Why Do You Reef?

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

Everyone has a different reason to own a reef aquarium, what's yours?

 

[vlangel]

I started out years ago with a FOWLR tank because I loved the colors of saltwater fish. I got my son into saltwater as well and then he began to venture into coral. Then it was his turn to get me into reefs.

I stay in it because it's like gardening but can be done in the house even in the winter! And I still love the fish!

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

I don't currently have a tank (I hope to have one in the hopefully not too distant future though), but I'm interested in them because of the life and the ecosystem they involve - I love learning about the delicate, complex balance of the ecosystem and the role each organism and inorganic factor plays in it. So, basically, I like the idea of figuring out how to make a little, functional ecosystem in a box (and I don't count it as cheating to use mechanical equipment to make up for my inability to naturally provide heat, flow, light, etc. to that ecosystem).

So, that and the fact that my kids like the fish and inverts are why I plan to own a reef aquarium in the future.

 

[homer1475]

The challenge, and the beauty. And I suck at golf.

 

[nuxx Verified Sponsor]

Had freshwater when I was a kid. Wanted salt and my parents said no.

Saw Tanked as an adult with my wife and ended up doing a 55 gallon setup.

Like most things I take things too far and so on and so on.

Now I'm in business with Eric Cohen who we used to see on Tanked all those years ago lol

 

[Miami Reef]

I like animals, biology, and colorful things.

 

[Soren]

I find it to be a wonderful merger of several personal interests:
Biology, chemistry, physics, math, engineering, system design, mechanics, animals, plants, beauty, artistic expression, nature, opportunity to be mesmerized, maybe more.

Fish are probably still my favorite life form, but I like how there are several distinct categories of life in a complete marine habitat from simple to complex and microscopic to macroscopic.

 

[ReefGeezer]

I've thought the same thing, but it goes more like "Why the @%&$ do I do this"! As winter approaches here in Kansas, I remember... So I will have something to do when it's cold. Winter sucks, but the bright colorful reef makes it better. It may even be a treatment for seasonal depression. Maybe we can get our medical insurance to pay up. I'd be glad to pay my deductible.

 

[Auquanut]

I've kept WF tanks for decades. I'd always been fascinated with reef tanks but was daunted by the supposed complexity. My wife convinced me to build my first biocube.

Add to that I'm a retired (landlocked) sailor, and that I've been a diver since the early 90's, and I guess it was just meant to be.

I have to admit that I was not prepared for how AMAZING this "hobby" is. I'm still running a 55-gallon planted FW tank, my 125 reef, and am currently cycling a 130-gallon FOWLRish tank. It really has become a part of my life and who I am.

My sister thinks I'm obsessed, bordering on crazy. Thinking about it, she may be right. I just don't think about it.

 

[danielankeny]

Everyone has a different reason to own a reef aquarium, what's yours?

Building and establishing a functional ecosystem for me!

 

[jabberwock]

Had tanks for 40 years. Mostly freshwater. I am not sure why...

 

[herozero]

Got tired of not being able to dive often enough, and we‘ve had fish ever since (fall of 2007?). Love the animals and biodiversity, hate becoming an amateur plumber/electrician/chemist.

 

[MexiReefer]

I find it to be a wonderful merger of several personal interests:
Biology, chemistry, physics, math, engineering, system design, mechanics, animals, plants, beauty, artistic expression, nature, opportunity to be mesmerized, maybe more.

Fish are probably still my favorite life form, but I like how there are several distinct categories of life in a complete marine habitat from simple to complex and microscopic to macroscopic.

x2 exact same answer from my side

 

[ninjamyst]

When I was a kid (30+ years ago), my dad started a 55g reef tank. It brought our family together. We used to go to the local fish store and pick out corals and fish. He and my mom were both into it. Then life happened and they went through a bad divorce. My dad and I were never close to begin with and we grew even more distance as time went on. We don't talk much. As my career took off and I have more disposable income, I started a nano tank. Talking reef was the only thing that brought us closer. Then I got him hooked on it again and now he has 5 tanks of his own. LoL.

 

[shakacuz]

my previous landlord prohibited dogs, so i had to settle for something else. i also have a created gecko tank, and a western hognose snake tank. i like tinkering and for what i saw and now experience, keeping a reef requires lots of tinkering (even if fully automated!).

my new landlord is open to dogs so long as they’re a therapy dog….. so my GF now has anxiety

 

[jabberwock]

Had tanks for 40 years. Mostly freshwater. I am not sure why...

I think I figured it out.

 

[blaxsun]

Cheaper than travelling and I can "scuba dive" without having to get wet.

 

[Auquanut]

Cheaper than travelling and I can "scuba dive" without having to get wet.

Yeh. But it's just-not-the-same. I really, really NEED to go diving!

 

[blaxsun]

Yeh. But it's just-not-the-same. I really, really NEED to go diving!

Flight delays, airport security checks (shoes on, shoes off, etc.), getting sick as a result of passing through various airports and breathing recycled air, whining/crying kids for an entire 6+ hour flight...

Yeah, forget that. Give me an actual bed & breakfast within driving range any day.

 

[Auquanut]

Flight delays, airport security checks (shoes on, shoes off, etc.), getting sick as a result of passing through various airports and breathing recycled air, whining/crying kids for an entire 6+ hour flight...

Yeah, forget that. Give me an actual bed & breakfast within driving range any day.

Yeah. My wife and I are trying to figure out a way that we can get to the Keys without having to deal with all of the headaches. Starting to formulate a plan.