Someone posted in a saltwater group yesterday: "So I have a question that I hope will draw in some of the vets on here. .. what does it take to become a true reef pro? To really know the ins and outs to have a successful beautiful reef? I want to get there and want to know how."
This is a good question, and I wished more seasoned hobbyists would type up some extensive answers. Some replies are so brief you'd think you were reading tweets on Twitter. When I get an email asking me a question, they usually ask it in mere sentences. My answers are always paragraphs. There is so much to consider and there are no easy answers.
Could I just say "Do this and trust me..." and that would be suffice? No. So here's what I recommend:
Go to club meetings. Go to the bigger frag swaps. The one-day conferences. Attend events with speakers. These guys are providing you with their experience, their knowledge, their pictures, their mistakes and some great stories. Hang out with others and talk about the hobby. Listen to their chatter, and really try to absorb it. If you ask a question, listen to the answer they are giving you rather than thinking of your next thought. That distracted look in your eye means I'll talk slower or repeat myself.
I run two websites dedicated to educating others about the hobby. I've had my share of bad luck, but I do everything I can to stay ahead of Murphy's Law almost to a fault. I've had corals and fish with me that are over 10 years old that have moved from tank to tank during whatever happened. They've lived through extended power outages, accidental overdosings, leaking electricity in the system, warm and cold temperature swings, and phosphates so high you'd think they'd turn green.
Getting out of your comfortable chair and meeting with others at local events and national ones is key. I learn by talking to others. I ask questions, and try to think things through. I don't spend money until I'm sure it's the right decision so I don't have to buy things twice. Gear selection is important. I want something durable and reliable. I don't make quick changes or jump on popular fads, but I don't exclude the possibility of embracing them one day. What I may not agree with now may turn out to be a good choice later.
Take your time, and avoid impulsive actions. Think about the livestock first, and look at how they respond even if your test kit or digital readout is telling you all hell is breaking loose. It could be a faulty reading/faulty result. When you see a problem, ask for help and don't try to be a superhero. Don't let your ego be the reason your reef suffers.
HTH (hope that helps)
melev
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