3 Pieces of Advice for Beginner Reef Keepers?

Hey everyone,

I wanted to make this little post, so that new reefers can come and get some advice from people that has been in this hobby for a little time, or a long time for that matter. So i wanted to ask you guys about 3 pieces of advice, that you would give to a beginner reef hobbyist? I know myself that if you can collect as much advice as possible, and as much knowledge that you can, you will have alot less of those "nasty troubles". I know i would give some:

1. Listen to experienced reefkeepers
- I made the mistake of not listening to people, who clearly knows more about the hobby than me (Some of you know what i'm talking about). But, i've learned since then, and now, i listen to people on for example this forum, and it always helps

2. If you got any problems, post it on 3reef!
- The people in here always has an answer to your problem. And 99,9999% of the time, i can tell you that it helps!

3. ALWAYS test your water!
- Make a routine of testing your water atleast twice a month. This way, you'll stay updated on new things you might have added to the tank, or if you're overfeeding, or pretty much all problems! This way, you will also be sure to understand the cycle, and know exactly when its finished, which is VERY important.

 

Good Idea, similar to the thread about noob mistakes everyone has made.

my 3 would be:
1. Go slow, don't rush anything.
2. Buying stuff that is "cheap" often returns to bite you in the butt
3. RESEARCH. research everything you can, livestock, equipment, etc. The internet (mostly 3reef with a few databases and advanced aquarist) have taught me more than I ever thought I could learn in 3.5 years, and I still have MUCH to learn.

 

I would have to say my 3 tips would be.

1.Ask questions and listen to people who have "been there done that"
2.Test your water frequently and keep up with water changes.
3.sometimes buying cheap isn't always the cheapest route.
4. Quarantine quarantine quarintine!!!

 

1. Try not to buy fish with the idea that down the road you're going to upgrade.
2. Research all potential purchases, avoid thinking you'll be the one to keep a Nautilus long term. Buy livestock that you can realistically take care of. Avoid impulse buys..
3. Be aware that you can have a wonderful tank without buying into all the hype about products you do not need. You do not need strontium, iodine.....amino acids, Arctic pods, and on and on and on.
4. Know the life cycle of Marine Ich (Cyrptocaryons irritans) and the scientifically proven treatments. Not snake oils, if it says reef safe it's not going to eradicate the parasite.
5. Keep your hands out of the tank as much as possible.

Yes I went over 3, and I could keep on going, so I'll stop at 5.

 

I wish I had know we could go past 3 : could write a book on this stuff

 

Tanks do not "cycle" in three days.. Just got in an argument today about this lol
LFS do not know everything
Water changes, water changes, water changes...

 

1 don't get caught up in the "newest and best" hype of products/methods
2 ask questions and research, research, research
3 don't make too many "changes" at one time

 

This is a good one.

1. Never change settings on equipment or add new equipment just prior to going on vacation.

I get to start back at 1 right if I start a new post? I am feeling rebellious today.

 

1 Be patient
2 Research, then execute
3 Ask questions, not only on this forum but others as well.

 

1 don't buy anything from the lfs because it looks cool
2 research everything before buying
3 water changes are a must in nanos.