Ques. (Question of the Day?) If you could recommend something to a new reefer what would it be from your experience?
- Thread starter Cpage101
- Start date
Duds
Formerly Known as SrDudley25
Lighting, don’t cheap out on lighting. I tried and went the Amazon Nicrew hyperreef route and I thought they were great. I was told otherwise so I had some xr30 gen4s sitting in the basement waiting for the 180 build and thought I might as well try those. Wow what a difference it’s like a night and day difference I’m so glad I switched them. On the flip side of this I feel there are definitely areas that you don’t have to get the top of the line equipment and can save a buck.
OP
OP
Cpage101
Current BRS Vice President
100% agree and note there is a lot of stuff out there we know is just rebranded
SteveDola
Good Tings
The basic recommendation I have for long-term success is to plan out the system and buy the proper equipment for that system.
I can not advise more to purchase a web-connected controller and test system. Ive done the old-school methods of dosing by hand or using timer outlets and basic dosers...its not reliable and will falter over time. Once its set...do the work to protect your investment. In my experience, there is no replacement for patience and hard work. If you get into the hobby with a mindset of "set it and forget it" then this isn't for you. Dont rush progress, there is no replacement for consistency and dedication. If you do the work you will be rewarded. "WORK", in my opinion/experience, is testing, cleaning, and water changes. If you've invested all this money in to this hobby why would you not invest your time to make it successful and thrive?
I can not advise more to purchase a web-connected controller and test system. Ive done the old-school methods of dosing by hand or using timer outlets and basic dosers...its not reliable and will falter over time. Once its set...do the work to protect your investment. In my experience, there is no replacement for patience and hard work. If you get into the hobby with a mindset of "set it and forget it" then this isn't for you. Dont rush progress, there is no replacement for consistency and dedication. If you do the work you will be rewarded. "WORK", in my opinion/experience, is testing, cleaning, and water changes. If you've invested all this money in to this hobby why would you not invest your time to make it successful and thrive?
thrillreefer
Well-Known Member
Observe the tank! It’s fun, and you’ll notice little dramas that make it richer. Hermit crabs fighting, new sponge under that rock, frag knocked over, some weird creature, etc. Plus, you’ll have a good baseline for when something goes south, and you’ll know right away to look deeper. Why is that coral closed? Just sleeping/sloughing? Stung? Sick? Parameter issue? ATO has run dry? Along with that, it’s better to have the tank in a high traffic area (for me at least). Tank in the basement got neglected; tank in the kitchen gets watched obsessively (by me, and now my kids).
Swordsman82
Well-Known Member
Keep it simple, people have been successful in this hobby for decades with far far less stuff than we have today. You can have a tank that looks amazing with a good set of lights, a kalkwasser drip, and water changes.
Great advice already.
I’ll add; “Don’t try to learn by looking at and studying products and additives. MOST of what’s on the shelves is overpriced, unnecessary, and (if useful at all) DIY alternatives are dramatically less expensive and often better (because you know what you’re actually adding).
Much of this (retail) hobby is a scam. Educate yourself, or help Chris Brightwell but another yacht. Your choice.
I’ll add; “Don’t try to learn by looking at and studying products and additives. MOST of what’s on the shelves is overpriced, unnecessary, and (if useful at all) DIY alternatives are dramatically less expensive and often better (because you know what you’re actually adding).
Much of this (retail) hobby is a scam. Educate yourself, or help Chris Brightwell but another yacht. Your choice.
BiGGiePauls33
Current BRS President
How about the ol' K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) method, nothing good happen fast in this hobby except death unfortunately. Save your money and buy what you can afford equipment wise, I say this coming from a world of construction, buy good tools or boots once versus buying cheaper products multiple times.
Bostoncoral
Well-Known Member
Watch as much BRs tv bulk reef supply and maybe listen to the early jake adams reef therapy podcasts
ChrisPchef
Well-Known Member
Patience is a virtue, you can’t rush perfection. Lay back and enjoy the ride.. I’d also recommend explaining all this fancy equipment is not 100% necessary. I’d also recommend against chasing numbers.
I think it’s a misconception and can be intimidating for someone entering the hobby. I’ve talked to friends without tanks who are under the impression you need to be Albert Einstein to have a successful reef tank. Lastly never stop learning, always be open to new information.
I think it’s a misconception and can be intimidating for someone entering the hobby. I’ve talked to friends without tanks who are under the impression you need to be Albert Einstein to have a successful reef tank. Lastly never stop learning, always be open to new information.
OP
OP
Cpage101
Current BRS Vice President
This is only because we all started small and caught the bug! It doesn't have to be. Yes it is expensive in some sense to get started but if you KISS (Keep it Simple stupid) you can still have a really nice setup utilizing used and new equipment IMHO
