Expect the Unexpected: Has your reefing experience been what you expected?

[AlyciaMarie]

Unless you can see the future, you never really know what you’re getting yourself into until you’re in the thick of it. And reefing is no exception! Whether it’s for the good or the bad…

Has your reefing experience been what you expected? Why or why not?

P.S. Everyone’s expectations are different, so answer the question with the context of your expectations for yourself and your journey!

 

[PharmrJohn]

While I'm without a tank now, my previous 90g did FAR better than I expected. I was really happy with it.

 

[X-37B]

Its always what I expect but I have been at it for quite awhile.
Best advice is to get a plan and stick with it.
Many make it way harder than it needs to be, imo.
Current ext 170 at 4 months is exactly what I expected from day one.
150lbs Live Rock, 30+ acros, 9 fish, plenty of cuc including 2 urchins that came in on Live Rock. Corraline is spreading everywhere.

 

[kdx7214]

My tanks is 2.5 years old now. It's exactly what I expected, not that that is a good thing. Still working on it though and hopefully will get better. For the first time I do have three SPS that didn't die within a week though

 

[KrisReef]

Has your reefing experience been what you expected? Why or why not?​

• It’s better than I expected.​

  Votes: 27 46.6%

• It’s about what I expected.​

  Votes: 23 39.7%

• It’s less than what I expected.​

  Votes: 8 13.8%

• Other (please explain!).​

  Votes: 00.0%

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• Total voters 58

Interesting results so far. 50 votes for either what I, or better than I expected, and only 8 for less than expected.

In summary, this hobby is great for most reefers, and there is no other.

 

[maroun.c]

It's been way more rewarding than I ever expected 24 years ago when I started. The tank itself and the progression has been amazing. Getting to connect with a great community of reefers locally and internationally and building up friendships with reefers I met on travel throughout multiple counties and joining reefing conventions has been an amazing experience.
Yet the hobby itself tank upkeep husbandry, methodology was a bit challenging and confusing at times. With all the progress we had in running our tanks be it lighting flow and most important methodology there is definitely no fail safe method and it remains an unforgiving hobby even with large tanks and quality equipment abd methods for many which in the end makes it more rewarding when the tank is happy!

 

[aztoza]

Other.
This is much easier on paper haha XD it’s easy to know all the “right” things, but nature doesn’t always abide by the textbook answer =)