Take the Salt Water Reef Keeping Survey!

[rainmkr07]

Just copy and paste the questions to your reply, and add your answers!
1. What is your first name?
2. Where do you live?
3. How long have you been reef keeping?
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began?
5. What was the size of your first tank?
6. What is the size of your current tank?
7. What is the size of your dream tank?
8. What was your first fish?
9. What was your first invert?
10. What was your first coral?
11. Today, what is your favorite fish?
12. Today, what is your favorite invert?
13. Today, what is your favorite coral?
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have?
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have?
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have?
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?)
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping?
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping?
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping?
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping?
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be?
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping?
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole?
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be?

 

[beansell]

This is quite a list but I will try to answer them all since I am bored at the moment:
1. What is your first name? Brian
2. Where do you live? Pittsburgh, PA
3. How long have you been reef keeping? 6 Years
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began? Approx 3,000
5. What was the size of your first tank? 30gal
6. What is the size of your current tank? 75gal
7. What is the size of your dream tank? ~180
8. What was your first fish? False Percs (2)
9. What was your first invert? Blue legged hermit crabs
10. What was your first coral? Glove Polyp
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? Dwarf Blue Spotted Toby
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? Emerald Crabs
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? Kenya Tree Leather
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? Not Sure
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? CBS
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have? Open Brain
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?) Traditional Rectangle
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping? Allowing water to get too hot (A/C broke) wiping out a lot of stuff.
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping? Moving from crushed coral to live sand.
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping? Enjoying looking at the artificial reef I have created.
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping? Cleaning
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be? Invest in good lighting from day one...you will end up spending more to upgrade in the near future.
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping? Take your time and things will eventually get to where you expect them to be.
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole? As long as there are those of us who enjoy it things will progress and get better in the future.

 

[janastasio]

1. What is your first name? JAIME
2. Where do you live? KEENE, NH
3. How long have you been reef keeping? 2 YEARS
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began? $3500.00+
5. What was the size of your first tank? 75 (it may actually be a 90)
6. What is the size of your current tank? SAME TANK BUT ALSO HAVE A 19NOW
7. What is the size of your dream tank? 200+
8. What was your first fish? FIRST FISH PURCHASED WAS A SWEETLIPS (big mistake!), but tank was established when I got it so it already had a yellow tang, coral beauty, striped damsel, blue damsel, and a purple pseudo
9. What was your first invert? CBS (shrimpman)
10. What was your first coral? Mushrooms and some leathers (lucky me someone gave them to me.
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? ANY KIND OF TANG
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? CLEANER SHRIMP
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? ANY KIND OF SOFTIES AND ZOOS
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? GOLDRIM TANK
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? MORE CLEANER SHRIMP
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have? MORE COLORS OF RICORDIAS AND ZOOS
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?) MY CURRENT TANK IS OCTOGONAL IN SHAP ON ITS SIDES AND I LOVE IT. WOULDNT CHANGE THE SHAPE
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping? JUST RECENTLY QT'D A TANG IN COPPER TREATMENT AND IT KILLED IT. FELT BADLY ABOUT KILLING THE FISH
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping? JUST GETTING INTO THE HOBBY. IT BRINGS ME CONSTANT ENJOYMENT
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping? WATCHING MY TANKS AND SEEING HOW THEY GROW AND PROSPER
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping? CLEANING ALTHOUGH I HAVE TIMES WHERE I ENJOY IT BECAUSE THE END PRODUCT IS SO REWARDING
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be? NOTHING
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping? RESEARCH AND PATIENCE. LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN BEFORE GOING INTO IT SO THAT YOU START CORRECTLY. I STARTED THIS HOBBY KNOWING NOTHING AND THEN FOUND THIS SITE WHICH HAS HELPED ME INCREDIBLY.
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole? ITS A WONDERFUL HOBBY.
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be? MORE VARIETY OF FISH COULD BE BRED IN CAPTIVITY. I HAVE A LOVE OF TANGS AND FEEL GUILTY THAT THEY HAVE PROB BEEN PULLED FROM A FREE AND WILD ENVIRONMENT TO BE PUT INTO MY TANK. BETTER TREATMENT OF THESE ANIMALS DURING COLLECTION, THAT HUMANE EFFORTS BE USED AND LESS LIVES TAKEN. I HAVE READ THAT 1 IN A 1OO FISH COLLECTED WILL LIVE. IF THESE NUMBERS ARE CORRECT IT IS SUCH A SAD LOSS OF LIFE AND IT MAKES ME FEEL BADLY ABOUT BEING A PART OF THE HOBBY BECAUSE BY PURCHASING THESE LIVE ANIMALS I AM CONTRIBUTING TO THE ONGOING PROCESS OF IT. IM NOT SURE WHAT ELSE I WOULD WISH FOR. I COULD SAY BETTER PRICES BUT THAT SEEMS A CONTRADICTION TO THE ABOVE STATED BECAUSE I IMAGINE THAT BETTER COLLECTION COULD BE MADE WITH BETTER EQUIPMENT AND PEOPLE THAT ARE PAYED MORE SO THAT THEY MIGHT GIVE A ..........

 

[triga22]

1. What is your first name?Tyler
2. Where do you live?Georgia
3. How long have you been reef keeping?2 years
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began?2,000
5. What was the size of your first tank?10
6. What is the size of your current tank?29
7. What is the size of your dream tank?600
8. What was your first fish?Damsel
9. What was your first invert?Hermit
10. What was your first coral?Mushroom
11. Today, what is your favorite fish?Sohal Tang
12. Today, what is your favorite invert?Anenomes
13. Today, what is your favorite coral?Frogspawn
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have?Tang
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have?Anenome
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have?Torch,Frog
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?)Rimless cube
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping?Adding DIY rocks to early
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping?Keeping the stocklist low
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping?The whole thing
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping?The money
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be?Adding the DIY rock
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping?Take your time, reasarch, and go as big as you can.
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole? I think it may come to an end. But on the other hand it should get alot easier and cheaper and also more fish
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be?
Huge tank
More fish
More money for the tanks

 

[chevs10]

1. What is your first name? Bill
2. Where do you live? New Jersey
3. How long have you been reef keeping? 3 years
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began?4,000 bucks
5. What was the size of your first tank? 46 bowfront that i still have
6. What is the size of your current tank? 125
7. What is the size of your dream tank? cylinder black tip reef shark tank like that celebrity has in his house.

8. What was your first fish? hippo tang
9. What was your first invert? hermit
10. What was your first coral? Button polyps
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? volitan lionfish and marine beta
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? clams
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? monipora
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? emperor angel
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? octopus
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have? what ever looks cool
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?) cylinder
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping? adding a pinktail trigger to my reef ate all my inverts. sold him.
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping? buying a volitan lionfish
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping? sitting and watching taking pictures
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping? all the work and money spending
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be? getting the biggest tank in the begining
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping? take your time and dont rush

 

[rainmkr07]

1. What is your first name? Ryan
2. Where do you live? Manhattan, Kansas
3. How long have you been reef keeping? 3 months
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began? $1200
5. What was the size of your first tank? 75G
6. What is the size of your current tank? 75G
7. What is the size of your dream tank? 220G
8. What was your first fish? Green Chromis
9. What was your first invert? Mexican Turbo Snail
10. What was your first coral? Kenya Tree
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? Blue Hippo Tang
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? Emerald Crab
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? Leather Toadstool
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? Powder Blue Tang
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? Cleaner Shrimp
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have? A Brain
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?) Cube I think.
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping? Filling tank initially w/ tap water
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping? Emptying it out and refilling it with RO/DI water.
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping? Just thinking of the tank, making changes, adding things, watching it in motion
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping? Water Changes!
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be? Got a sump initially rather than a hob filter.
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping? Take it slow!
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole? I hope it gets more popular so we have more fish to choose from and better equipment.
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be? 1. All fish/corals/inverts become 1 penny w/ free S/H. 2. Better skimming, lights, equipment for all. 3. Tanks that are bigger, stronger, never need cleaning, and are free for the taking.

 

[alix2.0]

1. What is your first name?
alix
2. Where do you live?
ohio
3. How long have you been reef keeping?
1 year
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began?
3 grand
5. What was the size of your first tank?
20 long
6. What is the size of your current tank?
29 bowfront
7. What is the size of your dream tank?
5000g DT
8. What was your first fish?
2 occelaris clowns
9. What was your first invert?
CBS
10. What was your first coral?
green ricordea
11. Today, what is your favorite fish?
cowfish
12. Today, what is your favorite invert?
carpet anemones
13. Today, what is your favorite coral?
frogspawn
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have?
longnose hawkfish
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have?
a cucumber
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have?
more shrooms
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?)
bowfront
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping?
no biggies yet! crosses fingers!
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping?
to start!
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping?
ummm maintenence and then sitting back and admiring my beautiful tank!
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping?
getting stung by bristleworms :[
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be?
bought better lights
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping?
take it slowwwwww, and everything in moderation.
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole?
i think if your responsible and care about the hobby and the fish, inverts, etc, it its helpful in raising awareness about the plight of the world's reefs.
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be?
unlimited funding for my tank, 100%success rate, and thriving natural reefs for the rest of forever!

 

[badboyj]

1. What is your first name? jimmy
2. Where do you live? phila.
3. How long have you been reef keeping? just started ,fowlr about 10 years
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began? about 10,000
5. What was the size of your first tank? 20 gal.
6. What is the size of your current tank? 215
7. What is the size of your dream tank? 540 , 600
8. What was your first fish? damels
9. What was your first invert? fire shimp
10. What was your first coral? green zoos
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? flame angel
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? red starfish
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? love all them
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? emperor angel , but not in with my reef , mabey when I get a new tank !!
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? blue starfish
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have?
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?)
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping?
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping?
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping?
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping?
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be?
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping?
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole?
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be

 

[wfd1008]

1. What is your first name?
john
2. Where do you live?
kentucky
3. How long have you been reef keeping?
6 yrs.
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began? way too much
5. What was the size of your first tank?
46-gal.
6. What is the size of your current tank?
46, 30, 55
7. What is the size of your dream tank?
if i won the lottery, big, very big.
8. What was your first fish?
damsel
9. What was your first invert?
cleaner shrimp
10. What was your first coral?
hand leather
11. Today, what is your favorite fish?
clown tang
12. Today, what is your favorite invert?
any that won't become a pain in the butt later
13. Today, what is your favorite coral?
hand leather that i've had from the beginning
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have?
clown tang
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have?
see #12
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have?
blue palm
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?)
rectangle
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping?
bought a heater an went out of town, it shorted out. you get the point
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping?
getting my wife into it
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping?
sitting back and enjoying the view
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping?
spending a crazy amount of cash
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be?
buy a pet turtle
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping?
for your first tank, the bigger the better.
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole?
everyone will have a tank
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be?
1) get back all the money i spent on stupid things-2)use that money wisely-3)win the lottery to get the biggest tank in the state of kentucky

 

[texasmetal]

1. What is your first name? Aaron, I don't go by it.
2. Where do you live? Fort Worth, TX
3. How long have you been reef keeping? Almost 3 years
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began? A few thousand...
5. What was the size of your first tank? 100 gallon fresh, 10 gallon
6. What is the size of your current tank? 60g seahorse, 30g reef, 75g octopus
7. What is the size of your dream tank? Big enough to keep a Giant Pacific Octopus
8. What was your first fish? Oscar freshwater, Neon Goby saltwater
9. What was your first invert? Hermit crab
10. What was your first coral? Green star polyps
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? Hard to say. Antennarius Maculatus maybe.
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? Cephalopods, octopus/cuttlefish
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? Frogspawn
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? Antennarius Maculatus
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? Cuttlefish
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have? Montipora
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?) Bowfront
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping? Using tapwater.
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping? Being patient
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping? Exposure to another world.
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping? Destroying marine habitats.
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be? Not keeping a carnivorous starfish with my octopus.
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping? Be VERY patient.
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole? I believe it will get more and more popular, and captive breeding will become more important.
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be? Availability of captive bred species of all desireable inhabitants, easier plumbing, cheaper equipment.

 

[big]

1. What is your first name? Warren
2. Where do you live?Berkeley Springs West Virginia
3. How long have you been reef keeping? just over a year this time, First salt back in the 70's
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began? Far, too much over 5 grand.... The wife calls it "the endless money pit"
5. What was the size of your first tank? 55
6. What is the size of your current tank? 72 bow
7. What is the size of your dream tank? 172 bow
8. What was your first fish? Royal Gramma
9. What was your first invert? Cleaner shrimp
10. What was your first coral? Pink Pearl (still alive and growing)
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? DBG Love-Hate) thing here
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? Cleaner Shrimp
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? Zoo's
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? LNH with a tiny mouth
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? more shrimp
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have? More Ric's
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?) BOW
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping? Too much money spent, just ask the wife!!! And P.C. lights as another thought
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping? lots of LR and flow
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping? Just looking at it and watching things grow
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping? Scraping Coralline off the bow
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be? Build a closed loop from the start, but that may be an unfair one, who would ever start out new with a CLS ???
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping? Read, Read, Read and Ask.
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole? I worry that someday in the not too distant future the only Reefs left are in tanks...
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be? ... 1.Only Grown fish and corals, no more taking from the natural reefs, other than overly abundant species....
2. A good way to control the Crown of Thorns, and a few other such critters......3. The ocean temps did not get any hotter.

 

[turtle66]

I'll play too!!

1. What is your first name? Amber
2. Where do you live? Orlando, FL
3. How long have you been reef keeping? 4 months
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began?
TOO MUCH - approx. $2500-3000
5. What was the size of your first tank? 65 gallons
6. What is the size of your current tank? 65 gallons
7. What is the size of your dream tank? LARGE!!!! 200+
8. What was your first fish? 2 False percs (Nemo & Lila)
9. What was your first invert? Jack the Emerald Crab
10. What was your first coral? Pom Pom Xenia
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? Sohal Tang, Clown Trigger
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? Cleaner Shrimp
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? Frogspawn
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? Midas Blenny
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? more snails
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have? Hammer or ricordea mushroom
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?) rectangle
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping? not reading enough
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping? to NOT give up
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping? watching my fish and looking for hitchhikers
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping? cleaning the protein skimmer
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be? I'd ask more questions
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping? ASK, ASK, ASK - no question is too dumb
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole? that there will be no natural reefs left
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be?
To understand the workings of chemistry better.
It would cost LESS money.
I would have a bigger tank.

 

[devil dog]

1. What is your first name? Mike
2. Where do you live? Wisconsin
3. How long have you been reef keeping? 10 years
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began? $12,000 to $15,000
5. What was the size of your first tank? 75g
6. What is the size of your current tank? 210g
7. What is the size of your dream tank? 1000g
8. What was your first fish? Damsel
9. What was your first invert? Hermit
10. What was your first coral? Mushroom
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? most Tangs
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? COCO worms
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? Acropora Valida
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? I don’t know a Tang
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? Anemone
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have? Cat Paw
17. What is your favorite tank shape? rectangle,
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping? Not putting in cheek valves

19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping? Going bigger on the tank size
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping? All of it
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping? Time and money
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be? I would put in more cheek valves

23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping? Take your time, research, and go as big as you can.

24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole? Its only going to get more popular!!!

25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be? To have it all work out with out the time that is involved and more money for the hobby…

 

[reefkprz]

1. What is your first name?
erick
2. Where do you live?
bangor Maine
3. How long have you been reef keeping?
8+
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began?
$????????? lots
5. What was the size of your first tank?
10g w/10g sump
6. What is the size of your current tank?
75g w/30gs 10g 12g
7. What is the size of your dream tank?
26,000,000 give or take a gallon or two
8. What was your first fish?
pseudochromis fridmani
9. What was your first invert?
hydroid jelly fish, LOL scarlet hermit
10. What was your first coral?
green striped discosomas
11. Today, what is your favorite fish?
eschmeyers scorpion fish
12. Today, what is your favorite invert?
brittle stars
13. Today, what is your favorite coral?
none
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have?
?
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have?
?
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have?
?
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?)
short rectangle (like 40G breeder)
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping?
too many to list
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping?
I dont know
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping?
fragging/learning/teaching
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping?
rubber gloves
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be?
not buying a bigger tank in the beggining
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping?
buy big take it slow
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole?
soon enough the only reefs will be the ones in our homes, lets figure out how to breed/propagate EVERYTHING in tank, it could help tip the balance toward eventual recovery.
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be?
you dont want to know this answer.

 

[dragonzim]

1. What is your first name? Gary
2. Where do you live? Shirley, NY
3. How long have you been reef keeping? Kept SW fish for 4 years, reef for 2
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began? About 2K
5. What was the size of your first tank? 55
6. What is the size of your current tank? 75
7. What is the size of your dream tank? 180-220
8. What was your first fish? Yellow tang
9. What was your first invert? Nassarius snails
10. What was your first coral? Brown polyps
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? Lawnmower Blenny
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? Emerald crab
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? my hammer
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? royal gramma
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? sexy shrimp
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have? Ricordia and cool zoos
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?) bowfront
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping? not doing enough research before I started
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping? changing my tank over from a FOWLR to reef. so much more interesting.
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping? finding new critters in my tank that I know I didnt put in there.
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping? the cost
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be? would have done a lot more research and not relied so much on the advice of my LFS
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping? Take your time! This hobby is a huge test of your patience
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole? the more responsible reefers there are out there the better off our oceans ecosystems will be in the future.
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be?
1. Bigger tank
2. better lights
3. MORE MONEY TO SPEND!!

 

[rldavisou]

1. What is your first name? Robert
2. Where do you live? Oklahoma City, OK
3. How long have you been reef keeping? Little over 2 years
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began? $1500-2000
5. What was the size of your first tank? 20 gals
6. What is the size of your current tank? 30 long
7. What is the size of your dream tank? 175 bow
8. What was your first fish? Kupan Damsel
9. What was your first invert? Scarlet Hermit Crab
10. What was your first coral? Red Mushroom
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? Emporator Angel
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? Starfish - flipping them over and watching them turn right side up again is sooo cool!
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? Montipora - can't have, don't have the lights
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? Sixline wrasse
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? Cleaner shrimp
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have? Fiji yellow leather
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?) Bow
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping? Not doing enough research before getting my first tank
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping? Getting my first tank
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping? Watching the creatures interact
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping? Water changes
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be? Not going with the undergravel filter for my first setup
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping? Research, research, research.
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole? I hope more people get into it, and I hope more research is done that will allow us to do more with our tanks and have less of an impact on the natural marine environment.
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be? 1. Everything was less expensive. 2. My friends would understand why I geek out about my tank. 3. A bigger tank.

 

[maxalmon]

1. What is your first name? Jim
2. Where do you live? Las Vegas
3. How long have you been reef keeping? of and on for 20 years
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began?
probably 25-30k
5. What was the size of your first tank? 5g
6. What is the size of your current tank? 125g
7. What is the size of your dream tank? 800g "U" shaped
8. What was your first fish? Catfish
9. What was your first invert? Fire Shrimp
10. What was your first coral? Fuzzy Mushroom
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? Blue Spotted Jaw fish
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? Fire Shrimp
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? Tyree Watermellon Chalice that I just got from Viper
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? Sargassum trigger
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? Blue Lobster
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have? Rainbow Micromussa
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?) "U" shaped! That way the tank would surround you
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping? Not buying larger tanks
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping? Keeping it simple
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping? seeing a frag grow and thrive
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping? The snobs at --
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be? Spend the money on a single huge tank, not on 5 samller tanks
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping?
Research, research, research and top it off with some patience
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole? The popularity will only continue
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be?
1)A nationwide frag swap program that networked dedicated reefers who were only interested in swapping frags with each other. 1 for 1 type format.
2)A full color book of corals of the world and I'm talking about a book that listed each coral with several photographs (ie..page for superman montipora, page for Sunset Montipora, page for Rainbow Montipora etc..) Along with photos, each page (s) would include known history - scientific info such as toxicity or safeguards - Feeding requirements - Ideal lighting quidelines - proper fragging or growing techniques
3)A major Aquarium in every city along with research programs.

 

[kanicky]

1. What is your first name?
Katie
2. Where do you live?
Florida
3. How long have you been reef keeping?
Since Feb of 2007
4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began?
Over $1,500 for sure.
5. What was the size of your first tank?
50 gallons
6. What is the size of your current tank?
Same as above
7. What is the size of your dream tank?
1,000+ gallons
8. What was your first fish?
Technically a Chromis.
9. What was your first invert?
Coral-Banded Shrimp
10. What was your first coral?
Green Star Polyps
11. Today, what is your favorite fish?
Hmm. Too hard to say… Love my Valentini!
12. Today, what is your favorite invert?
Boxing Crabs!
13. Today, what is your favorite coral?
Well we only have some turquoise Blasto’s right now, so I guess those are my favorites.
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have?
Moorish Idol… hey, I can dream, can’t I? =) I also love the Sohal Tangs and the Clown Tangs.
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have?
Mantis Shrimp
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have?
Yellow (or Red) Gorgonian
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?)
I love the cubes, but a regular ol’ rectangle is fine, too.
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping?
Not getting a bigger tank to begin with!
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping?
To get into it, initially, of course!
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping?
The fulfillment and accomplishment I feel when I look at my own little “piece of the ocean.”
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping?
Algae! (Unless it’s corraline.)
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be?
I would have gotten a bigger tank, but otherwise, nothing too horrible has happened and I am happy with the way things have progressed.
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping?
1.) Patience is a prerequisite. 2.) Go and buy “The Conscientious Marine Aquarist” by Fenner. Some things may be outdated, but it’s still a fantastic “newbie” book. 3.) Take everything a LFS says with a grain of salt. 4.) Ask questions, here and on other reputable fish boards; we won’t steer you wrong. 5.) No, you cannot put a Tang in anything less than a 75 ;-) 6.) Do NOT buy any fish, inverts or coral without researching their diet and care first, otherwise you may find that you have just gotten yourself into trouble. 7.) Whatever your initial thought of size for a tank is, double it. Trust me, you WILL want to upgrade! 8.) Have fun!
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole?
The more responsible reef-keepers out there, the better. Whenever I get a chance, I talk about my tank and about the hobby in general. One person may not always be able to “change the world,” but a group of people can, and I believe WE can.
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be?
1.) More aquacultured corals as well as tank-raised fish and inverts. 2.) More focus on the disintegration of natural coral reefs. 3.) More responsible people in the hobby!

 

[eaglephot]

1. What is your first name? Pete, Peter, Petah, Pedro (whatever you want to call me!

)2. Where do you live? Winfield, IL3. How long have you been reef keeping? 2 1/2 years (Reef) 6-7 years (Fish Only)4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began? Alot! Over $3000 on the Reef, I have know clue on the Fish Only.5. What was the size of your first tank? 1 gallon
6. What is the size of your current tank? 135 gallons
7. What is the size of your dream tank? 500 gallons
8. What was your first fish? Goldfish. SALT: Percula Clowns
9. What was your first invert? Probably a snail or something.
10. What was your first coral? Green Mushrooms
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? My 8" Naso Unicorn Tang
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? BTA
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? ALL of my finger leathers.
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? A wrasse
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? A green BTA
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have? More leathers
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?) Rectangle
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping? Not getting a built in overflow on my tank.
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping? Upgrading to the 135 gallon
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping? Creating a world underwater.
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping? SCRUBBING ALGAE!
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be? Feeding too much and making my nitrates rise high to cause lots of hair algae.
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping? Get a big tank. The bigger the easier it is. Don't go through upgrading. Its a pain and expensive. Just get what you want!
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole? I believe its going to change a lot if we humans don't stop killing the ocean! I also believe we are going to discover all the secrets of the ocean and find ways to breed all or most animals in captivity and keep us from taking them from the ocean.
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be? 1) Our supply from the ocean will live forever. 2) I have that 500 gallon tank I want. 3) Moorish Idols would be easy to keep in an aquarium.
This was fun. Thanks for this idea!

 

[wangotango]

1. What is your first name? Justin 2. Where do you live? Fairport, NY (outside of Rochester)3. How long have you been reef keeping? 4-5 years4. How much would you guess you've spent on reefkeeping since you began? $4K?5. What was the size of your first tank? 29gal
6. What is the size of your current tank? 55gal
7. What is the size of your dream tank? 750gal (120"x48"x30")
8. What was your first fish? Blue damsel
9. What was your first invert? hermit crabs
10. What was your first coral? mushrooms
11. Today, what is your favorite fish? bangaii cardinal
12. Today, what is your favorite invert? linkia starfish
13. Today, what is your favorite coral? acanthastrea, or acropora
14. In the future, what would be the next fish you'd like to have? pair of onyx clowns
15. In the future, what would be the next invert you'd like to have? Brittle star
16. In the future, what would be the next coral you'd like to have? more acros
17. What is your favorite tank shape? (rectangle, bowfront, cube, corner, other?) rectangular
18. What was the biggest mistake you've made reef keeping? trusting my DIY ATO
19. What was the best decision you've made reef keeping? upgrades
20. What is your favorite part or aspect of reef keeping? watching everything
21. What is your least liked part or aspect of reef keeping? when things go wrong
22. Looking back, if you could change something you did in the past, what would it be? no crushed coral, spend the money on the best stuff, don't go cheap
23. What piece of advice would you give a newbie entering reef keeping? go slow, research, ask questions
24. Looking to the future, what is your outlook on the reef keeping hobby as a whole? I think (as more reefs die) we will rely more on aquaculture, and may have more restrictions
25. If you had 3 wishes that could only be used with respect to the hobby of reef keeping, what would they be? more aquaculture possibilities, CHEAPER, make everything reef safe

-Justin