What’s The Average Time A New Reefer Stays In The Hobby?

[Reefer Matt]

I’m not sure if we can quantify this with fact, so it may be 100% opinionated. What do you think is the average amount of time a new Reefer stays in the hobby before getting out?

 

[fish farmer]

I said 5 to 10. I'm basing this on the past club I was in, there were lots of hobbyists, but by year three there were new hobbyists in the group and loss of "originals". The second wave of hobbyists were putting tanks in walls, only to see their priorities change when they started having kids. There are a few that are still reefing after 20 years.

 

[aellis9369]

I said 5 to 10. I'm basing this on the past club I was in, there were lots of hobbyists, but by year three there were new hobbyists in the group and loss of "originals". The second wave of hobbyists were putting tanks in walls, only to see their priorities change when they started having kids. There are a few that are still reefing after 20 years.

kids is a big deal. Granted the tank was less than a year old, but my tank crashed after my daughter was born, and I'm just now putting it back on track

 

[Mr Fishface]

I marked less than one. Around here there are a few of us that have been keeping reef tanks for a while but it seems like after 6 months or so most people are listing their stuff for sale.

 

[exnisstech]

Depends on on how long it takes for some algae to grow and stress them out. If that doesn't drive them out the bristle worms will.
Sorry I spend too much time here lol

 

[Court_Appointed_Hypeman]

kids is a big deal. Granted the tank was less than a year old, but my tank crashed after my daughter was born, and I'm just now putting it back on track

My tanks came after we had 3 toddlers at once. well 3 under 1 due to twins, they have grown up with the hobby so much so that they wonder where the fish tanks are at when they go to a house without one.

If I was doing this, prior to having kids, I probably would have had to stop, but being in the trenches already for years, and the idea of filling our house with money pit water boxes was my wifes idea, it's been great.

That said, I have no idea how long the average person quits, I could see 7 months because of a lul hitting, or after the one year mark if they have dealt with dinos all their tanks life

 

[revhtree]

I would say more in the 1-2 year range.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

There are statistics out there, and this site tracks them. Ask Rev what the average activity for a new account is and that will give you a ballpark.

My guess is in the range of 12-18 months. That's long enough for a new hobbyist to realize that they're initial expectations were unattainable.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I would say more in the 1-2 year range.

Haha, speak of the devil... I'm assuming you're basing that on site activity of new users?

 

[Reefer Matt]

There are statistics out there, and this site tracks them. Ask Rev what the average activity for a new account is and that will give you a ballpark.

My guess is in the range of 12-18 months. That's long enough for a new hobbyist to realize that they're initial expectations were unattainable.

That’s probably about right. That’s also around the timeframe where confidence is high, but experience is low. Then the first bad thing happens that makes us question if we want to continue. I know I had a few of those events myself. But I guess I’m a glutton for reefing punishment. Lol!

 

[blecki]

the bristle worms will.

A phenomenon I still do not understand. How can you hate bristle worms so much??

Who doesn't like these crawly guys????

 

[Ironwill723]

Less than 24 months is the widely accepted average for a saltwater hobbyist according to industry research I have seen.

 

[PharmrJohn]

I stated less than a year. Back in 3Reef days there were us die hard reefers that stayed around for years and a TON of noobs that came and went fairly quickly. Back then there wasn't a lot of info out there, at least not near as there is today. I think today, it's much easier to keep a reef tank as long as you educate yourself in ALL topics prior to starting.

 

[GlassMunky]

Who doesn't like these crawly guys????

My fingers

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

I say less than a year. Obviously it depends on the situation, but a person that is not committed to their tank will quickly experience problems with their tank that they aren't motivated enough to fix. Those who like this hobby will closely monitor their tanks, and be motivated enough to fix problems that may occur.

 

[Dragen Fiend]

I think less than year. Once someone has to many problems and gets discouraged they give up.

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

Idk…nvr occurred to me to leave the hobby, 20yrs and going. Can’t say for others. To comment from another thread @Reefer Matt “Therapy”. I hope that the new hobbyist’s who take on this rewarding challenge of reef keeping stay engaged and excited as when they first got salty. Keep Calm, Reef On!!!

 

[GobyGuy]

Started on a whim and here 3 years later!

First tank was a 5gal… obviously because they’re easier to keep than a larger tank !!!1!1!111 /s

 

[Sophie"s mom]

I would say between 1 & 2 years. If, that is they make it to the 1 year mark. So much happens to a system in that first year that a lot just give up. but after that 1st year, and there still with it, maybe another year or so, then they find other interests, or the wonder of the mini ocean wears off. Or, something screws the tank up, and they throw in the towel.

 

[rtparty]

We actually do have some good facts about this. It’s less than 12 months. But if we can get someone through those first 12 months, they are extremely likely to go 5+ years.