Do you have a reefing tip that would be considered "underrated"?

[PharmrJohn]

Patience and research.

Perfect.

 

[Eric19]

There’s a ton of “post hoc, ergo propter hoc” bias in the hobby.

After it, therefore because of it.

Which means similar anecdotes are often considered definitive data, and that makes it nearly impossible to separate myth from fact. I could quickly list 10 things that are often taken as fact in the hobby, that aren't “facts” in my tank.

So be careful when doing research. Many well-meaning reefers with nice tanks are happy to give advice, with a lot of conviction, but only a minority are dispensing truly accurate knowledge. Don’t let that stop you from asking questions, just use it as a lens through which you interpret the responses.

 

[andrewey]

Don't chase numbers.
Keep it simple.
Consistency is key.

 

[Paul B]

Yes I do. But 90% of what I do to my tank would elicit 95% of the arguments on here so I prefer to remain silent on 100% of them.

 

[MrGisonni]

Keep a log with parameters, dates and photos of your reef.

 

[DHK-BHWNJ]

Keeping your ungloved hands out of your tank……

 

[PupChow]

If you leave it alone long enough, most issues go away on it's own one way or another. This also applies to life.

(of course, use best judgement on what will likely not go away on it's own, or may take your whole tank with it...)

 

[Thalasstronaut]

There’s a ton of “post hoc, ergo propter hoc” bias in the hobby.

After it, therefore because of it.

Which means similar anecdotes are often considered definitive data, and that makes it nearly impossible to separate myth from fact. I could quickly list 10 things that are often taken as fact in the hobby, that aren't “facts” in my tank.

So be careful when doing research. Many well-meaning reefers with nice tanks are happy to give advice, with a lot of conviction, but only a minority are dispensing truly accurate knowledge. Don’t let that stop you from asking questions, just use it as a lens through which you interpret the responses.

Do you have any examples of these facts but not facts? Genuinely curious.

 

[Bouldereefer]

New home build. Plumbing is PEX so continued plumbing tank with PEX. Used brass fittings. After a few months copper level high. Google plumbing states copper doesn’t leach from brass fittings. Finally gave up. Re-did all the plumbing with plastic fittings. Copper level now zero. Never use brass. Plan ahead before even starting.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

RESEARCH. Research everything; make research of reef stuff your new hyperfocus and never stop researching after your tank is already running! You can always expand your knowledge more, always!

This is a good tip! It can help you learn different aspects of the hobby or learn about something before you buy it

 

[Mellotang]

If your skimmer skimmate doesn’t smell,
Your skimmers not working!

 

[Nburg's Reef]

if you spend high end prices for anything, make it your ATO

 

[The new fish on the block]

Command strips have been the bane of my existence recently, haha. I can never get them to stick properly and when I mess up placing one, the stickiness is toast on it.

Rubbing Alcohol is your friend! Make sure you clean the area you are applying it to. Salt residue gets everywhere, even if you can’t see any there’s probably some on the surface.