Do you overcomplicate your reef tank?

[Gumbies R Us]

I know for me, a simple fix can lead to me making it way more complicated than it needs to be. Are you doing the same with your tank? Also, how are you preventing something from getting too difficult for your liking? Photo Credit: @Coral Pimp

 

[AlyciaMarie]

I think I'm learning that the knee-jerk reaction to fix something is causing a butterfly effect. Not only are my attempts to fix the original problem not going well, but they are also causing new and more significant problems.

The hands-off or hands-on approach? That's the question in my mind at this point.

 

[Reefer Matt]

Reef tanks are like ships. It takes a while to get off course, and even longer to get back. But they aren’t that complicated, imo. However, many Reefers feel they must immediately act on every little thing. In time you learn when something is dire, and when it’s just an off day.

 

[Sophie"s mom]

When I notice differences in my tank, I try to sit back for a day or so and see what goes on. This is a hard part of this hobby. I know at least for me, I inherently want to "fix" things immediately, but I do have enough knowledge (depending on the issue at hand) to keep an eye on things and see what emerges. though it is an internal battle on occasion.

 

[Nano_Man]

Hands off approach unless something big happens. I am a great believer water changes weekly keep things at a good levels . Also having a good look over the tank a couple of times a week

 

[shakacuz]

hands-off is generally the desire. many look to simplify things by buying more automating hardware/software but forget those need maintenance and check ups, too. i find using less equipment is better, not only because i am lazy to clean things, but also because there's less things to keep a look out for in terms of failure points.

kind of an exaggerated example but look at polo reef's tank. massive. beautiful. but could you imagine the hours or maybe days it takes to maintenance things? the staff involved? yikes!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

hands-off is generally the desire. many look to simplify things by buying more automating hardware/software but forget those need maintenance and check ups, too. i find using less equipment is better, not only because i am lazy to clean things, but also because there's less things to keep a look out for in terms of failure points.

kind of an exaggerated example but look at polo reef's tank. massive. beautiful. but could you imagine the hours or maybe days it takes to maintenance things? the staff involved? yikes!

I thought about that yesterday when I saw Shane from SBB doing a podcast with him. The amount of care and work you would have to do to keep that tank going would be a nightmare

 

[danimal1211]

Instead of the term stability I am learning it’s more about trying to disturb things as little as possible. When i say things I not only mean livestock but every element of the reef tank ie. lighting, flow, temp, chemistry, etc. gradual slow steps, one change at a time.

 

[Dbichler]

I’m so hands off I barely scrape the algae off the glass lately. That’s why I only do softies. They like it that way.

 

[tuscani]

As a new guy in the hobby I was finding myself chasing numbers and reacting in a panic to anything that I thought was "out of norm" and thus creating other problems. Now I am more thoughtful and patient.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

As a new guy in the hobby I was finding myself chasing numbers and reacting in a panic to anything that I thought was "out of norm" and thus creating other problems. Now I am more thoughtful and patient.

Yep, one of the worst things you can do is start to number chase. It adds stress to both you and your tank.

 

[VintageReefer]

I honestly feel that many many people overcomplicate things. But you need to realize every action has a reaction. And taking steps to artificially fix a “problem” will less to other reactions and soon you’re playing ping pong with conditions or symptoms

You know how many times I have a few closed corals? Nearly daily. I can have 6 torches in a group and all are open every day. And then one day, one or two isn’t. Instead of panicking and dipping and changing placement. I leave them. And guess what…a day or two later they are open again and fine

 

[SomeHappyFish]

Less is more sometimes.

I almost bought a 4 head dosing pump for random stuff until I realised I was overcomplicating things.

Water change and trace elements for my macro algae and thats it.

 

[fish farmer]

Reef tanks are like ships. It takes a while to get off course, and even longer to get back. But they aren’t that complicated, imo. However, many Reefers feel they must immediately act on every little thing. In time you learn when something is dire, and when it’s just an off day.

I've had a nagging cyano problem for over a year, first it was red, now it is green. It generally stays on the sand bed. Also other algae like GHA and bubble algae. I think I'm finally getting die off of the GHA, just keep at it with WC and regular pump cleaning.

It's not overtaking corals, so I just manage it. Most corals are doing fine.

 

[19Mateo83]

I have simplified my system to be mostly hands off with out too much automation. I have my all for reef and top off water on ecotech versas… acro power is on a kamoer f1 dosing twice weekly. A skimmer and carbon reactor hooked up together …. That’s it. I’m at the point where I do my monthly water change, clean glass, keep jugs full, rinse filter socks weekly and feed fish daily. The tank seems to enjoy this approach.

 

[Solo McReefer]

I know for me, a simple fix can lead to me making it way more complicated than it needs to be. Are you doing the same with your tank? Also, how are you preventing something from getting too difficult for your liking? Photo Credit: @Coral Pimp

Yes

That is part of the hobby for me

 

[ryanjohn1]

Yup leave er alone. No emergency’s. I had a bit of stn in one of my acro colony’s. I did absolutely nothing and you know what. It didn’t get worse.