Why do you do it?

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Why do you do it?

There seems to be many reasons for getting into this hobby, some enjoy a challenge, some are eager to explore new adventures, some see monetary value, some see it as a status symbol, some get submerged in the biology of it, some for the technology and some simply want to enjoy a slice of the reef.

Regardless the subtle differences, it certainly seems that for most of us, this is our tribe, we feel a sense of belonging amongst one another, if you put a group of us in a room together, we will talk for hours about any subject reef related.

In order to be successful, we quickly develop a keen aptitude in many disciplines encompassing the hobby, I don’t know if that’s by coincidence or if there’s a correlation with our passion that seems to pull us in. This is exactly the kind of connection I’d like to explore. Rightfully so, reefing isn’t for everyone, so…

1. Why do you think you were drawn to this hobby?

2. Does this hobby attract a specific type of person? If so who?

3. What are some common traits that you think are innate in every reefer?


This QOTD comes to us from our good member @Sisterlimonpot. Thank you for the question!

 

[Clownfish_Boy]

I love doing a saltwater aquarium (FO or FOWLR) because I so love to have beautiful saltwater fishes in my home.

 

[SAWFISH]

It is so hard to pick just two, when there are so many benefits of being in the hobby!

 

[Ippyroy]

I now live many miles from the beach and truly miss it.

 

[driftin]

One of the reasons I maintain a reef is for the beauty it brings to our home; the tank is like having a constantly moving and evolving work of art for us to appreciate.

 

[RJKain-777]

I love the ocean and the diversity it has. It also helps with my anxiety and depression.

 

[WVNed]

It just makes me happy.

 

[Peace River]

The learned knowledge that I can apply to my conservation efforts is beneficial and I enjoy the aquatic community (especially the R2R community!).

 

[KrisReef]

Why do you think you were drawn to this hobby?

I was told as a youth that having a reef tank would help me become a more popular person, especially with the opposite gender. That turned out to be true for a number of reasons anyway, but a reef is certainly a winning ticket for one's social life.

2. Does this hobby attract a specific type of person? If so who?

This is a touchy subject, Rev. On the bright side, our hobby attracts many kind, loving, and beautiful people who are generally wonderful to be with. I find myself feeling sorry for those people who are not attracted to the hobby. T

3. What are some common traits that you think are innate in every reefer?

Well it's a broad spectrum of kind-hearted people that keep reef tanks. Hopefully, they have a good sense of humor or else I'm gonna get banned for posting this. Truly!

How come we can only pick two?

Happy Birthday!

 

[MERKEY]

Honestly I needed a new hobby that kept me more involved.

Reefing was not even on our minds but we walked into a small LFS and walked out with a small biocube

5 years later we have gone threw a few tanks and now have a 220 ;Hilarious

The sick coincidence is the more you get into the hobby the more automated things become which leads to needing another hobby.....I mean TANK!!

 

[stanleo]

1. Why do you think you were drawn to this hobby?

Columbus had an LFS that was huge and like a public aquarium and made me realize what was possible with keeping aquariums. I started with FW planted and taking over my then boyfriend's now husband's reef tank that he didn't do very well and it evolved from there. I fell in love with the diversity and the infinite combinations of what is possible.

2. Does this hobby attract a specific type of person? If so who?

I don't think so. I have met men and women, young and old, rich and poor, liberal and conservative, highly educated and not, black and white, gay and straight. Reefers seem to be as diverse as the reef itself.

3. What are some common traits that you think are innate in every reefer?

A love of animals of all kinds, not just the furry ones. Patience. A strong work ethic seems to be very important.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

2. Does this hobby attract a specific type of person? If so who?

I don't think so. I have met men and women, young and old, rich and poor, liberal and conservative, highly educated and not, black and white, gay and straight. Reefers seem to be as diverse as the reef itself.

I wasn't thinking along the lines of demographics, I was thinking more along the lines of inherit traits that we possess that draw us in to the hobby.

 

[stanleo]

I wasn't thinking along the lines of demographics, I was thinking more along the lines of inherit traits that we possess that draw us in to the hobby.

Then doesn't that make 2 and 3 very similar questions?

 

[Auquanut]

I voted other because I couldn't decide on 2 that really nail it.

1. Why do you think you were drawn to this hobby?
I've kept FW tanks for many years. Still do. The reef was the next logical step. I've also been a diver forever. Being landlocked now, my reef keeps the ocean close to me. A few other things: It fascinates me. I can't get over the beauty of it. My tanks really do seem to bring me a certain degree of focus and... I don't know. Serenity?

2. Does this hobby attract a specific type of person? If so who?
I don't know about a certain "type" of person. We're all so different.

3. What are some common traits that you think are innate in every reefer?
That's a good one. I'll bet that if some scientific think tank were to pick all our brains, they'd come up with quite a few traits that we all share. Of course, they'd probably have us all committed.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

BUMP!

 

[Flame2hawk]

Love the colorful fish seen while diving and snorkeling around the world replicated in my home. Its majestic, and yes indeed challenging not to mention expensive! (LOL)

 

[Reefs and Geeks]

All of the above, at one point or another. One that's always been true for me is the love of the ocean and desire to have a small slice I can see daily. Got into it for that and because I wanted a hobby. Now, I am really enjoying that it's something I can share with my son (3yr old). He loves helping me with the tank, pointing out his favorite snails, and selling/trading frags. Though he tends to get upset every time he sees a frag go, saying "the man took my coral". Always have to tell him we'll get him some new coral.

 

[MombasaLionfish]

Well it is enjoyable for many reasons but lately I've not been into it because of GHA.

 

[bobbyM]

Need an all of the above option.

 

[ron garnett]

I love having a piece of the reef in my home. It's a constant source of enjoyment and relaxation.