advanced the hobby for me to a whole new level. The ease at which we can search and share information, ask questions and get opinions from those who have been there before is just amazing. Thanks Reef2Reef, WetWebMedia, ReefCentral, BRS and others who facilitate greater knowledge.

 

[radiata]

I'm going on 50 years keeping inverts (and that was before the term "reefing" entered the aquarium keeping hobby).

My "sound advice" is: "There are Many Paths up the Mountain". There are many, many, many successful methodologies for keeping a reef tank. So (1), don't believe everything you read - there's a lot of reefing myth on the Internet, and (2), do your homework and seek the best path for your own skill level and finances!

 

[dantimdad]

Anyone notice the common theme amongst long time reef keepers? Slow down!

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Good test kits to get you started, then keep a routine for food in and food out. Try your best not to chase different equipment upgrades. Set it and forget but don’t forget to clean it!

 

[NowGlazeIT]

9 years deep another 50 to go god willing

 

[-XENOMORPH-]

3 to 4 years. Water changes and all4reef. Don't overfeed. BOOM!!!!

 

[fish farmer]

I wouldn't consider myself an Advanced reefer with 20 years experience. I set the bar low and keep softies and LPS, most things a beginner should be able to do pretty easily with WC, good light, good rock, maybe some kalk dosing. Also don't overstock your tank with fish.

 

[ClownSchool]

3 to 4 years. Water changes and all4reef. Don't overfeed. BOOM!!!!

I’ve been seeing calcium spikes with all4reef crystal despite dosing 1/4 of recommended amount. Are you using the liquid?

 

[Rmckoy]

20+ years since starting my first tank .
I will say nothing is even close to what it was then .

knowledge , equipment , understanding or reefing in general ,

even with many years . I would not consider myself a pro or veteran .

 

[ClownSchool]

It’s my 7th month…