Daniel@R2R
Living the Reef Life
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My Tank Thread
The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here! After an amazing round of entries, we’re excited to introduce you to our Mariner of the Month finalists—a group of incredible reef hobbyists who have shared their passion, creativity, and dedication to the reefing hobby. Now it’s your turn to decide who will take home this month’s title!
Remember: This contest isn’t just about the tank—it’s about the Mariner. While their reef tank and aquascaping skills are certainly part of the equation, this vote should celebrate the overall spirit of the hobbyist:
These finalists embody the heart of reefing as they Dream, Explore, and Discover—dreaming of beautiful reefs, exploring new techniques, and discovering themselves through this amazing hobby. Take a few moments to read their entries, check out their stories, and get inspired by their journey. Every vote counts, so let’s give these hobbyists the recognition they deserve!
What’s at Stake?
This month’s winner will receive:
But that’s not all—they’ll also secure a spot in the running for the Mariner of the Year, with a grand prize valued at over $12,000!
How to Vote
Browse through the finalist entries below, then cast your vote for the Mariner you believe best embodies the heart and soul of this contest. Votes must be registered at the poll in this thread (not as comments). Votes must be cast by accounts with at least 10 posts and 2 weeks of membership at R2R. Voting closes on November 30, 2024, so don’t wait too long!
Let’s make this an unforgettable experience for our finalists—vote now and celebrate the best of the reefing community!
Meet our Finalists!!
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Mariner #1 - @Johnd651
Name of Reef: HelloReef 15 - TSA Giveaway
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I got into Marine aquariums in 2010 after moving to Salt Lake City to work on my PhD with Pacific Sandcastle worms. At that point I had multiple 55's with FW community fish, and African Cichlids. I was excited to try something a little more difficult, and try to combine it with what I was doing at school. I started a 10 gallon at home, and was experimenting with homemade led lights. I started research tanks at school for bio-adhesives for coral restoration with a 40B of live rock plumbed to a frag tank with MH. A few years in I switched to an MBA and had left the program causing a 10 year hiatus. We moved cross country to central NY, into an 1886 Victorian that needed work. We plan on putting in a bigger 6-7ft tank, and as we have been working on the house have added extra electrical, plumbing, and blocking in preparation for a bigger build. In the mean time, I had won a R2R sweepstakes and started out with the HelloReef15 AIO cube. And that brings me to today, adding coral and fish to the 15.
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Mariner #2 - @tbrown
Name of Reef: My ESHOPPS Mariner 70 Mixed Reef Upgrade Upgrade Downsize but Upgrade
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
When I was younger - a boy of 12 or 13, my mom got our first saltwater tank. I had been running low tech freshwater tanks for around 5 or 6 years at that time and had, at that time, 6 different aquariums running in my bedroom including a successful zebra danio breeding tank. When my brought home this 70 gallon tank and filled it with beautiful white sand and rock and added handfuls or Cerith snails and blue leg hermits crabs, I was hooked! Then, she added a grouper and a snowflake eel which was awesome! We had a fish store a half mile from our house that I went to weekly to purchase my crickets for my bearded dragon so I started buying some feeder goldfish while I was there. I remember dumping a dozen feeders in the tank and watching the grouper and snowflake hunt down and ambush the goldfish. I remember the scales shooting out the gills on the grouper as it sucked own the goldfish in a giant gulp. Ever since those days, Saltwater Tanks have been in my veins.
After I got married, my wife wasn't really that into fish tanks, but for Father's Day one year she decided to let me set up a 29 gallon planted tank. That morphed into a 50 over 29 planted. Then added a 125 African Cichlid tank, a second 29 gallon planted community tank, and 3 10 gallon Cherry Shrimp tanks. Those were all doing a decent job of keeping me satisfied, but I still didn't have my reef tank.
Fast forward 5 more years and I finally convinced my wife we needed a mixed reef tank! I brought home my own 70 from a thrift shop that I purchased for $15, built a welded steel stand, gathered all the equipment, and had a semi-successful reef!
That was 5 reefs ago and now I'm back to a 70 that's running more successful than the old one ever ran. Thanks @ESHOPPS.INC for an amazing tank: The ESHOPPS Mariner 70 Mixed Reef!
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Mariner #3 - @Stang67
Name of Reef: The 180g. Third time around.
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I was having a spat with my man. He was off doing his hobby and I was left unsupervised, and mad. Not a good combination. I had started getting into scuba diving and thought it would be cool to have a saltwater tank in the house. He thought it was a silly idea. I thougjt he was being a jerk, which he was. So I went out and bought a 29g starter kit just to spite him and prove him wrong. He's never second guessed something I have wanted to try since.
Ps just got back from an epic dive trip (Bali) where I saw stuff like this.
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Mariner #4 - @KingAlee
Name of Reef: River’s Reef (named after my soon to be born son)
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I first started in freshwater, my wife and I purchased our first tank together at the beginning of this year. Knowing nothing about it all we dove straight into it. After expanding across multiple tanks, multiple tank syndrome, she had the great idea of getting a reef tank to tell our soon to be born son that “Nemo” happened in our tank. Not knowing then I would now have 3 reef tanks… 2 large and one nano I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this hobby, I know I’ve only been in it for a couple of months I’m excited to see where everything goes!
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Mariner #5 - @Dburr1014
Name of Reef: The last is sometimes the best.
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
Growing up we didn't have a whole lot of money and I was one of six, the youngest. My cousin, who lives with my grandparents seem to have everything and I was a little jealous to be honest. He had a little freshwater tank. Every week we go visit my grandparents and I would watch the fish for hours. My parents wouldn't let me set up a tank, do you blame them? Four bedroom house with eight people, I guess there wasn't much room. Later in life as I got on my own I set up my own first freshwater tank. It was probably early 90s, where I worked my friends had reef tanks and I went over there and was amazed at the colors and the brightness of the lights. And not to mention my brother-in-law I had a reef tank also. I was hooked I had to have it. This was about 1996 my first reef tank went up. I took a break around 2008 after my divorce for 6 years. My current wife, amazed at all my stories of my tanks wanted one also. Well needless to say this is where we are now.
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Mariner #6 - @stewy14
Name of Reef: My Tideline AIO 11.3 Tank
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I have always wanted to have an sw tank since the day I was able to research about how to have a sw tank(so, about 8 years ago). I ended up splurging last year around February(last school year). I did a lot of research, watched videos, did a lot of stuff. I bought one because I knew it would help me with me wanting to become a marine biologist. And it has!!!! My tank has brought me great amounts of stress, and great amounts of joy!!
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Mariner #7 - @armyvetheather
Name of Reef: Sophie's Reef
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
The name of my tank is Sophie's Reef. Sophie is my little four pound hairless cat that I just adore and she adores the reef and watching the fish so we named it Sophie's Reef. I originally got into saltwater about ten years ago after my mom no longer wanted her saltwater tank and I thought "I'll give it a try". There was nowhere near the amount of coral or fish that are available now, but I did have a few of both. I recall driving pretty far at times to pick-up small pieces of leathers and various fish, I recall getting very excited about some Chromis I picked up from a guy about an hour away. Nonetheless, we ended up moving and I was beyond devastated that I did not have enough time to break down my tank and bring it with me. Fast forward ten years later and I now live on the coast where my life evolves around the ocean. From the ski boats to the 53' Hatteras we have, the ocean is our life and it only felt fitting that I get another marine tank so a little over a year ago, I did just that. I now have a 90 gallon cube and a 450 gallon acrylic tank that I just enjoy beyond measure. I think what I love most is all of the learning and the amount of research that you can do is just endless. Just when I think I've got marine tanks figured out, I learn something new and realize that I will likely never know everything about this hobby. I stare at my fish and coral for hours sometimes and think of different topics that I want to research and I feel like that's a large part of the passion. I think the other big part of what drives me to want to keep a marine aquarium is the challenge, the challenge of keeping an ecosystem perfectly in balance so as to keep everything alive. The desire to learn, challenge, and the beauty is unlike any other hobby I've ever enjoyed!
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Mariner #8 - @Paul B
Name of Reef: Possibly The Oldest tank in the US
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I got started in fresh water in about 1954 or so. Fish were sold in toy stores and called "Toy Fish".
After raising everything that could be raised in fresh water I wanted to set up a salt water tank but I got drafted in 1969 and was sent to Vietnam. After two years I got home and started my still running reef tank in a 40 gallon glass. Of course it was fish only then as there were no corals or inverts for sale.
My Dad owned a seafood market so I grew up playing with dead fish and live lobsters and crabs.
I became a certified SCUBA diver in the early 70s and spent about 350 hours underwater.
I started my salt tank when there was no salt water creatures or equipment. Also no written material on them and of course computers were not invented so no way to get information. It was all trial and error, it still is.
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Mariner #9 - @Brisk
Name of Reef: Rookie's First Reef Tank - 150g
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
It started back in October of 2023 when my niece had asked me to take care of her tetras. At that moment, I began to reminisce my childhood, around 10 years old, when I had my first 10 gallon tank of goldfishes and tetras. I was unsuccessful at that time, no one taught me how to take care of an aquarium, but I always had a passion for it. I started to feel nostalgic and began to look into a large freshwater aquarium. I was determined I will be successful this time with the help of the Internet. I searched the Internet to gather information. Eventually I stumbled onto Reef2Reef and was amazed at the photos of others' tanks, their fishes, and their corals. At first, I thought it would be impossible to start a marine aquarium. A few days later I stumbled onto Reef2Reef again and started researching on what it takes to start a marine aquarium, how difficult would it be, and the differences compared to freshwater aquariums. After a month of going back and forth researching, I decided to go for it! I told myself that I wanted the challenge, the experience, the "wow" factor, and the relaxation of looking at my marine aquarium. So far it has been a great and exciting experience from planning it a year ago to where I am now, growing my marine aquarium.
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Mariner #10 - @JoJosReef
Name of Reef: JoJo's No Funny Business Office Tanks
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
For my clone's 5th birthday, my wife and I decided to get him a fish tank. I argued for freshwater, since I grew up with my dad's tanks filled with tetras, swordtails and guppies, and I repeatedly informed my wife that saltwater is a money pit and a time sink. But she wanted to get him a clownfish. Thus began a period of intense research. I am a scientist, so devouring background comes naturally, and I looked everywhere for information on starting up a saltwater tank. Going through several forums, I kept gravitating back to R2R, a website that wasn't unsightly, even aesthetically pleasing, was active and just had helpful members sharing great information. I've been snorkeling in several places: Great Barrier Reef, Carribbean islands, Hawaii and the islands of Thailand. Marine life fascinates me, so I became more and more committed to the idea. I purchased a Fluval Evo 13.5 gallon tank and took my clone to an LFS for the first time. Picking out a clown was fun, but I just went gaga for all the coral, especially euphyllia. From that point on, I was hooked. Working on my 4th tank now!
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Mariner #11 - @Slocke
Name of Reef: Something fishy
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I have always loved the ocean and one day I was bored sitting in a work trailer watching youtube when up came a video called something like “Is an epaulette shark the right pet for you?” I thought epaulette sharks were so cool and upon learning they weren't that difficult I started looking into saltwater and eventually landed on a 110-gallon as a starter tank. Since then I have had several projects, most of them failures but I now have two large saltwater tanks; a coral and a FOWLR. In that time I have also learned to SCUBA dive and grown my passion for the ocean. However I have never, ever since considered an epaulette shark.
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Mariner #12 - @TangerineSpeedo
Name of Reef: Frankencube
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I started with marine aquariums in 1989 or so. I have always had a freshwater tank since elementary, not counting the goldfish that I won at the school fair when I was six. Having a Marine aquarium coincided with getting NAUI certified. I was obsessed by the ocean and wanted to have a bit of it in my college apartment. I had MTS even back then with a total of nine tanks of various sizes. Back when it was real DIY because there was not many options available. Oh, the undergravel filter... But I remiss. My love for the ocean has brought me to today where I still have MTS, but it least it averages about four now, not including special projects like hatching grunion etc.
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Mariner #13 - @Fishy Guy
Name of Reef: Fishy Guy's 25g Lagoon
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
About 5 years ago my wife came home with a freshwater aquarium to setup with my oldest daughter. I had multiple aquariums as a kid and have always loved everything aquatic but up to that point had never thought I had time for a tank as an adult. Unsurprisingly that tank sent me down the rabbit hole of planted tanks which eventually led me to starting my first saltwater tank almost a year ago. Needless to say I've been absolutely hooked! Even though I have a smaller tank I absolutely love creating my own thriving ecosystem. I will talk for hours with anyone who will listen about fish, inverts, and corals and spend a lot of free time trying to learn to become a better aquarist. One of my favorite parts of the day is feeding the tank with my two daughters every evening.
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Mariner #14 - @jermzisurmom
Name of Reef: And So It Begins
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
ive always loved anything water growing up in Florida. I guess what got me into the hobby was just a matter of time and money now I'm an adult and look at me adulting!!! Also my tank thread needs some up dating but it's started..... Lol
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Mariner #15 - @Usarmy227
Name of Reef: Brian’s reef Tank
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
My name is Brian Chandler. I’m a 100% permeant and Total Disabled Army Veteran with PTSD and multiple respiratory Disabilities.I was deployed to Afghanistan in June 2009-June 2010. I then was transferred to Hawaii where me and my wife lived. My wife was pregnant with our first child. I was then called to deploy again. I was deployed again for a little over a month (July 2011- Aug2011) until we had a house fire in Hawaii. I was then called back home to assist my wife. We did have a saltwater fish tank in the house that burnt down. I had 2 clown fish and a bubble tip anemone. I never was able to get another fish tank until now. I then was honorably medical discharged in June 2012. My wife and I moved back home (Indiana). I am currently seeking an alternative treatment for my PTSD. I’m looking into Aquarium Therapy (I’m not a fan of medication as therapy). So far Reefing as been a great outlet. It’s calming and keeps your mind busy with all the reminders going off, testing, water changes lol. It has been an amazing experience. My ultimate goal is to get a bigger system then my 15 Gallon.
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Mariner #16 - @Ben's Pico Reefing
Name of Reef: UNS 30A (Dual) AIO Forever Evolving
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
My adventure started in reef keeping when I was at a friend's house at that time. I used to have freshwater but was fascinated by the small saltwater tank they had. They gave me a small 2 gallon tank to put a pistol shrimp in and a couple corals. After doing a bit of research and looking, I decided I wanted an upgrade. Next I knew I had a 90 gallon, an odd shaped 50 gallon and a 55. I learned the hard way and had many falls in the over 12 years at least I have been reef keeping. Jake Adams Eco Reef Zero and the simplicity followed by Maritza's Vase. This current tank has started to become one of my favorite reefs I have done and is teaching me as well.
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Mariner #17 - @rc8t6353
Name of Reef: Prostar 90v2
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
Like a lot of us, I started with freshwater thanks to my father's love of fish when I was a kid. African and South American Cichlids mostly. After one fish went on a murder spree... I rehomed him, then started my first FOWLR saltwater tank after seeing a friend's tank. I'd have to say, originally, it was the bright colors of the fish that pulled me over. And the thought of having a mini lionfish lol. Then I saw a big fluffy hammer coral and that's all she wrote lol. That was about 10 or more years ago. I'm now on my third reef tank. My current build, Prostar 90v2 aka The Warden's Build, is definitely a testament to all I've learned and continue to learn here on R2R.
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Remember: This contest isn’t just about the tank—it’s about the Mariner. While their reef tank and aquascaping skills are certainly part of the equation, this vote should celebrate the overall spirit of the hobbyist:
- Their creativity and vision
- Their dedication to the reefing hobby
- Their contributions to the reefing community
- And yes, the beauty and uniqueness of their tank too!
These finalists embody the heart of reefing as they Dream, Explore, and Discover—dreaming of beautiful reefs, exploring new techniques, and discovering themselves through this amazing hobby. Take a few moments to read their entries, check out their stories, and get inspired by their journey. Every vote counts, so let’s give these hobbyists the recognition they deserve!
What’s at Stake?
This month’s winner will receive:
- Mariner of the Month Trophy!
- Eshopps Deskmate Classic + BioCup Nano
- Premium Aquatics Gift Card/Store Credit: $250
- Top Shelf Aquatics Frag Pack: $250
- Bragging Rights!!!
But that’s not all—they’ll also secure a spot in the running for the Mariner of the Year, with a grand prize valued at over $12,000!
How to Vote
Browse through the finalist entries below, then cast your vote for the Mariner you believe best embodies the heart and soul of this contest. Votes must be registered at the poll in this thread (not as comments). Votes must be cast by accounts with at least 10 posts and 2 weeks of membership at R2R. Voting closes on November 30, 2024, so don’t wait too long!
Let’s make this an unforgettable experience for our finalists—vote now and celebrate the best of the reefing community!
Meet our Finalists!!
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Mariner #1 - @Johnd651
Name of Reef: HelloReef 15 - TSA Giveaway
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I got into Marine aquariums in 2010 after moving to Salt Lake City to work on my PhD with Pacific Sandcastle worms. At that point I had multiple 55's with FW community fish, and African Cichlids. I was excited to try something a little more difficult, and try to combine it with what I was doing at school. I started a 10 gallon at home, and was experimenting with homemade led lights. I started research tanks at school for bio-adhesives for coral restoration with a 40B of live rock plumbed to a frag tank with MH. A few years in I switched to an MBA and had left the program causing a 10 year hiatus. We moved cross country to central NY, into an 1886 Victorian that needed work. We plan on putting in a bigger 6-7ft tank, and as we have been working on the house have added extra electrical, plumbing, and blocking in preparation for a bigger build. In the mean time, I had won a R2R sweepstakes and started out with the HelloReef15 AIO cube. And that brings me to today, adding coral and fish to the 15.
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Mariner #2 - @tbrown
Name of Reef: My ESHOPPS Mariner 70 Mixed Reef Upgrade Upgrade Downsize but Upgrade
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
When I was younger - a boy of 12 or 13, my mom got our first saltwater tank. I had been running low tech freshwater tanks for around 5 or 6 years at that time and had, at that time, 6 different aquariums running in my bedroom including a successful zebra danio breeding tank. When my brought home this 70 gallon tank and filled it with beautiful white sand and rock and added handfuls or Cerith snails and blue leg hermits crabs, I was hooked! Then, she added a grouper and a snowflake eel which was awesome! We had a fish store a half mile from our house that I went to weekly to purchase my crickets for my bearded dragon so I started buying some feeder goldfish while I was there. I remember dumping a dozen feeders in the tank and watching the grouper and snowflake hunt down and ambush the goldfish. I remember the scales shooting out the gills on the grouper as it sucked own the goldfish in a giant gulp. Ever since those days, Saltwater Tanks have been in my veins.
After I got married, my wife wasn't really that into fish tanks, but for Father's Day one year she decided to let me set up a 29 gallon planted tank. That morphed into a 50 over 29 planted. Then added a 125 African Cichlid tank, a second 29 gallon planted community tank, and 3 10 gallon Cherry Shrimp tanks. Those were all doing a decent job of keeping me satisfied, but I still didn't have my reef tank.
Fast forward 5 more years and I finally convinced my wife we needed a mixed reef tank! I brought home my own 70 from a thrift shop that I purchased for $15, built a welded steel stand, gathered all the equipment, and had a semi-successful reef!
That was 5 reefs ago and now I'm back to a 70 that's running more successful than the old one ever ran. Thanks @ESHOPPS.INC for an amazing tank: The ESHOPPS Mariner 70 Mixed Reef!
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Mariner #3 - @Stang67
Name of Reef: The 180g. Third time around.
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I was having a spat with my man. He was off doing his hobby and I was left unsupervised, and mad. Not a good combination. I had started getting into scuba diving and thought it would be cool to have a saltwater tank in the house. He thought it was a silly idea. I thougjt he was being a jerk, which he was. So I went out and bought a 29g starter kit just to spite him and prove him wrong. He's never second guessed something I have wanted to try since.
Ps just got back from an epic dive trip (Bali) where I saw stuff like this.
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Mariner #4 - @KingAlee
Name of Reef: River’s Reef (named after my soon to be born son)
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I first started in freshwater, my wife and I purchased our first tank together at the beginning of this year. Knowing nothing about it all we dove straight into it. After expanding across multiple tanks, multiple tank syndrome, she had the great idea of getting a reef tank to tell our soon to be born son that “Nemo” happened in our tank. Not knowing then I would now have 3 reef tanks… 2 large and one nano I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this hobby, I know I’ve only been in it for a couple of months I’m excited to see where everything goes!
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Mariner #5 - @Dburr1014
Name of Reef: The last is sometimes the best.
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
Growing up we didn't have a whole lot of money and I was one of six, the youngest. My cousin, who lives with my grandparents seem to have everything and I was a little jealous to be honest. He had a little freshwater tank. Every week we go visit my grandparents and I would watch the fish for hours. My parents wouldn't let me set up a tank, do you blame them? Four bedroom house with eight people, I guess there wasn't much room. Later in life as I got on my own I set up my own first freshwater tank. It was probably early 90s, where I worked my friends had reef tanks and I went over there and was amazed at the colors and the brightness of the lights. And not to mention my brother-in-law I had a reef tank also. I was hooked I had to have it. This was about 1996 my first reef tank went up. I took a break around 2008 after my divorce for 6 years. My current wife, amazed at all my stories of my tanks wanted one also. Well needless to say this is where we are now.
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Mariner #6 - @stewy14
Name of Reef: My Tideline AIO 11.3 Tank
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I have always wanted to have an sw tank since the day I was able to research about how to have a sw tank(so, about 8 years ago). I ended up splurging last year around February(last school year). I did a lot of research, watched videos, did a lot of stuff. I bought one because I knew it would help me with me wanting to become a marine biologist. And it has!!!! My tank has brought me great amounts of stress, and great amounts of joy!!
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Mariner #7 - @armyvetheather
Name of Reef: Sophie's Reef
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
The name of my tank is Sophie's Reef. Sophie is my little four pound hairless cat that I just adore and she adores the reef and watching the fish so we named it Sophie's Reef. I originally got into saltwater about ten years ago after my mom no longer wanted her saltwater tank and I thought "I'll give it a try". There was nowhere near the amount of coral or fish that are available now, but I did have a few of both. I recall driving pretty far at times to pick-up small pieces of leathers and various fish, I recall getting very excited about some Chromis I picked up from a guy about an hour away. Nonetheless, we ended up moving and I was beyond devastated that I did not have enough time to break down my tank and bring it with me. Fast forward ten years later and I now live on the coast where my life evolves around the ocean. From the ski boats to the 53' Hatteras we have, the ocean is our life and it only felt fitting that I get another marine tank so a little over a year ago, I did just that. I now have a 90 gallon cube and a 450 gallon acrylic tank that I just enjoy beyond measure. I think what I love most is all of the learning and the amount of research that you can do is just endless. Just when I think I've got marine tanks figured out, I learn something new and realize that I will likely never know everything about this hobby. I stare at my fish and coral for hours sometimes and think of different topics that I want to research and I feel like that's a large part of the passion. I think the other big part of what drives me to want to keep a marine aquarium is the challenge, the challenge of keeping an ecosystem perfectly in balance so as to keep everything alive. The desire to learn, challenge, and the beauty is unlike any other hobby I've ever enjoyed!
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Mariner #8 - @Paul B
Name of Reef: Possibly The Oldest tank in the US
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I got started in fresh water in about 1954 or so. Fish were sold in toy stores and called "Toy Fish".
After raising everything that could be raised in fresh water I wanted to set up a salt water tank but I got drafted in 1969 and was sent to Vietnam. After two years I got home and started my still running reef tank in a 40 gallon glass. Of course it was fish only then as there were no corals or inverts for sale.
My Dad owned a seafood market so I grew up playing with dead fish and live lobsters and crabs.
I became a certified SCUBA diver in the early 70s and spent about 350 hours underwater.
I started my salt tank when there was no salt water creatures or equipment. Also no written material on them and of course computers were not invented so no way to get information. It was all trial and error, it still is.
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Mariner #9 - @Brisk
Name of Reef: Rookie's First Reef Tank - 150g
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
It started back in October of 2023 when my niece had asked me to take care of her tetras. At that moment, I began to reminisce my childhood, around 10 years old, when I had my first 10 gallon tank of goldfishes and tetras. I was unsuccessful at that time, no one taught me how to take care of an aquarium, but I always had a passion for it. I started to feel nostalgic and began to look into a large freshwater aquarium. I was determined I will be successful this time with the help of the Internet. I searched the Internet to gather information. Eventually I stumbled onto Reef2Reef and was amazed at the photos of others' tanks, their fishes, and their corals. At first, I thought it would be impossible to start a marine aquarium. A few days later I stumbled onto Reef2Reef again and started researching on what it takes to start a marine aquarium, how difficult would it be, and the differences compared to freshwater aquariums. After a month of going back and forth researching, I decided to go for it! I told myself that I wanted the challenge, the experience, the "wow" factor, and the relaxation of looking at my marine aquarium. So far it has been a great and exciting experience from planning it a year ago to where I am now, growing my marine aquarium.
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Mariner #10 - @JoJosReef
Name of Reef: JoJo's No Funny Business Office Tanks
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
For my clone's 5th birthday, my wife and I decided to get him a fish tank. I argued for freshwater, since I grew up with my dad's tanks filled with tetras, swordtails and guppies, and I repeatedly informed my wife that saltwater is a money pit and a time sink. But she wanted to get him a clownfish. Thus began a period of intense research. I am a scientist, so devouring background comes naturally, and I looked everywhere for information on starting up a saltwater tank. Going through several forums, I kept gravitating back to R2R, a website that wasn't unsightly, even aesthetically pleasing, was active and just had helpful members sharing great information. I've been snorkeling in several places: Great Barrier Reef, Carribbean islands, Hawaii and the islands of Thailand. Marine life fascinates me, so I became more and more committed to the idea. I purchased a Fluval Evo 13.5 gallon tank and took my clone to an LFS for the first time. Picking out a clown was fun, but I just went gaga for all the coral, especially euphyllia. From that point on, I was hooked. Working on my 4th tank now!
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Mariner #11 - @Slocke
Name of Reef: Something fishy
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I have always loved the ocean and one day I was bored sitting in a work trailer watching youtube when up came a video called something like “Is an epaulette shark the right pet for you?” I thought epaulette sharks were so cool and upon learning they weren't that difficult I started looking into saltwater and eventually landed on a 110-gallon as a starter tank. Since then I have had several projects, most of them failures but I now have two large saltwater tanks; a coral and a FOWLR. In that time I have also learned to SCUBA dive and grown my passion for the ocean. However I have never, ever since considered an epaulette shark.
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Mariner #12 - @TangerineSpeedo
Name of Reef: Frankencube
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
I started with marine aquariums in 1989 or so. I have always had a freshwater tank since elementary, not counting the goldfish that I won at the school fair when I was six. Having a Marine aquarium coincided with getting NAUI certified. I was obsessed by the ocean and wanted to have a bit of it in my college apartment. I had MTS even back then with a total of nine tanks of various sizes. Back when it was real DIY because there was not many options available. Oh, the undergravel filter... But I remiss. My love for the ocean has brought me to today where I still have MTS, but it least it averages about four now, not including special projects like hatching grunion etc.
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Mariner #13 - @Fishy Guy
Name of Reef: Fishy Guy's 25g Lagoon
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
About 5 years ago my wife came home with a freshwater aquarium to setup with my oldest daughter. I had multiple aquariums as a kid and have always loved everything aquatic but up to that point had never thought I had time for a tank as an adult. Unsurprisingly that tank sent me down the rabbit hole of planted tanks which eventually led me to starting my first saltwater tank almost a year ago. Needless to say I've been absolutely hooked! Even though I have a smaller tank I absolutely love creating my own thriving ecosystem. I will talk for hours with anyone who will listen about fish, inverts, and corals and spend a lot of free time trying to learn to become a better aquarist. One of my favorite parts of the day is feeding the tank with my two daughters every evening.
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Mariner #14 - @jermzisurmom
Name of Reef: And So It Begins
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
ive always loved anything water growing up in Florida. I guess what got me into the hobby was just a matter of time and money now I'm an adult and look at me adulting!!! Also my tank thread needs some up dating but it's started..... Lol
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Mariner #15 - @Usarmy227
Name of Reef: Brian’s reef Tank
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
My name is Brian Chandler. I’m a 100% permeant and Total Disabled Army Veteran with PTSD and multiple respiratory Disabilities.I was deployed to Afghanistan in June 2009-June 2010. I then was transferred to Hawaii where me and my wife lived. My wife was pregnant with our first child. I was then called to deploy again. I was deployed again for a little over a month (July 2011- Aug2011) until we had a house fire in Hawaii. I was then called back home to assist my wife. We did have a saltwater fish tank in the house that burnt down. I had 2 clown fish and a bubble tip anemone. I never was able to get another fish tank until now. I then was honorably medical discharged in June 2012. My wife and I moved back home (Indiana). I am currently seeking an alternative treatment for my PTSD. I’m looking into Aquarium Therapy (I’m not a fan of medication as therapy). So far Reefing as been a great outlet. It’s calming and keeps your mind busy with all the reminders going off, testing, water changes lol. It has been an amazing experience. My ultimate goal is to get a bigger system then my 15 Gallon.
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Mariner #16 - @Ben's Pico Reefing
Name of Reef: UNS 30A (Dual) AIO Forever Evolving
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
My adventure started in reef keeping when I was at a friend's house at that time. I used to have freshwater but was fascinated by the small saltwater tank they had. They gave me a small 2 gallon tank to put a pistol shrimp in and a couple corals. After doing a bit of research and looking, I decided I wanted an upgrade. Next I knew I had a 90 gallon, an odd shaped 50 gallon and a 55. I learned the hard way and had many falls in the over 12 years at least I have been reef keeping. Jake Adams Eco Reef Zero and the simplicity followed by Maritza's Vase. This current tank has started to become one of my favorite reefs I have done and is teaching me as well.
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Mariner #17 - @rc8t6353
Name of Reef: Prostar 90v2
Link to Reef: CLICK HERE
What got you into the hobby of Marine aquariums?
Like a lot of us, I started with freshwater thanks to my father's love of fish when I was a kid. African and South American Cichlids mostly. After one fish went on a murder spree... I rehomed him, then started my first FOWLR saltwater tank after seeing a friend's tank. I'd have to say, originally, it was the bright colors of the fish that pulled me over. And the thought of having a mini lionfish lol. Then I saw a big fluffy hammer coral and that's all she wrote lol. That was about 10 or more years ago. I'm now on my third reef tank. My current build, Prostar 90v2 aka The Warden's Build, is definitely a testament to all I've learned and continue to learn here on R2R.
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all winners in my book...
