Why do you keep reefs?

[Northern Flicker]

I was thinking about this today as I was reading through some posts. Some of us have a lot of flexibility time wise, some finance wise, some have neither. It doesn't matter, we all love it. We all spend far more time and money on our tanks than the average person would ever guess.

Why do you do it?

 

[Rusty_L_Shackleford]

Because I NEED to. Iv been in the hobby since i was 12. Im 37 now. I was out for 8 years because i moved to hawaii to study marine bio and aquaculture. Reefs are very much a way of life for me. Fortunately i have a very understanding wife who bought me a tank for my birthday when we moved. She has the bug now to and we just got a second tank.

 

[JGT]

It’s what all the cool kids are doing.

 

[Rugops]

It’s what all the cool kids are doing.

*special
lol
The family literally calls me "The Nerd". I did a reef tank because I can't have a larger tank for a FOWLR. I had stuff lying around from when I did freshwater so I just updated my tank to salt (my wallet needed an update too). My family doesn't even know how much I've spent $1300

 

[kbnh]

My dad had one when I was a kid, it was too much maintenance for him then but it sparked my want for one. Now it brings me some peace and tranquility after a long day and my daughter loves looking at the tank and trying to say “fishy!” Which will make my worst day instantly better

 

[19Mateo83]

It’s something I’ve always loved and at the end of the day I can wind down and watch my tank. It brings me a little slice of peace and serenity in this crazy world.

 

[WestMI-Reefer]

I reef to pass the time.

 

[GatorGreg]

That’s actually a good question. Ever since I was a child I’ve been drawn to keeping some sort of critters in a glass box for viewing purposes.

My parents brought me to an aquarium one time on vacation when I was about 15 and there was a proper reef tank (probably a 75g) off to the side not like their big huge systems. I had to be dragged away from it lol. Later that year they bought me a jbj nano cube and some sand and live rock. We slowly stocked it and it was very successful. They ended up taking it down after I moved out. I didn’t regain the passion for it until later on in life. After bringing my children to an aquarium and being blown away by another well set up proper reef tank. I guess it came full circle. It’s very relaxing for me. Almost like therapeutic like people keeping their plants or a garden.

 

[Rmckoy]

I’ve had a tank in my living room for too long without it would be complete silence .
What else could I possibly spend money on ?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I was thinking about this today as I was reading through some posts. Some of us have a lot of flexibility time wise, some finance wise, some have neither. It doesn't matter, we all love it. We all spend far more time and money on our tanks than the average person would ever guess.

Why do you do it?

Love of the ocean
Color
Aquatic life

 

[Rmckoy]

Love of the ocean
Color
Aquatic life

The odd part for me.
Night and day .
reefing and aviation .

 

[Kmst80]

Serenity.
For me the Tank has replaced the TV.
I love it to come home and watch what's going on in the reef.
Has been a dream of mine for 10+ years.

 

[iamacat]

I don’t think I have ever considered not having one since starting one in 2010. It was a challenge that was constantly making me more and more intrigued.

it’s by far the most fascinating thing in my home and I love to watch it. All the way down to the finest details it is rich with life

*of course I have screamed and threatened tearing down*

 

[56longroof]

For me it's the relaxation. I can sit and watch my tank for hours. I've been keeping either freshwater or saltwater for almost 40 years. I can't imagine not having a aquarium.

 

[Gtinnel]

I’m a glutton for punishment…….well that and the pretty fish and corals.

 

[Megaloptera]

Because it's my job, well, I made it my job. I work at an environmental center and wrote a grant to create a beach lesson. We renovated a classroom into our beach classroom. We have 4 tanks built into the walls featuring different aquatic habitats in FL. One is the "FL Keys Reef Tank" So now I get to reef while on the clock. Admittedly, I spend more time in that room than I probably should.

 

[HB AL]

I've been asking myself that for 38 years, when I figure it out I'll let ya know

 

[Reefwild]

It all began with sea monkeys

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

Because I like blowing money and I am a glutton for punishment