Do We Tend To Make Reefing More Difficult?

[Reefer Matt]

Just curious if you think Reefers tend to make reefing more difficult than it has to be. To me it seems that the more information we get, the more we try to tweak things to stay at a certain level. It seems like the goal of achieving a thriving reef turns into a goal of chasing numbers instead for some. What do you think?

 

[Jasonak]

If it were easy everyone would have beautiful reef tanks
Im saying reef tanks not FO.

 

[Reefer Matt]

If it were easy everyone would have beautiful reef tanks
Im saying reef tanks not FO.

I agree. I’m just wondering how much (if any) of our failure is self induced by perceived things we think we have to achieve that may not be necessary.

 

[Jasonak]

I feel everything I do is a must to keep my tank at the level its at. I dont do allot, I DOS and test and try and keep levels steady more than anything. I used to do only water changes and never tested for anything ,lazy reefer. I grew montis lps one type of acro that was bullet proof. People would ohh and ahh at that tank. Now when people see my tank they think its fake LOL They cant grasp the variety and color of all the coral. After I explain its all alive. Most people just look at the fish and dont even think about the coral other than its a decoration that you could buy at petco

Edit: Im dealing with failures right now, random RTN. That being said that would happen to me back when I didnt have everything dialed in also. So its hard to say what causes it.

 

[SliceGolfer]

I think new hobbyists get caught up in the gear and believe they need it all versus applying in the correct situation. For example, how many threads have you read where someone has a new tank, with a protein skimmer, media reactor full of something polishing the water, a refugium or turf scrubber, ozone, roller mat, and are dosing NoPox. They then wonder why their nutrients are zero and they're battling dinos or cyano. Then they are ultra reactive and pour magic elixirs in the tank looking for instant gratification.

This being said (in a BattleCorals forum) I'm really digging my BC BubbleBath Unicorn, Rainbow's Army, Efflo 2.0, and Honeybee!

 

[Reefer Matt]

This being said (in a BattleCorals forum) I'm really digging my BC BubbleBath Unicorn, Rainbow's Army, Efflo 2.0, and Honeybee!

Those are definitely awesome coral!

 

[danreef55]

Yes, reefers often make things more complicated than necessary. Maintaining a successful reef tank does require knowledge of water chemistry, it's just one piece of the puzzle. The fundamentals—water flow, lighting, and coral placement—are equally important. Corals thrive when their needs for proper water movement, appropriate lighting, and the right location in the tank are met. Overcomplicating the process with excessive tweaks and devices can be counterproductive. Focusing on stability in these key areas often leads to a thriving, healthy reef.
Current automated monitoring assists in avoiding crashes. Redundancy of equipment is highly advised.

Do not misunderstand me consistent vigilance is required. until a tank is full matured. If it was easy everyone would be successful. Happy reefing

 

[Mschmidt]

I voted yes, but before you take my advice, read my signature.

 

[Reefer Matt]

I voted yes, but before you take my advice, read my signature.

Lol! I forgot I can turn my phone sideways to see those. I like to keep my confidence very modest. I know the minute I think I’m awesome at reefing, one of my tanks will remind me that I can’t control nature. I can only contain it.

 

[Mschmidt]

Lol! I forgot I can turn my phone sideways to see those. I like to keep my confidence very modest. I know the minute I think I’m awesome at reefing, one of my tanks will remind me that I can’t control nature. I can only contain it.

I'll never forget the nursing student I had a class with that said "I'm one semester into my nursing studies so I know the right course of action for (complicated bioethical issue)." My brain glitched a bit on that one before choking back the biggest "oh honey, how your heart."

Regarding reefing, it seems to be eager for adding complications, and smart people are making a ton of money complicating it. But that's he work some people. Others run very nice reefs with very little mind to the minutiae.

 

[DexterKarin]

As a new reefer, i can say absolutely yes we make things harder than needed. For me it is both the nature of information (everyone has an answer and you will get many answers) and how information is not in one place. I feel like I'm whipped around alot. Follow some advice and then get whipped around to its opposite. I got a bit too into chasing numbers. Recently i listened to Ryan (BRSTv) 3 part series presented at the 2024 reefpaloozes. I loved it and made things much more simple for me. It is what this beginner needed.

 

[Battlecorals]

Just curious if you think Reefers tend to make reefing more difficult than it has to be. To me it seems that the more information we get, the more we try to tweak things to stay at a certain level. It seems like the goal of achieving a thriving reef turns into a goal of chasing numbers instead for some. What do you think?

absolutely I think most of it comes to adding "stuff" they think they need and not being patient probably the two key definers.

 

[Fenral]

Speaking from a long time ago - and just returning to the hobby - there is so much stuff out there now - that is nothing but hype and marketing. The simple basics have not changed in 20+ years. But god, is there a lot of stuff to fix that problem, or solve this problem... when we used to just allow things to run the cycle and balance out over time. The reason so many people fail - is the rushing to ever-greater perfection - but it's all an illusion

Sadly, if only we could find out why STN/RTN happens...