From beginner to expert: How long did it take you to "graduate"?

[PJs_Bucket_List_Reef_75]

Reef keepers and their tanks are as unique as fingerprints. From what draws them into the hobby, to their experience with cycling that first tank, to the type of corals they grow and why. Despite the individual differences in the journey, the end goal is basically the same... to have a beautiful, healthy, thriving reef to enjoy!
To the reefers who have been in the hobby for a while, how long did it take you to reach your current level? In regards to the level of difficulty to grow certain corals, did you start with easy soft corals and gradually work up to sps, or even nps? How long did it take you to successfully grow more advanced types of coral? Or maybe you jumped into the deep end head first and it worked out beautifully. How did you accomplish that?
I want to hear about your experiences with keeping corals. How long did it take you to up your game, from the time your tank was done cycling? Throw a picture in the thread and show me what an expert's tank looks like!

 

[shcrimps]

it took me about 2 1/2 years to really figure it out and get things down
however i don’t believe i’ll ever graduate
unless i learn all the secrets the ocean has to offer

 

[Dburr1014]

I figured out the other day that I'm about 24 years in the hobby. I've had a couple of breaks here and there, but 24 years with a running tank.
The last 5 or 6 years I've been more of coasting the reef. Not really putting much thinking or energy into to the hobby. If I want something or want to change something, I do it. I don't really "think" about it.
So to answer the question, I'd say 19 years to get to that level. The graduated level.
But that is not to say I'm not still learning. There's always something new to learn.

 

[Asagi]

Lotta “experts” around these dayzzz LOL

 

[Enad]

I dove in pretty deep once I got into the hobby. I would say after 6 months I felt pretty confident in my routine and ability to keep stuff happy. Of course, I'm always learning new lessons and finding out even better ways to approach stuff, but my simple success speaks for itself, in my opinion.

 

[crazyfishmom]

Unlikely to ever graduate…. Will likely continue to make mistakes and learn over time. At least I don’t kill everything anymore. I’ll take a kindergarten graduation certificate please?

 

[BristleWormHater]

Always had an interest in sea life and specifically inverts, I feel pretty confident in my knowledge on the fish & inverts side only a few months in. The equipment and hardware stuff just makes my head spin right now, it took forever to learn my simple mistakes, like how I had my overflow chambers, well overflowed for 2 months.

 

[Roatan Reef]

You Never Graduate. It took 1.5 years to figure basic stuff out, 3 years to where I'm satisfied with my tank at a level of 8 but not a 10., still always amazed at other people's tanks and equipment and dosing ideas they use, you never stop learning. I've met people that have been running tanks for 20 years, and they still try new things and figure new stuff out.

 

[RedReefer]

30 years still learning...

 

[PharmrJohn]

Will let y'all know when I get there. Basically started over last February. Been studying ever since. I figure I have a few more years before I consider myself just over expert threshold.

And perhaps sooner, because I AM the smartest person in the world. AND the best looking. I really cannot help being like this.....It's a burden I bear, but I bear it well! You can all agree at any time......

 

[Macbalacano]

I've had 3 tries at a reef.

First time was just over 10 years ago while in university, which was terrible.

Second time was 3 years ago, which was great, but life got busy and tank started to not do well (I honestly think Vibrant led to a slow decline).

Third time was 9 months ago, which is my current tank thread and photo below. It's going really awesome. I finally feel like I really know what I'm doing. I wouldn't say I'm an expert, but I've definitely found my groove and very happy with the results. This tank was done with all live rock and I had tons of coral in there 24 hours after the tank was set-up. My tank thread has all the details.

 

[Ef4life]

I’ve been in for over 20 years, I’m far from
An expert. Far from a beginner also.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I wouldn't consider myself a beginner but an expert. Not a chance, haha.

 

[Cool tangs]

Well technically I started in this hobby around 2012ish and my first tank was run of pure luck with great success. I had no idea what I was doing but I think I put that down to water changes now looking back lol

I took a massive break after about 4 years in the hobby. I got back into the hobby around 4ish years ago now and have learnt a lot. Love learning more and taking deep dives to understand our animals and hobby more. Would I call myself a expert, no way!! Can I keep things alive, yes!

 

[scotty333]

25 years in and as above , also got a way with all messed up (James, great band)
Water changes and a calcium reactor was all that was needed
Now things are waaaay different because some want to reduce water changes and rely on equipment heavier which has its pitfalls of course
Still learning daily , never reach expert imo

 

[exnisstech]

Throw a picture in the thread and show me what an expert's tank looks like!

Well I was going to add an image untill I read the last sentence. I'm 8+ years in and figure I'll leave this planet as a novice lol.