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

[CO2TLEY]

I’d say less than a year or within the first two years. Whether that be because of time, money or simply losing interest in the hobby

 

[jdpierce21]

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?

I was watching BRS YouTube and they said most people quit around the 6-8 month mark if I’m remember correctly. Something like 80%.

 

[BR260354]

Depends if they survive the ugly stage. I believe most give in on that. I almost did. I'm 2 years in after my 30 years time off. Hope to be in it for at least 10. Then I might be too old...but who knows.

 

[Solo McReefer]

Too long

My first "mini reef" was in 93

 

[Solo McReefer]

Depends if they survive the ugly stage.

Imagine if they all started with real ocean live rock

 

[Fish_Fry]

I recall an old Brs video that said the average was around 18 months.

I'm curious how different it is for FW.


I had 2 SW tanks in the mid-late 90s & that's about how long each lasted. Besides a few short periods when I was very transient in my 20s I've had FW continuously since the 90s

 

[XtraKargo]

I came back in the deep end after being out over a decade 2 years ago. Don't see myseslf quitting again anytime soon. My best friend made it 11 months and was just about to beat the uglies, but gave it up. My uncle has gone 4 years now and is also ready to quit, but he got me started in the mid 90s. My buddy's issue was the time he had to dedicate to it. He is just as happy to come here and visit his fish and see my tanks. My uncle was extra fundage getting eaten up in this hobby. He'd show up with the next gadget or neat whatever. I ended up helping him sell his stuff on FB the end of last year and I paid him a fair price for the rest...

 

[FUNGI]

I’d say less than a year or within the first two years. Whether that be because of time, money or simply losing interest in the hobby

Depends on when the wife says "me or the tank".....I going on 40+ years

 

[Dburr1014]

With the cost of the hobby, bad facts from FB(and other sites), and problems in the first year, I voted <1 year.

 

[Dan_P]

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?

For just any hobby, involvement is about two years. I imagine keeping a saltwater aquarium is similar.

 

[GreyJediReefer]

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?

I’m a newbie and I’ve been through the wringer over the last year( aiptasia outbreak, tank crash, lost stock, destroyed equipment). I’m stubborn though and I use everything as a learning experience to keep going.

Most recently, destroyed a bunch of power adapters because my return failed and dumped around 3 gals on all my electrical. Not fun. Tanks is hobbling, but I think I’ll get it back. I’m not out yet.

 

[Tamberav]

1-2 imo

 

[DustinDec]

Me just sitting thinking "we got this" as my wife and I just started earlier this year. We're already on our second tank .

 

[Doctorgori]

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

I was watching BRS YouTube and they said most people quit around the 6-8 month mark if I’m remember correctly. Something like 80%.

besides the BRS vid I’ve seen this 1-2 yr this as the supposed researched/surveyed average also ….
(I’m also parroting the data, not vouching for it)

 

[DrV4n]

As a new reefer, this thread stresses me out. Please tell me it’s going to be ok and check on me in a year .

 

[Reefer Matt]

As a new reefer, this thread stresses me out. Please tell me it’s going to be ok and check on me in a year .

You’ll be cool. You’re already on R2R. Lot’s of Reefers here to help.

 

[visioned]

i'd say a year, but probably less, honestly. depends on the person.

life events such as relocation/work/kids also have a compounding affect and *usually* the tank is the first thing to go, for most.

 

[jdpierce21]

As a new reefer, this thread stresses me out. Please tell me it’s going to be ok and check on me in a year .

I think a couple big things is getting discouraged when your tank goes through the ugly stage and underestimating the cost that is associated with this hobby.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

I got 1 question, where can I buy some of that hardly used gear from the one year reefers, seems there is a lot of stuff sitting in garages LOL!

 

[KrisReef]

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?

A true reefer never “Gets out.” An average person who checks out the hobby stays as long as they feel good about the hobby. A true reefer lives in the hobby and every thing else is a distraction from it. It doesn’t matter how long folks stay in the hobby, if they left then they probably never were really in it, unless they left in a box.