* R2R Secret Santa 2024 is LIVE!! Get registered!! *

fishguy242 · Oct 25, 2024

What country are you located in? USA
What is one thing you always need more of? sleep
What are your other hobbies/interests? R2R
How do you like to spend your free time, whether it's relaxing after work or on the weekends?R2R
Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences if your Santa wants to send a treat?nope
What’s your favorite candy or snack, either from your childhood or something you love to munch on now?slim jims
What’s your favorite holiday tradition?Food !!
Do you collect anything? Tee's /hats
What's your favorite color?black
What size t-shirt/hoodie/socks do you wear? med /9.5 shoe
What's one TV show or movie you can watch over and over again?
What type of music do you listen to? 70's classic rock
Do you enjoy reading? If so, what types of books do you like? nope
Do you play any games (board games, video games, card games, etc.)? If yes, what are your favorites?NOPE
Are you a fan of any sports teams? Cubbies
What’s something interesting about you that most people on R2R don’t know? ??
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? Grounded...
What’s one item on your bucket list? A BRAND NEW CAR,BOB...
Do you have any pets besides your reef tank? Tell us about them! the PUPS ,all 4 of them...
What's your favorite fish? MINGI TANGS
Favorite coral? ALL
Favorite invert? Harley Q
Tell us about your tank(s)! What size are they? What do you keep in them? Do you have a build thread?LOL...
Do you have any planned upgrades or tweaks you’d like to make to your tank(s)? ??
What's your favorite thing to watch in your tank? growth
Are there any parts of the reef hobby you get really excited over? new coral and fish...
What are some good gift ideas for you? (Some general thoughts or ideas for whoever draws your name.)Best wishes...
If you had to choose, would you rather receive something handmade or something store-bought? either is fine
Are there any specific brands or reef products you love or prefer?NOPE
Would you be interested in receiving livestock? If yes, what would you be interested in? disclaimer due to the busy holiday season we recommend not shipping livestock NOPE
Are there any additional questions you wish we had asked that we didn't? (Add those questions in under these and post your answers.) Nope ,think that covers it...
Happy Holidays to all...

Crabs McJones · Oct 25, 2024

fishguy242 said:
What is one thing you always need more of? sleep

This person is my spirit animal

Cichlid Dad · Oct 25, 2024

fishguy242 said:
What country are you located in? USA

What is one thing you always need more of? sleep

What are your other hobbies/interests? R2R

How do you like to spend your free time, whether it's relaxing after work or on the weekends?R2R

Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences if your Santa wants to send a treat?nope

What’s your favorite candy or snack, either from your childhood or something you love to munch on now?slim jims

What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

Do you collect anything? Tee's /hats

What's your favorite color?black

What size t-shirt/hoodie/socks do you wear? med /9.5 shoe

What's one TV show or movie you can watch over and over again?

What type of music do you listen to? 70's classic rock

Do you enjoy reading? If so, what types of books do you like? nope

Do you play any games (board games, video games, card games, etc.)? If yes, what are your favorites?NOPE

Are you a fan of any sports teams? Cubbies

What’s something interesting about you that most people on R2R don’t know? ??

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? Grounded...

What’s one item on your bucket list? A BRAND NEW CAR,BOB...

Do you have any pets besides your reef tank? Tell us about them! the PUPS ,all 4 of them...

What's your favorite fish? MINGI TANGS

Favorite coral? ALL

Favorite invert? Harley Q

Tell us about your tank(s)! What size are they? What do you keep in them? Do you have a build thread?LOL...

Do you have any planned upgrades or tweaks you’d like to make to your tank(s)? ??

What's your favorite thing to watch in your tank? growth

Are there any parts of the reef hobby you get really excited over? new coral and fish...

What are some good gift ideas for you? (Some general thoughts or ideas for whoever draws your name.)Best wishes...

If you had to choose, would you rather receive something handmade or something store-bought? either is fine

Are there any specific brands or reef products you love or prefer?NOPE

Would you be interested in receiving livestock? If yes, what would you be interested in? disclaimer due to the busy holiday season we recommend not shipping livestock NOPE

Are there any additional questions you wish we had asked that we didn't? (Add those questions in under these and post your answers.) Nope ,think that covers it...

Happy Holidays to all...

It's about time!

Mas0n · Oct 25, 2024

1. What country are you located in?

MERICA'

2. What is one thing you always need more of?

Hanna Alk Tests lol, redsea blue bucket, frozen mysis

3. What are your other hobbies/interests?

Coding, Cooking, FPV Drones, Vidya Games

4. How do you like to spend your free time, whether it's relaxing after work or on the weekends?

Nice walk, play some Vidja, cook some good food, stare at the tank!

5.Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences if your Santa wants to send a treat?

Nope, I'm a big back. I eat it all.

6.What’s your favorite candy or snack, either from your childhood or something you love to munch on now?

Twizzlers

7.What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

Opening a present on Christmas eve and spending time with family

8. Do you collect anything?

Pokemon Cards!

9.What's your favorite color?

Purple

10.What size t-shirt/hoodie/socks do you wear?

2XL (big back)

11.What's one TV show or movie you can watch over and over again?

Trailer Park Boys

12.What type of music do you listen to?

Indie and 140 bpm

13.Do you enjoy reading? If so, what types of books do you like?

Self help type stuff.

14. Do you play any games (board games, video games, card games, etc.)? If yes, what are your favorites?

RuneScape!

15.Are you a fan of any sports teams?

Nope, I'm a nerd.

16. What’s something interesting about you that most people on R2R don’t know?

Ambidextrous.

17, If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

Bali.

18. Do you have any pets besides your reef tank? Tell us about them!

A Cute Corgi! (see profile pic)

19.What's your favorite fish?

My Corris Wrasse

20. Favorite coral?

Goniopora.

21. Favorite invert?

Conch!

22. Tell us about your tank(s)! What size are they? What do you keep in them? Do you have a build thread?

IM40 Long and WB 35.2

23. Do you have any planned upgrades or tweaks you’d like to make to your tank(s)?

Out of space, larger tank eventually lol.

24. What's your favorite thing to watch in your tank?

Coris wrasse hunting.

25. Are there any parts of the reef hobby you get really excited over?

Gear, new coral.

26. What are some good gift ideas for you? (Some general thoughts or ideas for whoever draws your name.)

Whatever you think fits, I love a surprise!

27. If you had to choose, would you rather receive something handmade or something store-bought?

Either, whatever works for you

28. Are there any specific brands or reef products you love or prefer?

Hanna, Nyos, Brightwell

29. Would you be interested in receiving livestock? If yes, what would you be interested in? disclaimer due to the busy holiday season we recommend not shipping livestock

Yes, but my area was recently affected by a Hurricane and shipping is WACKY right now. It may be different around xmas.

kchristensen8064 · Oct 28, 2024

SECRET SANTA QUESTIONNAIRE

What country are you located in? USA
What is one thing you always need more of? Chocolate, Super Glue Gel,
What are your other hobbies/interests? Fishing, Home Improvement
How do you like to spend your free time, whether it's relaxing after work or on the weekends? Fishing
Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences if your Santa wants to send a treat? None
What’s your favorite candy or snack, either from your childhood or something you love to munch on now? Chocolate, Cinnamon Bears, Beef Jerky.
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? I'm not big on holidays, but I do enjoy cooking a Thanksgiving dinner.
Do you collect anything? Reef Equipment, you can never have to much.
What's your favorite color? Blue
What size t-shirt/hoodie/socks do you wear? XL
What's one TV show or movie you can watch over and over again? Top Gun
What type of music do you listen to? 90's rock and alternative.
Do you enjoy reading? If so, what types of books do you like? I mostly read articles about anything I find interesting, a lot of octopus and ocean related stuff.
Do you play any games (board games, video games, card games, etc.)? If yes, what are your favorites? Don't play any games really.
Are you a fan of any sports teams? Broncos & Avalanche
What’s something interesting about you that most people on R2R don’t know? Pretty much anything, I am quiet and don't share much about myself.
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? Anywhere with a beach and turquoise water.
What’s one item on your bucket list? Travel to Australia and New Zealand.
Do you have any pets besides your reef tank? Tell us about them! 1 Cat and 1 Dog. Ellie is the cat shes 1 year old tabby, and Jazzy is our 11 year old Akita.
What's your favorite fish? Zebrasoma desjardinii
Favorite coral? I love pink nepthias
Favorite invert? Stomatella snails. Amazing clean up crew and they populate themselves.
Tell us about your tank(s)! What size are they? What do you keep in them? Do you have a build thread? I have a 120gal bare bottom mixed reef, tanks previous owner was doing a clown fish harem tank but they are slowly dwindling in numbers as they keep singling out clowns one by one. I think he started with 20-30 and its now down to 8. I also have a saddle back puffer, mandarin, rabbit fish, coral beauty, scopas tang, 3 banggai cardinals, and a aptasia eating file fish. Currently struggling getting my alk dialed in for some reason and I have lost almost all of my euphilla coral and a couple of chalices. I do not have a build thread, I don't have a lot of free time to keep those updated. I am also in the process of setting up a 180gal bimac tank, this has been a dream of mine for a long time and hope to have water in it by the end of the year, with my first bimac going in summer of 25'.
Do you have any planned upgrades or tweaks you’d like to make to your tank(s)? Just want to get it balanced back out, I have no idea why things got out of wack, so getting my stability back and seeing everything thrive again.
What's your favorite thing to watch in your tank? Probably my saddle back puffer.
Are there any parts of the reef hobby you get really excited over? I love coral shows, I just wish we had more that were closer.
What are some good gift ideas for you? (Some general thoughts or ideas for whoever draws your name.)
If you had to choose, would you rather receive something handmade or something store-bought? I'm open to both.
Are there any specific brands or reef products you love or prefer? I love Avast, Tropic Marin, Reefbreeders.
Would you be interested in receiving livestock? If yes, what would you be interested in? disclaimer due to the busy holiday season we recommend not shipping livestock Yes, Plate corals, Mushrooms, Nepthia, Chalice.
Are there any additional questions you wish we had asked that we didn't? (Add those questions in under these and post your answers.) This covered a lot and I am not good at answering these sorts of things.

CrashTestBennie · Oct 28, 2024

Santa Claus said:
Ho! Ho! Ho! It's that time of year again—the season of giving, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than with our annual Reef2Reef Secret Santa Gift Exchange!

Forget socks and fruitcakes! As reefers, we know that nothing beats the joy of giving and receiving gifts that truly connect with who we are and what we love! Who else but a fellow reefer understands the excitement of getting that perfect frag or a gadget you’ve had your eye on? This exchange isn’t just about the gifts, though—it’s a chance to grow as a community, get to know one another better, and share in the holiday spirit!

So, let’s come together to spread some Christmas magic, make new reefing friends, and add a splash of joy to someone’s tank—or life! Dive into the fun and make this year’s exchange the most festive one yet!

We've made a few changes this year, so be sure to read the info below.

HOW IT WORKS

Requirements to participate:

At least 18 years of age

At least 14 days as a member of R2R

At least 10 posts on R2R

Members from all over the world may participate (Please see below regarding international participation).

Gift requirement: AT LEAST $25 value and a splash of Christmas joy! (Suggested gift range is $25-$50. More on this below.)

How we'll match you up: Once you sign up, you'll receive a link to Elfster, the website/app we use to organize the gift exchange. Just follow the link to register so we can match you with your Secret Santa.

The first matchup will take place on November 1st. After this, matches will happen every Monday (at least 25 people per match) until December 2nd.

Sign up will be open through December 1st.

Buy or make gifts and ship them by December 15th.

Delivery tracking is mandatory and will need to be sent to @Santa Claus and/or updated in Elfster.

Be sure to say THANK YOU when your gift is received (it's a requirement, so see below).

International Participation: We welcome international participants to be part of our Secret Santa! In order to make this possible, we're creating a separate international group for international members who want to take part! Here are the key details:

Global Inclusion: We’re excited to include reefers from all over the world! However, while we wish that we had enough international participation to allow all participants to only send to members within their own country, that simply isn't feasible. So, please be aware of the possibility that you may need to ship internationally if you join the international group.

Shipping Considerations: Keep in mind potential international shipping costs and timeframes when signing up.

USA Participants in the International Group: USA participants can join the international group, but there’s no guarantee they’ll be matched with someone outside the U.S.—it depends on the number of participants and the luck of the draw.

HOW TO SIGN UP

To sign up, you will need to do these 3 things (PLEASE DO ALL 3):

STEP 1: PM @Santa Claus with the following 3 things: YOUR NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS (the one you'll be using with Elfster is helpful), and WHETHER YOU'RE PARTICIPATING IN THE US GROUP OR INTERNATIONAL GROUP (members located outside the US are required to participate in the international group). Once I have this info, I will PM you the link to sign up on Elfster and join the gift exchange).

STEP 2: Sign up for this year's gift exchange on Elfster. I will send you the link for the group you are signing up for.

Please, PLEASE, be sure your R2R username is entered on your Elfster profile (include it maybe after your First Name so it appears like a "middle name." This really does help your Secret Santa to find you on Reef2Reef and get better gift giving ideas.

STEP 3: Post in this thread with your answers to the questionnaire (see below) IN THIS THREAD (this is our official registration thread).

IMPORTANT! If you do not do all 3 of these things, you will NOT be matched!

IMPORTANT DATES

Registration opens: October 15th

First Match-Up: November 1st

Subsequent Match-Ups: Every Monday until December 2nd.

Deadline to Sign Up: December 1st.

Gifts Must Ship: No later than December 15th.

GIFT GUIDELINES

Gift Value must meet or exceed $25. (Suggested gift range is $25-$50)

Rule About Regifting: Regifting toward the minimum value is not allowed. While you can include items you already have in your gift, those items won’t count toward the $25 minimum value. Make sure any regifted items are thoughtful and suitable for the recipient.

Shipping costs are NOT included in the gift value requirement.

Thoughtful Gifts Wanted! Let’s make it special for your recipient! Everyone’s idea of the perfect gift is different, but please try to include something personal and thoughtful. We also ask that a $25 e-gift card not be the only thing you send—get creative!

Your gift MUST be sent by December 15th. Now, we realize things can happen, and we're always willing to work with participants. However, if your gift has not been shipped and confirmation/tracking info sent to Santa by the deadline, you may be banned from participating in future Secret Santa exchanges on Reef2Reef.

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION EXPECTATIONS

Participate with Goodwill. Secret Santa is about spreading joy and participating in good faith. We ask that all participants engage with this spirit of giving in mind and contribute to making this exchange a fun, positive experience for everyone!

Communication is Key! If something unexpected happens and you’re unable to ship your gift on time, please reach out to @Santa Claus as soon as possible so we can work together to make arrangements. Life happens, and we understand!

Gift expectations. Remember, while you’re welcome to go above the suggested gift range, the spirit of this exchange is about spreading joy rather than focusing on the dollar amount. So, feel free to go above and beyond to share the reefing love in your own way, but don’t worry if what you receive falls within the suggested $25–$50 range.

Don't Forget to Say THANK YOU! Saying 'Thank You!' is part of the fun and community spirit of Secret Santa! Once you’ve received your gift, be sure to make a post or send a message to let your Secret Santa know it arrived safely and share your appreciation. Most of you do this anyway, but just to be clear, this a requirement for participating. We’ll have a dedicated "Thank You" thread where you can spread the cheer!

Making a wishlist on Elfster may help your Santa with ideas. This is not required (if you fill out the questions listed here, you should be giving some good ideas to your Secret Santa anyhow), but we know some of you like this feature a lot. So feel free to make a wish list, but please remember that the suggested gift amount is $25-$50 (so be sure to have some good gift ideas available to your Secret Santa in that range).

Failure to abide by these guidelines may result in not being allowed future participation in Secret Santa gift exchanges. (We're really not expecting to remove anyone, but we do reserve the right to do so if a participant does not engage in the spirit of this gift exchange.)

SECRET SANTA QUESTIONNAIRE

What country are you located in?

What is one thing you always need more of?

What are your other hobbies/interests?

How do you like to spend your free time, whether it's relaxing after work or on the weekends?

Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences if your Santa wants to send a treat?

What’s your favorite candy or snack, either from your childhood or something you love to munch on now?

What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

Do you collect anything?

What's your favorite color?

What size t-shirt/hoodie/socks do you wear?

What's one TV show or movie you can watch over and over again?

What type of music do you listen to?

Do you enjoy reading? If so, what types of books do you like?

Do you play any games (board games, video games, card games, etc.)? If yes, what are your favorites?

Are you a fan of any sports teams?

What’s something interesting about you that most people on R2R don’t know?

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

What’s one item on your bucket list?

Do you have any pets besides your reef tank? Tell us about them!

What's your favorite fish?

Favorite coral?

Favorite invert?

Tell us about your tank(s)! What size are they? What do you keep in them? Do you have a build thread?

Do you have any planned upgrades or tweaks you’d like to make to your tank(s)?

What's your favorite thing to watch in your tank?

Are there any parts of the reef hobby you get really excited over?

What are some good gift ideas for you? (Some general thoughts or ideas for whoever draws your name.)

If you had to choose, would you rather receive something handmade or something store-bought?

Are there any specific brands or reef products you love or prefer?

Would you be interested in receiving livestock? If yes, what would you be interested in? disclaimer due to the busy holiday season we recommend not shipping livestock

Are there any additional questions you wish we had asked that we didn't? (Add those questions in under these and post your answers.)

If shipping coral we ask that you notify @Santa Claus via PM when you would like 2 ship so we can notify recipient and make sure they will be able to receive it. If the recipient can't be there we will ask them for 2 other days and work out with sender. (We don't mind playing the go between here to keep it more a secret.)

Also, notice that we have a special Secret Santa forum going on! Feel free to start other threads in here to talk about everything Secret Santa related, holiday related, or just anything you want to talk with all of us other SS peeps!

Looking forward to spreading some holiday reefing cheer with you all! Happy reefing and happy holidays!

#R2RSecretSanta

1. U.S.A
2. RODI WATER
3. CANNABIS
4. WATCHING TV & WATCHING CRITTERS IN REEF TANK
5. NO NUTS! I'M A PICKY EATER AS WELL...SORRY
6. CHARLESTON CHEW AND SIXLETS
7. SHAKING ALL THE GIFTS AND MAKING PREDICTIONS ABOUT WHAT COULD BE INSIDE & JUST SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY
8. BESIDES CORAL I COLLECT STAR WARS LEGO SETS AND ARTISTIC PHOTOS OF CORAL
9. ROYAL BLUE
10. T-SHIRT AND HOODIE: XXL
SOCKS: LOW CUT SIZE 10-12
11. DODGEBALL
12. I LISTEN TO DIESELBOY, TIESTO AND PAUL OAKENFOLD
13. NOT MUCH OF A READER...MENUS MOSTLY!
14. I LIKE TO PLAY VIDEO GAMES OCCASIONALLY, LIKE CALL OF DUTY
15. NOT A SPORTS FAN
16. I WAS A SCREEN ACTOR FOR 2 DECADES AND GOT MY START ON DAWSON'S CREEK
17. LEMBEH STRAIT
18. GETTING MY PASSPORT
19. I HAVE A GREY SHORT HAIRED DOMEZTIC CAT NAMED FREYA. SHE IS 3 1/2, AND LOVES SOFT TOYS WITH CATNIP IN THEM.
20. BLACK SADDLEBACK CLOWNFISH OR FLAME ANGEL. I CAN'T DECIDE...
21. BOUNCE MUSHROOM, ACAN LORD OR PINSTRIPE CANDY CANE
22. SKUNK CLEANER SHRIMP OR PORCELAIN CRAB
23. I DO NOT HAVE A BUILD THREAD YET. I HAVE A 25G LAGOON FROM INNOVATIVE MARINE. I HAVE 2 BLACK SADDLEBACK CLOWNFISH, GREEN OCTOSPAWN WITH PURPLE TIPS, GREEN CANDY CANE, RED ACAN LORD, GREEN PURPLE AND BLUE FLORIDA RICORDEA, GREEN NEPHTHEA, AND A TINY GREEN RHODACTIS BOUNCE MUSHROOM. ALSO, ABOUT A DOZEN ASSORTED SNAILS AND 3 RED LEGGED HERMIT CRABS.
24. THE NEXT ADDITION I'D LIKE TO MAKE IS ADDING A PROTEIN SKIMMER OR A DOSING PUMP.
25. Favorite thing to watch is my clownfish.
26. I get thrilled with meaty corals like Cynarina and especially excited any time I see a symbiotic relationship.
27. A cheap LPS frag, Fritz blue line RPM salt, a camera I could take nice pictures of my tank with, something colorful to hang on my wall or even a gift certificate.
28. No preference.
29. Aquaillumination, Innovative Marine...I'm a noobie, so I have limited experience with products.
30. I'd love a cleaner shrimp or a flame angel. Of course I mentioned coral!
31. No, I'm satisfied with the questions and will be thrilled with receiving anything you have put thought into! Thank you in advance for your time and effort <3

Cichlid Dad · Oct 29, 2024

Bump,

Crabs McJones · Oct 29, 2024

Let's get this baby rolling, need alot more participants to help spread the christmas cheer!

ChristinasCoralCabin · Oct 30, 2024

What country are you located in? USA
What is one thing you always need more of? Time and sleep
What are your other hobbies/interests? Cooking, Music, gardening, herpetology, homeschooling my kids
How do you like to spend your free time, whether it's relaxing after work or on the weekends? Playing with my underwater gardens, traveling or making elaborate meals
Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences if your Santa wants to send a treat? No egg
What’s your favorite candy or snack, either from your childhood or something you love to munch on now? Licorice
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Opening 1 gift a day for hanukkah and all the other gifts Dec1st to be done with XMAS. much less stressful and then we have a big party for jan1st for my daughters birthday.
Do you collect anything? Zoas
What's your favorite color? Green and purple
What size t-shirt/hoodie/socks do you wear? small
What's one TV show or movie you can watch over and over again? Kids are still making me watch sesame street everyday
What type of music do you listen to? rock
Do you enjoy reading? If so, what types of books do you like? educational
1. Do you play any games (board games, video games, card games, etc.)? If yes, what are your favorites? Sudoku
Are you a fan of any sports teams? not really
What’s something interesting about you that most people on R2R don’t know? This January I'm moving my old studio equipment and will record my next album with my son.
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? Any warm empty beach
What’s one item on your bucket list? Ice fishing
Do you have any pets besides your reef tank? Tell us about them! Giant Sulcata tortoise, 5 cats and 3 cockatiels, 1 big cane corso mastiff, and a partridge in a pear tree.
What's your favorite fish? Octopus
Favorite coral? hydnophora
Favorite invert? feather worms
Tell us about your tank(s)! What size are they? What do you keep in them? Do you have a build thread?. I have a 300g in my house mostly xenia, palys and leathers. Also 800g in my garage, with lots of different corals along with many many frag tanks. build threads up here
Do you have any planned upgrades or tweaks you’d like to make to your tank(s)? I need to reseal the 800g in one spot.
What's your favorite thing to watch in your tank? Jawfish
Are there any parts of the reef hobby you get really excited over? Hitch hikers!
What are some good gift ideas for you? (Some general thoughts or ideas for whoever draws your name.) Something with sediment value like artwork or a frag they personally made. I love to see a reminder that I'm not the only one this crazy about corals
If you had to choose, would you rather receive something handmade or something store-bought? Handmade
Are there any specific brands or reef products you love or prefer? Polylabs
Would you be interested in receiving livestock? If yes, what would you be interested in? disclaimer due to the busy holiday season we recommend not shipping livestock. Yes, anything with a fun backstory, like a coral or anemone they grew and fragged, or creatures that bred in their tanks like feather worms or fish, or something that outgrew their system after a long happy life with them to go in my 800g.
Are there any additional questions you wish we had asked that we didn't? (Add those questions in under these and post your answers.)

HiBRiD109 · Oct 30, 2024

What country are you located in? USA
What is one thing you always need more of? Money, Time, Sleep. (Gift Card to reef stores)
What are your other hobbies/interests? Working on home, time with family, Xbox, tinkering (electronics), riding Harley, Reddit browsing.
How do you like to spend your free time, whether it's relaxing after work or on the weekends? Working on house, just relaxing going down rabbit holes on Reddit or Youtube
Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences if your Santa wants to send a treat? No restrictions, I like to try unique candy and snacks like old fashioned or local mom and pop shops.
What’s your favorite candy or snack, either from your childhood or something you love to munch on now? Big fan of Wonka candy like Nerds, Runts, SweetTarts, etc. Also like Kinder Chocolate.
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Decorating the house and singing christmans songs at random so it gets stuck in my families heads (terrible singer).
Do you collect anything? Not really, dont like clutter but I do have a soft spot for Star Wars items. I want to finish the basement and have a Star Wars. I do have a ton of Ryobi Tools.
What's your favorite color? Black, Grey
What size t-shirt/hoodie/socks do you wear? XXL
What's one TV show or movie you can watch over and over again? Star Wars, Dune, Nolan movies, Sci-Fi, The Office
What type of music do you listen to? Pretty much everything. Hardcore Metal, to EDM, to even Country. Depends on mood and enviroment.
Do you enjoy reading? If so, what types of books do you like? I don't really have time but the last book was 'Ready Player One' which I thought was great and couldn't put down.
Do you play any games (board games, video games, card games, etc.)? If yes, what are your favorites? Xbox Rainbow Six Siege, Call of Duty, Rocket League. Wish I had a PC as I miss playing Civ games, City builder games, Strategy games. I do enjoy playing adult/drinking games with friends.
Are you a fan of any sports teams? Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburg Pirates
What’s something interesting about you that most people on R2R don’t know? Served in the military for 7 years. Currently an engineer at a large agriculture manufacture.
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? New Zealand
What’s one item on your bucket list? Travel to a few locations like Ireland, Spain, Australia, India, etc
Do you have any pets besides your reef tank? Tell us about them! A St Bernard named George. Super Lazy, very sweet and gentle, has random moment of craziness.
What's your favorite fish? Clownfish, so derpy, attacks anything that goes into the tank, snuggles coral/anemone
Favorite coral? Torch or Toadstool leather
Favorite invert? Anemone
Tell us about your tank(s)! What size are they? What do you keep in them? Do you have a build thread? My sad 24g cube. I moved 18 months ago and the tank never recovered, lost all but some random Palys, a Toadstool, 1 sad Acan, and a random patch of GSP. My goal is to restart and rescape the tank this winter. I want to replace the rock and sand. My clowns seem happy.
Do you have any planned upgrades or tweaks you’d like to make to your tank(s)? Just restart my tank, I dont know if I want to try doing mix again or do anemone or softies only. I like movement in the tank so SPS only would look colorful but not as cool.
What's your favorite thing to watch in your tank? Clownfish being derpy.
Are there any parts of the reef hobby you get really excited over? Planning and building, Automation.
What are some good gift ideas for you? (Some general thoughts or ideas for whoever draws your name.) Gift Cards to buy new rock/sand and coral. Aquatics and Exotics of Waterloo is the only LFS, they are ok.
If you had to choose, would you rather receive something handmade or something store-bought? Either is fine, if the person is good at making handmade then thats cool.
Are there any specific brands or reef products you love or prefer? Just brands that are solid or new brands with innovative products. Not a fan of knock offs from ebay or Amazon that has random letters/words for brand name.
Would you be interested in receiving livestock? If yes, what would you be interested in? disclaimer due to the busy holiday season we recommend not shipping livestock I wish but it get pretty cold here in Iowa around December.
Are there any additional questions you wish we had asked that we didn't? (Add those questions in under these and post your answers.) No, I'm always to be glad to receive stuff.

Woodyth · Oct 30, 2024

SECRET SANTA QUESTIONNAIRE

What country are you located in? USA
What is one thing you always need more of? MONEY
What are your other hobbies/interests? Hockey, MN Wild, motorcycle ️, Cigars
How do you like to spend your free time, whether it's relaxing after work or on the weekends? Fishing, cabin
Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences if your Santa wants to send a treat? None, encouraged
What’s your favorite candy or snack, either from your childhood or something you love to munch on now? Reeses
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Listening to the 3 tenors Christmas
Do you collect anything? SILVER
What's your favorite color? RED, YELLOW
What size t-shirt/hoodie/socks do you wear? 5Xl
What's one TV show or movie you can watch over and over again? Casino
What type of music do you listen to? All types
Do you enjoy reading? If so, what types of books do you like? ADHD makes it really hard to read.
Do you play any games (board games, video games, card games, etc.)? If yes, what are your favorites? I won a PS5 a couple years ago, I like to play NHL
Are you a fan of any sports teams? Wold, Vikings
What’s something interesting about you that most people on R2R don’t know? I was a casino Pit boss for several years
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? Anywhere I could see a reef and my fish
What’s one item on your bucket list? A automated level checker, Trident
Do you have any pets besides your reef tank? Tell us about them! St. Berdoodle Magnolia, NewFoundland/Neopoolitian Mastiff Sage
What's your favorite fish? Clowns and an anemone
Favorite coral? Torches
Favorite invert? Snails, all
Tell us about your tank(s)! What size are they? What do you keep in them? Do you have a build thread? 28 gal Bow, Reefer 250 ( just parting together)
Do you have any planned upgrades or tweaks you’d like to make to your tank(s)?
What's your favorite thing to watch in your tank? Night time
Are there any parts of the reef hobby you get really excited over? The symbiotic relationship between my clowns and all of my anemones.
What are some good gift ideas for you? (Some general thoughts or ideas for whoever draws your name.)
If you had to choose, would you rather receive something handmade or something store-bought? Either
Are there any specific brands or reef products you love or prefer? I'm far from rich, so I try to make whatever I can find work. It literally will take me years to get the 250 going. I figure out what I want and save until I have enough.
Would you be interested in receiving livestock? If yes, what would you be interested in? disclaimer due to the busy holiday season we recommend not shipping livestock.......super high end torches. Would have to see though.
Are there any additional questions you wish we had asked that we didn't? (Add those questions in under these and post your answers.) Thank you!

KingAlee · Oct 31, 2024

What country are you located in? US
What is one thing you always need more of? Money
What are your other hobbies/interests? Art and my family
How do you like to spend your free time, whether it's relaxing after work or on the weekends? Honestly, just reefing, it’s relaxing and a good cool down.
Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences if your Santa wants to send a treat? I do not
What’s your favorite candy or snack, either from your childhood or something you love to munch on now? Reese’s
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Giving others gifts around Christmas.
Do you collect anything? Coral
What's your favorite color? Purple
What size t-shirt/hoodie/socks do you wear? Large
What's one TV show or movie you can watch over and over again? Stranger Things
What type of music do you listen to? Just about all genres
Do you enjoy reading? If so, what types of books do you like? I do not, my job consists of a lot of reading, so I try to stay away from it.
Do you play any games (board games, video games, card games, etc.)? If yes, what are your favorites? Yes, Call of duty and Apex are top two right now.
Are you a fan of any sports teams? Yes, university of south Alabama (I’m an alumni)
What’s something interesting about you that most people on R2R don’t know? I’m about to be a first time father.
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? Japan or Greece
What’s one item on your bucket list? Own an Aquarium store
Do you have any pets besides your reef tank? Tell us about them! Yes! Two dogs and four cats, all have very amazing and distinctive personalities!
What's your favorite fish? Gem Tang
Favorite coral? Hammers, I love my hammers and will own many more!
Favorite invert? Chocolate star fish
Tell us about your tank(s)! What size are they? What do you keep in them? Do you have a build thread? I currently have two 125G and one 15G nano, one (125G) just finished cycling and has ten clowns in it at the moment, the other has no fish currently (had a velvet outbreak) but is full of coral life! My nano hosts my BTAs, mushrooms, Kenya, and of course a Hammer. Along side these are two tomato clowns!
Do you have any planned upgrades or tweaks you’d like to make to your tank(s)? Yes I want to upgrade lights as I run cheaper lights and a DIY and more fish/coral!
What's your favorite thing to watch in your tank? My little clown colony
Are there any parts of the reef hobby you get really excited over? Corals, clowns, and tangs really. I also love the games and giveaways on reef2reef! I haven’t been a member too long but I love the community.
What are some good gift ideas for you? (Some general thoughts or ideas for whoever draws your name.) corals, fish, anything that is not being used? I’m still relatively new to the hobby so I still need some basic supplies or instruments.
If you had to choose, would you rather receive something handmade or something store-bought? Either one!
Are there any specific brands or reef products you love or prefer? Hanna checkers are by far my favorite out of the ones I have tried, once again I haven’t been in the reefing too long so I don’t have much experience in this field. So any suggestions I will run with!
Would you be interested in receiving livestock? If yes, what would you be interested in? disclaimer due to the busy holiday season we recommend not shipping livestock Yes I’m interested in them, I love corals and fish.
Are there any additional questions you wish we had asked that we didn't? (Add those questions in under these and post your answers.) nope! Hope everyone has an amazing holiday!

Gumbies R Us · Oct 31, 2024

Thank you to everyone who is registering so far! If you haven’t registered or are on the fence you should do it! It is such an enjoyable time to do something with our community on here!

fishguy242 · Oct 31, 2024

When is 1st round of pairing ?

JZ199 · Oct 31, 2024

1. What country are you located in? United States

2. What is one thing you always need more of? Filter floss, media, maintenance gadgets

3. What are your other hobbies/interests? Being outdoors, working out, riding my peloton, video games, mountain biking, quads/dirtbikes. I recently purchased a Subaru Wilderness which has turned into a hobby also lol

4. How do you like to spend your free time, whether it's relaxing after work or on the weekends? Relaxing, doing anything outside, doing tank maintenance, driving around, hiking, hanging out with my son doing whatever he's in the mood to do.

5. Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences if your Santa wants to send a treat? Nope

6. What’s your favorite candy or snack, either from your childhood or something you love to munch on now? KIT-KATS! twix, anything chocolate lol

7. What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Going to see drive through Christmas lights, decorating the house, watching Christmas movies.

8. Do you collect anything? Not at the moment, I've gotten out of most of my collecting hobbies but I'd like to get back into something eventually.

9. What's your favorite color? Green

10. What size t-shirt/hoodie/socks do you wear? XXL and probably large for socks(13 shoe)

11. What's one TV show or movie you can watch over and over again? I like any horror movie, any reality and crime tv shows

12. What type of music do you listen to? Rock[any kind(classic,heavy,alternative,metal)] and Country

13. Do you enjoy reading? If so, what types of books do you like? When I have the time to! Crime, Sci-Fi, Horror

14. Do you play any games (board games, video games, card games, etc.)? If yes, what are your favorites? Any board games for little kids, and any good games on X-box. My son loves farming simulator so I've been spending a lot of time playing that

15. Are you a fan of any sports teams? I haven't been following them much lately but like the Phillies and Flyers

16. What’s something interesting about you that most people on R2R don’t know? I'm honestly not too sure, I think I'm fairly boring lol... I'll come back later and try to answer this one.

17. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? I'm simple and just like traveling to the beach. If I didn't hate flying I would like to go to Poland, Italy, and some other countries with nice beaches.

18. What’s one item on your bucket list? Not reef related? A GTR, and a Barndominium lol, reef related something 200 gallons or bigger that's fully automated.

19. Do you have any pets besides your reef tank? Tell us about them! A Cockatiel and dogs full of attitude!

20. What's your favorite fish? That I currently own is my Royal Gramma, my favorite fish in general would be the Trigger. We also have a Spiny eel in our freshwater tank who is awesome, I'd love just a tank full of them

21. Favorite coral? Torches and Frogspawn

22. Favorite invert? My tank MVPs the turbo snails, Peppermint shrimp are a close second due to their personality

23. Tell us about your tank(s)! What size are they? What do you keep in them? Do you have a build thread? My current running tank is a Fluval Flex 32.5 with 2 clowns and a royal gramma, I do not have a build thread on that. My second tank which I'm finally in a position to get set up was actually an awesome gift from last year!! It's a Fluval Evo 13.5 this tank does have a build thread! I plan on stocking it with a lot of coral and a small amount of friendly inhabitants.

24. Do you have any planned upgrades or tweaks you’d like to make to your tank(s)? My Flex I plan on phasing out eventually for a bigger tank, I'm fairly certain I'm done with upgrades on it for the most part. Maybe a Kraken Lid and a different light set-up. For my Evo build, I'm looking to upgrade the return pump, RFG nozzles, and deciding what route I want to go with a controller and my powerheads.

25. What's your favorite thing to watch in your tank? Honestly I don't have a favorite thing, I just enjoy being around the tank and watching everything moving around in general.

26. Are there any parts of the reef hobby you get really excited over? Anything new! I love the process of setting up the tank, planning out the placement and equipment. But once it's up and running I also love looking for new corals to add in. I don't heavily stock my tanks with fish so I get excited deciding what fish to add next and finding it.

27. What are some good gift ideas for you? (Some general thoughts or ideas for whoever draws your name.) I'm honestly not picky at all! Anything not tank related that's interesting or cool. Also anything tank related (equipment, gadgets, decorations, cleaning or maintenance.) I'm ok with also!
I'm currently getting my Evo 13.5 setup so any equipment, accessories, tools, to go towards that would be great. Also anything maintenance related. I'm not picky at all or set on anything specific

28. If you had to choose, would you rather receive something handmade or something store-bought? Either is fine!

29. Are there any specific brands or reef products you love or prefer? Not really, I haven't tried enough brands to determine brands I like or dislike.

30. Would you be interested in receiving livestock? If yes, what would you be interested in? Sure, any simple corals, reef friendly inverts

31. Are there any additional questions you wish we had asked that we didn't? Not that I can think of, if anyone has any questions feel free to reach out on Elfster and I'll gladly respond!

JZ199 · Oct 31, 2024

fishguy242 said:
When is 1st round of pairing ?

I believe tomorrow (November 1)

Gumbies R Us · Oct 31, 2024

JZ199 said:
I believe tomorrow (November 1)

Yep it is November 1st!

dough · Oct 31, 2024

What country are you located in? USA
What is one thing you always need more of? space in my aquarium and time
What are your other hobbies/interests? fly fishing, and looking for shark teeth and fresh water planted tank
How do you like to spend your free time, whether it's relaxing after work or on the weekends? with family, new grandson and chores
Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences if your Santa wants to send a treat? no
What’s your favorite candy or snack, either from your childhood or something you love to munch on now? popcorn! And there is peanuts
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? going to grandparents house. Decorating the front yard in Clark G style!
Do you collect anything? sharks teeth and corals!
What's your favorite color? orange
What size t-shirt/hoodie/socks do you wear? 3xl
What's one TV show or movie you can watch over and over again? Watch a lot of YouTube and The Hobbit
What type of music do you listen to? Southern Rock
Do you enjoy reading? If so, what types of books do you like? Listen action books on tape and various podcasts
Do you play any games (board games, video games, card games, etc.)? If yes, what are your favorites? Single player war games
Are you a fan of any sports teams? Clemson Football
What’s something interesting about you that most people on R2R don’t know? I’ve been in this hobby since 1994
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? Rocky Mountains
What’s one item on your bucket list? Learn to scuba dive
Do you have any pets besides your reef tank? Tell us about them! Jeb, my 90# mixed hound and our 4 cats
What's your favorite fish? Gobies
Favorite coral? Acans, but I don’t discriminate
Favorite invert? Clams
Tell us about your tank(s)! What size are they? What do you keep in them? Do you have a build thread? 57 mixed reef that I set up 2 years ago. It’s a shallow tank with a wide mixture of corals and LED/T5 system running Nero pumps.
Do you have any planned upgrades or tweaks you’d like to make to your tank(s)? I’d like a 48inch tank and or maybe simplifing the lights
What's your favorite thing to watch in your tank? The different colors
Are there any parts of the reef hobby you get really excited over? Mature tanks and the patience that it takes.
What are some good gift ideas for you? (Some general thoughts or ideas for whoever draws your name.). I can also use Reef Diapers filter socks found on Amazon. Gifts cards to buy salt helps.
If you had to choose, would you rather receive something handmade or something store-bought? I’m just going to appreciate the thought and the fun of this
Are there any specific brands or reef products you love or prefer?
Would you be interested in receiving livestock? If yes, what would you be interested in? disclaimer due to the busy holiday season we recommend not shipping livestock I always can fit in another clam, acan or SPS frag
Are there any additional questions you wish we had asked that we didn't? (Add those questions in under these and post your answers.)

Stang67 · Oct 31, 2024

Santa Claus · Nov 1, 2024

Alright, everyone! I'm making my list and checking it twice! Today is the day we have planned for our first match up. Please be sure if you posted in this thread that you have also PMd me (Step 1) and registered on Elfster (Step 2) so we can get you matched.