Do you consider yourself to be "A Real Reefer" and what does that look like?

[Subsea]

After > 50 years of Reefing, I might be a “real reefer”. At the very least, I am “old school”.

@Paul B where do you see yourself in this discussion? Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[OG Reef Tanks]

There are different levels of progression in keeping reef tanks and growing coral long term. A real reefer is someone who has enough of an understanding of the hobby that they can be successful whenever they choose to set up a new system. It doesn't mean there won't still be the occasional problem, but they know how to address the problems based on experience/knowledge.

 

[Nhjmc]

If I win the lottery maybe then I can be.

 

[Tamie77]

While I know that I am still learning and will be forever, I think I can consider myself a successful reefer. Last weekend I had to trim down some of my coral. Considering the prices of a one inch acro frag, I estimate that I threw out over a $1000 in digit, milli and montipora. It was very sad but I don’t have my grow out tank setup yet and my local LFSs aren’t interested in trades or even free inventory
I know that Monti-caps grow fast but man did it hurt to break up this colony.

Do you still have them? That bottom picture, the purple and the green, ohhhh I wish I could have taken it for you !

 

[editour2]

While I know that I am still learning and will be forever, I think I can consider myself a successful reefer. Last weekend I had to trim down some of my coral. Considering the prices of a one inch acro frag, I estimate that I threw out over a $1000 in digit, milli and montipora. It was very sad but I don’t have my grow out tank setup yet and my local LFSs aren’t interested in trades or even free inventory
I know that Monti-caps grow fast but man did it hurt to break up this colony.

The next time take a pic with the Coral still in tact.....circle the piece you are trimming and post it for sale. This way some one can come over and pick it up and you at least won't be throwing out coral, (and can make a couple of bucks). That Monti cap is a beautiful centerpiece in someone's tank. Or.....is there a large aquarium where you live? Sometimes you can donate it to them.

 

[WyoMt.Chef]

I'm a great reefer and my tank isn't doing bad either.....

 

[HankstankXXL750]

I would say that a reefer is first and foremost just someone who loves the hobby. But a real reefer is dedicated. Takes the time to work with their tanks. Experiments with new things. They don’t have to be perfect. They can be newbies or old hats. Not just someone who bought a tank, but someone who cares about what’s in it enough to sacrifice the time to care for the inhabitants. I love my fishies.

 

[Crustaceon]

I think that's a question you can only answer yourself based on your own expectations. I don't think a "real reefer" is a thing. I think "reefers in training" is more a more accurate description even for the reefing "masters".

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

Yes - I consider myself a real reefer. Why? Because I have spent thousands of dollars in lost corals yet I continue to keep trying.

 

[RichReef]

I chose other. Not sure what a real reefer would be.

We always say "to each his own".

If you like your tank and it has coral in it then you are a real reefer.

I seen a beautiful 40 gallon tank in person that had only mushrooms and a FEW softies. I was surprised because I walked in the room and there it was. The owner had a vision and was able to place things just right for the eye appeal. I couldn't stop staring at it. I have a fair amount of SPS in my tank and I was envious. It was stunning. She was truly a talented artist and it showed.

So was she not a real reefer? I think she was.

 

[Placenta89]

If I had more disposable income i would definitely go all out. But I can keep them alive and they grow and split so it's a good start. But I have learned so much the past couple years and just wish I had the capital to do something epic.

 

[A Young Reefer]

Slightly out of context, but a reefer to me is more than a person keeping corals and fish, no matter how successful he or she is.
A reefer is patient, hardworking, helpful, willing to sacrifice time, not afraid to ask how or why, puts the well being of his animals as a priority, and is humble to some extent. A reefer lacking any of these attributes (which I learned them all from R2R) is not a “real” reefer in my opinion.

 

[danieyella]

No, I employ faafo methodology

 

[mattdg]

I've seen some gorgeous tanks, lively reef related conversations and countless blue thumbed dorks on this forum. If you all are not "real reefers"... then, who is?

 

[ComfortRacing]

Hmmm good question, some people base it on successes, , some base it on the tank size and some base it on your equipment or the amount of money you have spent on it, but i feel the real answer is that it is based on shear Passion” for the hobby.