What mistakes did you make?

[cptstnkpnts]

I am thinking of getting into the hobby. I have read quite a bit to date but I want to make sure if I do it I do it right. What was the biggest mistake you made when starting out. I am hoping to get a 90 at least as well as a sump. Other that that I'm not sure. I will want a reef tank however. Any advice? Thanks.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Here is thread about that: https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/ne...91641-what-biggest-mistake-you-made-noob.html

 

[mike007]

Biggest mistake i made years ago is that i wanted a instant reef. I did not know enough that it takes patience and time to create a successful reef. My advice is to take it slow and do your homework.

 

[jhoffa92]

Bought a fish from petco instantly got ick and all my fish lost I was inpatient take your time it is all so very exiting but u have to stay column and remember rule one in saltwater whitch is only things that happen in saltwater fast are mistakes

 

[misscoral]

Bought a fish from petco instantly got ick and all my fish lost I was inpatient take your time it is all so very exiting but u have to stay column and remember rule one in saltwater whitch is only things that happen in saltwater fast are mistakes

My very first fis b was a green chromis then a clown fish, both from petco. They are still well , alive and quite charming... although they do say be careful when buying from petco, and honestly I do believe that.. I think I just got lucky!!! Lol
My biggest mistake was haste.. I wanted everything YESTERDAY!
It doesnt work that way.. patience is a virtue. Sadly killed a few corals because I wouldnt .. one being a rainbow nem.. I wasnt ready for her. But I wanted... big mistake!
Please be patient, take your time and most of all enjoy every moment of it. Its a beautiful hobby..
Good luck...

 

[Baxterh]

Let me start by saying I've only been doing this for six months but I have learned a tremendous amount these past six months. I have a 46 with a 10 gallon sump. Most things I did backwards. I have spent hundreds on things I didn't need or we're not matched correctly to my setup. So what have I learned? Go slow. Research and find the middle ground. Understand your equipment and what it does. Dont underestimate the cycling process. My tank went through three cycles the first four months. Buy the best equipment unless you want to end up with 2 or 3 of everything. Patience and research. You can't read enough.

 

[Diamond1]

Buying my first tank in 1992.:wink: It was a 35 gallon hex I bought out of the classifieds with nothing but a trickle filter and a small light (12"freshwater bulb). I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. Now several tanks and a much thinner wallet later.....
I'm still loving it as much as I did when I bought my first fish. A $75 flame angle. Made lots of mistakes with that tank, like stocking issues, not being informed on proper maintenance and how really bad a trickle filter with bio balls was. The tank crashed every 6 months for a year and a half till I found out about live rock and threw the bio balls in the trash. The moral of the story. Be as informed as you can about the hobby and learn to take your time. For a long term set up to be successful you have to be patient and let it develop into something beautiful. I see way to many people who start up with a new tank and then throw a bunch of money at it buying corals and fish the tank or the hobbiest is not ready for.
Myself included:fish: