Why do you reef?

Scdell · Apr 5, 2019

Let's face it, we all have that one deep down desire that got us into this. What is yours?
I guess mine is the challenge. The desire to succeed that keeps me going. But the main reason is probably the beauty of a reef tank. Having a piece of the ocean!
While we're at it what is your favorite part of reefing and your less favorite part of it?
My favorite part would be to sit and watch my reef in awe.
Can't really say I have a least favorite part. I enjoy every part of it. Well, yeah, maybe cleaning filter socks.

ccombs · Apr 5, 2019

I got into reefing for the relaxation. My work is very intense so it is nice to watch the tank.

So far my reefing journey has been anything but relaxing. That being said, it keeps me going to know one day I will get there.

My least favorite part is disease prevention and QT.

Scdell · Apr 5, 2019

ccombs said:
I got into reefing for the relaxation. My work is very intense so it is nice to watch the tank.

So far my reefing journey has been anything but relaxing. That being said, it keeps me going to know one day I will get there.

My least favorite part is disease prevention and QT.

I find it relaxing until something goes wrong. Then it's an obession.

ReefTeacher · Apr 5, 2019

I got my first clownfish in 1979....I have stopped asking why!

SuncrestReef · Apr 5, 2019

My wife is a biologist who got her PhD in fish behavior. About 6 years ago I promised her an aquarium, but then when I looked into it I realized there was more to it than I anticipated. Several years went by, but then I retired and suddenly had plenty of free time to thoroughly research and figure out how to do it properly. Early 2018 I told her I was finally going to deliver on that aquarium promise, which she had totally forgotten by this time. She thought I meant something like a little nano reef, but I was thinking around 200 gallons. We compromised on a Reefer XL 425 in our living room.

I retired from 30 years in the IT industry, so I have an extensive background in computers, networking, and automation. I've also always had a strong interest in chemistry, mechanical engineering, biology, macro photography, snorkeling & diving, and DIY projects. The reef aquarium has allowed me to combine all of those interests into a single hobby. I have automated the crap out of my Reefer, filled it with some beautiful corals, love looking at it, and taking beautiful photos of the tank inhabitants.

I love watching people's reaction to seeing my aquarium for the first time.

Scdell · Apr 5, 2019

SuncrestReef said:
My wife is a biologist who got her PhD in fish behavior. About 6 years ago I promised her an aquarium, but then when I looked into it I realized there was more to it than I anticipated. Several years went by, but then I retired and suddenly had plenty of free time to thoroughly research and figure out how to do it properly. Early 2018 I told her I was finally going to deliver on that aquarium promise, which she had totally forgotten by this time. She thought I meant something like a little nano reef, but I was thinking around 200 gallons. We compromised on a Reefer XL 425 in our living room.

I retired from 30 years in the IT industry, so I have an extensive background in computers, networking, and automation. I've also always had a strong interest in chemistry, mechanical engineering, biology, macro photography, snorkeling & diving, and DIY projects. The reef aquarium has allowed me to combine all of those interests into a single hobby. I have automated the crap out of my Reefer, filled it with some beautiful corals, love looking at it, and taking beautiful photos of the tank inhabitants.

I love watching people's reaction to seeing my aquarium for the first time.

Nice! And great story!

cracker · Apr 5, 2019

It's the challenge for me. if every goes as planned I get to step back & admire the beauty .

Jeight · Apr 5, 2019

I have had tanks since I was 5..in 1992 I tried reefing for the first time...actinic growlux bulbs, hob skilters, bleached white nems, the whole early 90's try to keep it alive vibe. LFS sold me a sea slug..cool invert they said...a month later it died but I didn't know it and it was expanded like a balloon. Long story short it blew up overnight and killed everything in the tank. A week later it was a freshwater tank and I swore I would never again.

I'm in my 50's now and my wife wanted me to try it again. Coming here and reading and watching so many youtube videos I realized it wasn't my fault everything died. I'm now righting a wrong from my past. And every day I wake up and check to make sure everything is still alive

Scdell · Apr 5, 2019

Jeight said:
I have had tanks since I was 5..in 1992 I tried reefing for the first time...actinic growlux bulbs, hob skilters, bleached white nems, the whole early 90's try to keep it alive vibe. LFS sold me a sea slug..cool invert they said...a month later it died but I didn't know it and it was expanded like a balloon. Long story short it blew up overnight and killed everything in the tank. A week later it was a freshwater tank and I swore I would never again.

I'm in my 50's now and my wife wanted me to try it again. Coming here and reading and watching so many youtube videos I realized it wasn't my fault everything died. I'm now righting a wrong from my past. And every day I wake up and check to make sure everything is still alive

Yep! Tried that stuff in the 80's. So much has changed. Again another great story!

DarkSky · Apr 5, 2019

Because it's cheaper and less addictive than drugs.

Wait...

vector824 · Apr 5, 2019

My wife doesn't like pets (she likes animals, just not in her house) and I like having something to care for so we compromised on a fish tank (had to be salt though). I have a strong interest in science and nature, so reefing was a good fit because it scratches all my itches. It's like one big ongoing science experiment to me. I'm fascinated by all the beautiful creatures I care for and love to watch their behavior and personalities come out.

Scdell · Apr 5, 2019

Interesting how many different stories everyone has. I'm liking it!

Elliott Comans · Apr 5, 2019

The change of corals throughout he day. A freshwater tank is the same all day. During the morning when I'm having coffee the coral tentacles are huge, later with full light they are plump and juicy. You don't get to appreciate that change diving, unless you day and night dive the same spot constantly.
Same coral in photos as example