First off- a big thanks to everyone who made our Holiday Sale a smashing success...Lots of reefers got some great deals on some awesome stuff! We've returned to regular shipping as of yesterday, and, despite some weather challenges, are on track to get everyone's orders out when promised.
As some of you noticed, our web site was a bit glitchy the past few days. This was due to some sort of server traffic thingy which is way, way over my head. We had our tech guys get it all straightened out and there should be no further interruptions or delays in service after today. My apologies to anyone who had some issues that prevented them from using the site. We've done some modifications that should make things function better than ever.
OK, enough of the pleasantries. Time to get to to our regularly scheduled nonsense.
Oh…Fellman is back to being preachy again…â€
No, actually, I’m being reflective, really, but if you want to call it “preachyâ€, well, ok.
As the new year breaks , I’m getting ready for that most exciting of times for a reefer: A new tank build! And, with every build comes the usual considerations: “themeâ€, budget constraints, equipment choices, aesthetics, power consumption, etc., etc. And, with every build, us reefers tend to look at things as if this is our new chance to “get it rightâ€, as if all of the previous tanks we’ve built were part of a buildup to this ultimate achievement. Now, that’s not an entirely unhealthy thing; I mean, we always strive to improve, to learn from past mistakes, and to constantly work at perfecting our craft. There is nothing wrong with self improvement.
The problem, as I see it, is that we tend to overreach at times in our attempts to create perfection. We sometimes tend to push too hard in terms of how we do things, the equipment we select, and the methods we choose. We put too much pressure on achieving some prescribed result, and overlook the fun of this whole thing. I know that I have done this over the years- sometimes with good results, but often with unintended, less-than-favorable effects.
This time, rather than pushing myself to the limits of capability, technology, and budget just because it’s what’s “expected†by "everyone" , I’m spending more time enjoying the process; thinking about what gives me the most pleasure in reefkeeping, and how I can design my system to provide that experience for me-and health for my animals. I mean, it’s a hobby, right? It’s supposed to be fun. Reef keeping is not like any other hobby- it’s an obsession for many, an expression of ourselves, and often a lifestyle as well.
That’s all well and good, but, after 30 plus years in the game, I’m finally able to reflect back on my experiences in the hobby and truly put my mind into a mode of “I can really enjoy this for the right reasons…†A personal breakthrough, if nothing else. I figured I’d share my little epiphany with you, as I actually concluded some things during my planning phases that have helped me enjoy the hobby more than ever…perhaps they will benefit you…Or, perhaps they’ll demonstrate just how far off the deep end this particular reefer has went!
Either way, as always, I’ll share my experiences/thoughts/ideas with you in the hope that it might just touch a few of you who occasionally (like me) tend to take this stuff a bit too seriously, and risk losing the enjoyment that we’re supposed to have from the reef keeping hobby. I’ve broken this little personal discovery down into a few points about things I know I have to to differently to have a successful, enjoyable reef tank. These are written to myself, from a third person point of view, so if it comes across a bit preachy, that was unintended...
Of course, we might need to think about what “successful†actually means in this context. to some of us, just having a tank that holds water in our home without leaking is a "plus one!" For others, it needs to hit on a whole litany of points. For still others, a “successful†reef aquarium experience means to win accolades and peer approval- you know, the whole “Tank of The “Millenium†prize that more than one reefer I know has coveted…The term "successful" is really a personal context, I suppose.
So, without further pomp and circumstance, here are my conclusions about things I’ve found that I need to do differently this time in order to achieve the results I want with my reef:
Stop trying to create the perfect tank from the start…it will evolve- Yeah, it does happen. You don’t need a “finished product†worthy of peer accolades and compliments right from the start (or ever, but that’s a different point). Great reef tanks evolve over time. Rock doesn’t even get coralline-encrusted for months, corals take a long time to settle in, and water chemistry parameters take some time to get dialed in. In short, you can’t rush nature- nor would you want to. Part of the fun is watching things evolve over time.
Yet, we often like to accelerate this pace, for reasons not easily defined.
For many reefers, we get into this “collector’s modeâ€, obsessively acquiring as many different corals as we can find- sometimes because we love them, and other times, because they are the “hot thing†at the time. For many, if you honestly assess your motives, you may find that you’re source of enjoyment in the hobby is simply the process of acquiring stuff- the “thrill of the hunt.†Nothing wrong with that, but something worth noting. For others, it’s a about growing the corals; evolving the system.
For all of us, it should be about letting nature run its course, as it has for eons, and helping it along a bit in our closed systems.
Great reefs happen over time....we all know this, but...
See challenges like algae issues, parameter control, etc as opportunities to improve your skills- It may seem utterly ridiculous when there is red slime on your sand, green filamentous algae clogging your overflow, and diatoms all over the aquarium walls, but if you actually take the mindset of “Here is a chance to figure out what I’m doing wrong and how to keep it from happening again,†you may just come out of challenges with a better attitude and greater skill.
Yeah, really, the old “when life gives you lemons…†mindset works well in reefkeeping. Because it’s not a matter of IF you’ll have some challenges- it’s a matter of WHEN. They come with the territory; living creatures in closed systems and such always throw us the proverbial curveballs. Everyone freaks out- it’s human nature. However, the TRULY successful hobbyistsi s the one who gathers his/her wits, observes what’s going on and how it occurred, and tries to figure out what to do about it so that it doesn't happen again. Don’t just go “through the experience†with a problem- LEARN from it and use it as a skill enhancer. And share it with others for the big win!
...Just look at it as a chance to learn...
Don’t over analyze everything- That’s almost laughable, coming from a guy who has become an “evangelist†for the “Triton Methodâ€, which relies heavily on a detailed water chemistry analysis. Well, yes, I can see how one can easily be caught up in “analysis paralysisâ€, spending tons of time chasing every parameter and freaking out over the slightest deviation. That’s not a good attitude. In fact, it’s nuts. Let’s be honest- I think information about our water parameters is important- even vital. However, it’s what you DO with the information that has the most impact.
Chasing numbers is a maddening obsession, and not the key to success. Fanatically keeping your aquarium’s environment within your chosen parameters is not. Creating a beautiful, healthy aquarium is an amalgamation of many skills and factors. Obsessing over every single aspect of your reef is going to drive you nuts- if not out of the hobby- in record time. It’s far better to set target ranges for aspects of your system’s function, appearance, and environment, than it is to force yourself into rigid parameters.
And, for goodness sake, don’t freak out over every weird noise, white spot on your Wrasse, and bit of mucous on your Acan colony. Sure, there are reasons for almost everything that happens in a reef aquarium, but you don’t need to worry about every single one. I know reefers that think the world is coming to an end every time their protein skimmer goes out of whack- convinced that this is a sign of the “great reef apocalypse.†Typically, it’s just a sign that they reached into the tank with a fresh algae scrub pad, or just fed some extra food. Not worth worrying about, unless you see signs of overt distress.
We try to relax- yet we watch, and we worry, and we ponder. Pondering is fine. Worrying is not good for your hobby experience-or your health. Don’t worry so much! Enjoy.
"Sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. No worries here."
Stop worrying about what everyone else thinks- This is a tough one for many hobbyists, in this internet-enabled, Instagram-fueled, Twitterized, forum-driven “postmodern era†of reef keeping, we’re literally besieged hourly by dozens of examples of “amazing†tank build threads, DIY projects, coral acquisition success stories, and assertions that “THIS†is the way to succeed at keeping a reef aquarium. And, with the reef forum “community†elevating various actively-posting reefers to near divine status daily, we can easily feel not only humbled, but downright insignificant or irrelevant as reefers. This is a really bad thing to get sucked into.
I can’t stress it enough: If you have a vision, and idea- a theory- and the ability to act upon it…do it! Don’t listen to the naysayers, the followers, the sheep. There are always plenty of self-appointed critics hiding behind the security of their keyboards and a window with Google open- ready to show you a dozen reasons why what you’re proposing is not going to work.
Yeah, there are always plenty of people heaping adoration on the reefers that seem to be doing “cool†stuff…tried and true, but maybe not the direction that your heart tells you to go. You’re not in the reef keeping hobby to impress anyone- let alone, the masses. You’re probably in this hobby simply because you love keeping fishes, corals, and aquariums. These are the right reasons. Just because you may have a contrarian bent- an idea that seems to go against “conventional reef-thinking†(whatever that may be), doesn’t mean that it’s wrong, or no good, or not worth pursuing. In fact, that’s all the more reason to go with your gut! So what if you may not be “popularâ€â€¦so what if you take a few hits from naysayers…You’re following your own road. The irony is, that by being successful at something radically different or previously out of fashion- you might just end up with the adoration that you previously scorned. Weird, huh?
If you have an idea, following your gut is far more productive than following the masses. This guy would tell you that.
Grit, passion, and determination can take you farther than style, money, and gadgets- Anyone can throw together an uber-pricy tank with all the latest gadgets, name-drop-able corals, and crazy “collector’s†fishes. Anyone can hire “experts†to make it for them. Anyone can talk a good game, get "likes" on social media, and play the hype game. Not everyone can create a great aquarium; one that takes time, patience, and the occasional dose of failure. Not everyone can rise from setbacks, mistakes, and outright catastrophes- and create an amazing reef tank, propagate that awesome coral, or breed that fish once though impossible. Only those who have the conviction, perseverance, and determination to follow through can do these things.
Don’t for one minute think that your little tank with a pair of Ocellaris Clowns and a Long Tentacle Anemone is any less amazing or interesting than the 2,500 gallon reef tank that some well-heeled hobbyist somewhere is building and splashing all over the forums. Your effort, your drive- your love for the animals under your care is every bit as impressive- if not more so- than anything that all of the cash and flash can achieve.
It doesn't have to be "rare" to be awesome.
As we start a new year, pause for just a moment to reflect how awesome this hobby really is…and how fortunate that we are to enjoy the gorgeous animals that we love so much. Always remember the amazing responsibility we shoulder as reefers to provide the best possible care for the animals under our care, and for their well-being.
And then, remember how fun this whole game really is- when you let your self enjoy it!
Have fun…Don’t take the hobby too seriously.
And most important of all…
Stay Wet.
Scott Fellman
Unique Corals
As some of you noticed, our web site was a bit glitchy the past few days. This was due to some sort of server traffic thingy which is way, way over my head. We had our tech guys get it all straightened out and there should be no further interruptions or delays in service after today. My apologies to anyone who had some issues that prevented them from using the site. We've done some modifications that should make things function better than ever.
OK, enough of the pleasantries. Time to get to to our regularly scheduled nonsense.
Oh…Fellman is back to being preachy again…â€
No, actually, I’m being reflective, really, but if you want to call it “preachyâ€, well, ok.
As the new year breaks , I’m getting ready for that most exciting of times for a reefer: A new tank build! And, with every build comes the usual considerations: “themeâ€, budget constraints, equipment choices, aesthetics, power consumption, etc., etc. And, with every build, us reefers tend to look at things as if this is our new chance to “get it rightâ€, as if all of the previous tanks we’ve built were part of a buildup to this ultimate achievement. Now, that’s not an entirely unhealthy thing; I mean, we always strive to improve, to learn from past mistakes, and to constantly work at perfecting our craft. There is nothing wrong with self improvement.
The problem, as I see it, is that we tend to overreach at times in our attempts to create perfection. We sometimes tend to push too hard in terms of how we do things, the equipment we select, and the methods we choose. We put too much pressure on achieving some prescribed result, and overlook the fun of this whole thing. I know that I have done this over the years- sometimes with good results, but often with unintended, less-than-favorable effects.
This time, rather than pushing myself to the limits of capability, technology, and budget just because it’s what’s “expected†by "everyone" , I’m spending more time enjoying the process; thinking about what gives me the most pleasure in reefkeeping, and how I can design my system to provide that experience for me-and health for my animals. I mean, it’s a hobby, right? It’s supposed to be fun. Reef keeping is not like any other hobby- it’s an obsession for many, an expression of ourselves, and often a lifestyle as well.
That’s all well and good, but, after 30 plus years in the game, I’m finally able to reflect back on my experiences in the hobby and truly put my mind into a mode of “I can really enjoy this for the right reasons…†A personal breakthrough, if nothing else. I figured I’d share my little epiphany with you, as I actually concluded some things during my planning phases that have helped me enjoy the hobby more than ever…perhaps they will benefit you…Or, perhaps they’ll demonstrate just how far off the deep end this particular reefer has went!
Either way, as always, I’ll share my experiences/thoughts/ideas with you in the hope that it might just touch a few of you who occasionally (like me) tend to take this stuff a bit too seriously, and risk losing the enjoyment that we’re supposed to have from the reef keeping hobby. I’ve broken this little personal discovery down into a few points about things I know I have to to differently to have a successful, enjoyable reef tank. These are written to myself, from a third person point of view, so if it comes across a bit preachy, that was unintended...
Of course, we might need to think about what “successful†actually means in this context. to some of us, just having a tank that holds water in our home without leaking is a "plus one!" For others, it needs to hit on a whole litany of points. For still others, a “successful†reef aquarium experience means to win accolades and peer approval- you know, the whole “Tank of The “Millenium†prize that more than one reefer I know has coveted…The term "successful" is really a personal context, I suppose.
So, without further pomp and circumstance, here are my conclusions about things I’ve found that I need to do differently this time in order to achieve the results I want with my reef:
Stop trying to create the perfect tank from the start…it will evolve- Yeah, it does happen. You don’t need a “finished product†worthy of peer accolades and compliments right from the start (or ever, but that’s a different point). Great reef tanks evolve over time. Rock doesn’t even get coralline-encrusted for months, corals take a long time to settle in, and water chemistry parameters take some time to get dialed in. In short, you can’t rush nature- nor would you want to. Part of the fun is watching things evolve over time.
Yet, we often like to accelerate this pace, for reasons not easily defined.
For many reefers, we get into this “collector’s modeâ€, obsessively acquiring as many different corals as we can find- sometimes because we love them, and other times, because they are the “hot thing†at the time. For many, if you honestly assess your motives, you may find that you’re source of enjoyment in the hobby is simply the process of acquiring stuff- the “thrill of the hunt.†Nothing wrong with that, but something worth noting. For others, it’s a about growing the corals; evolving the system.
For all of us, it should be about letting nature run its course, as it has for eons, and helping it along a bit in our closed systems.
Great reefs happen over time....we all know this, but...
See challenges like algae issues, parameter control, etc as opportunities to improve your skills- It may seem utterly ridiculous when there is red slime on your sand, green filamentous algae clogging your overflow, and diatoms all over the aquarium walls, but if you actually take the mindset of “Here is a chance to figure out what I’m doing wrong and how to keep it from happening again,†you may just come out of challenges with a better attitude and greater skill.
Yeah, really, the old “when life gives you lemons…†mindset works well in reefkeeping. Because it’s not a matter of IF you’ll have some challenges- it’s a matter of WHEN. They come with the territory; living creatures in closed systems and such always throw us the proverbial curveballs. Everyone freaks out- it’s human nature. However, the TRULY successful hobbyistsi s the one who gathers his/her wits, observes what’s going on and how it occurred, and tries to figure out what to do about it so that it doesn't happen again. Don’t just go “through the experience†with a problem- LEARN from it and use it as a skill enhancer. And share it with others for the big win!
...Just look at it as a chance to learn...
Don’t over analyze everything- That’s almost laughable, coming from a guy who has become an “evangelist†for the “Triton Methodâ€, which relies heavily on a detailed water chemistry analysis. Well, yes, I can see how one can easily be caught up in “analysis paralysisâ€, spending tons of time chasing every parameter and freaking out over the slightest deviation. That’s not a good attitude. In fact, it’s nuts. Let’s be honest- I think information about our water parameters is important- even vital. However, it’s what you DO with the information that has the most impact.
Chasing numbers is a maddening obsession, and not the key to success. Fanatically keeping your aquarium’s environment within your chosen parameters is not. Creating a beautiful, healthy aquarium is an amalgamation of many skills and factors. Obsessing over every single aspect of your reef is going to drive you nuts- if not out of the hobby- in record time. It’s far better to set target ranges for aspects of your system’s function, appearance, and environment, than it is to force yourself into rigid parameters.
And, for goodness sake, don’t freak out over every weird noise, white spot on your Wrasse, and bit of mucous on your Acan colony. Sure, there are reasons for almost everything that happens in a reef aquarium, but you don’t need to worry about every single one. I know reefers that think the world is coming to an end every time their protein skimmer goes out of whack- convinced that this is a sign of the “great reef apocalypse.†Typically, it’s just a sign that they reached into the tank with a fresh algae scrub pad, or just fed some extra food. Not worth worrying about, unless you see signs of overt distress.
We try to relax- yet we watch, and we worry, and we ponder. Pondering is fine. Worrying is not good for your hobby experience-or your health. Don’t worry so much! Enjoy.
"Sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. No worries here."
Stop worrying about what everyone else thinks- This is a tough one for many hobbyists, in this internet-enabled, Instagram-fueled, Twitterized, forum-driven “postmodern era†of reef keeping, we’re literally besieged hourly by dozens of examples of “amazing†tank build threads, DIY projects, coral acquisition success stories, and assertions that “THIS†is the way to succeed at keeping a reef aquarium. And, with the reef forum “community†elevating various actively-posting reefers to near divine status daily, we can easily feel not only humbled, but downright insignificant or irrelevant as reefers. This is a really bad thing to get sucked into.
I can’t stress it enough: If you have a vision, and idea- a theory- and the ability to act upon it…do it! Don’t listen to the naysayers, the followers, the sheep. There are always plenty of self-appointed critics hiding behind the security of their keyboards and a window with Google open- ready to show you a dozen reasons why what you’re proposing is not going to work.
Yeah, there are always plenty of people heaping adoration on the reefers that seem to be doing “cool†stuff…tried and true, but maybe not the direction that your heart tells you to go. You’re not in the reef keeping hobby to impress anyone- let alone, the masses. You’re probably in this hobby simply because you love keeping fishes, corals, and aquariums. These are the right reasons. Just because you may have a contrarian bent- an idea that seems to go against “conventional reef-thinking†(whatever that may be), doesn’t mean that it’s wrong, or no good, or not worth pursuing. In fact, that’s all the more reason to go with your gut! So what if you may not be “popularâ€â€¦so what if you take a few hits from naysayers…You’re following your own road. The irony is, that by being successful at something radically different or previously out of fashion- you might just end up with the adoration that you previously scorned. Weird, huh?
If you have an idea, following your gut is far more productive than following the masses. This guy would tell you that.
Grit, passion, and determination can take you farther than style, money, and gadgets- Anyone can throw together an uber-pricy tank with all the latest gadgets, name-drop-able corals, and crazy “collector’s†fishes. Anyone can hire “experts†to make it for them. Anyone can talk a good game, get "likes" on social media, and play the hype game. Not everyone can create a great aquarium; one that takes time, patience, and the occasional dose of failure. Not everyone can rise from setbacks, mistakes, and outright catastrophes- and create an amazing reef tank, propagate that awesome coral, or breed that fish once though impossible. Only those who have the conviction, perseverance, and determination to follow through can do these things.
Don’t for one minute think that your little tank with a pair of Ocellaris Clowns and a Long Tentacle Anemone is any less amazing or interesting than the 2,500 gallon reef tank that some well-heeled hobbyist somewhere is building and splashing all over the forums. Your effort, your drive- your love for the animals under your care is every bit as impressive- if not more so- than anything that all of the cash and flash can achieve.
It doesn't have to be "rare" to be awesome.
As we start a new year, pause for just a moment to reflect how awesome this hobby really is…and how fortunate that we are to enjoy the gorgeous animals that we love so much. Always remember the amazing responsibility we shoulder as reefers to provide the best possible care for the animals under our care, and for their well-being.
And then, remember how fun this whole game really is- when you let your self enjoy it!
Have fun…Don’t take the hobby too seriously.
And most important of all…
Stay Wet.
Scott Fellman
Unique Corals
I'll have glasses soon, so I'll enjoy it even more, lol!!
