We have it....but why?

[Lionfish666]

I got the bug accidentally from a "good" friend.
It has cost me an immeasurable amount of time and money.
But I wouldn't cure myself even if I could.
I think I like it because combines my favourite things, technology, nature and playing God. Or maybe it's just the chicks.

 

[aquanooby]

I have had freshwater for many many years became really good at it my friends always thought it was a saltwater tank lol. I had always been afraid of saltwater I was apprehensive to start it. Thanks to the internet and amazing sites like this I was able to research and overcome those fears. then came my other wall ...Money lol well due to lots of hard work I am in a position to do it now. My reason for doing it is the learning aspect I was never good at school it wasnt the way for me to learn I learn by doing Im a hands on type

 

[Ciscokid]

No matter what is going on in my life, watching all the fish & critters brings peace in seconds.

It is also a joy to design and maintain your own mini ecosystem(s). :fish2:

 

[aandfsoccr04]

I turned out to have allergies to cats dogs and anything that is kept on things made from trees which eliminates small animals and reptiles. Therefore, fish was the last thing that I could keep.

 

[accordsirh22]

because not everyone can do it

 

[Reefnut2010]

I think on some level most Reefers are naturalist. We simply love nature. I know I do. My other passion is Sporting Pigeons or as is known in Spain, Palomos Deportivos. Huge sport over there.

 

[kmaub]

its better than Golf! Bowling! Curling!

and because we are all :crazy1::crazy1::crazy1:

 

[r-balljunkie]

Ocd

 

[rsaha]

Ocd

And less destructive than crack.

 

[Acronic]

And less destructive than crack.

Thats debatable

 

[bu11itt]

Like most said, I like it because it's beautiful, challenging, rewarding, frustrating, interesting, relaxing, tear-inducing, requires constant learning, an open mind, planning, faith, hands-off, hands-on, fearlessness, thoroughness, stoicism, the ability to laugh at yourself, a willingness to admit you're wrong, stubbornness to believe you're right, critical thinking and whole lotta guts.

But mainly because I'm a HUGE nerd...

 

[pledosophy]

These animals are some of the most amazing things I have ever seen. I am awestruck by there beauty daily.

 

[Drae]

Because a lfs told me that reefing wasn't for me and all I asked him was " wassup with this tank right here with all these different... Corals? Looks interesting". I'm no longer allowed in there because I'm a better reefer then they are! That was 2004. I've been a reef junkie ever since. Matter of fact... It's like 4:40 am right now and I'd be tossing and turning without a tank or RC.

 

[MellowReefer]

Friends and family members say of our tanks “sure, it’s pretty to look at” but they don’t understand spending so much time and expense on it. But I don’t get how they could not find these animals as fascinating and captivating as we do, so that the time and expense is irrelevant. It’s worth it. It’s not work, it’s play. And there are way more ridiculous things you could spend money on. (Unless of course you’re neglecting your children and not paying your mortgage or something, then I guess it’s a problem)

 

[sponger0]

I turned out to have allergies to cats dogs and anything that is kept on things made from trees which eliminates small animals and reptiles. Therefore, fish was the last thing that I could keep.

Just out of curiousity, have you ever tried getting allergy shots for it? I have my reasons for asking. Im not allergic myself but know someone who is

 

[Redhaloangel]

i have always been the one into animals when i was growing up.. i would bring home cats, lizards, hedgehogs, hamsters, birds , i worked with animals.. i grew up on a farm. and now i live on a farm. and since i lived on my own, iv had cats, dogs, snake, hamster, and fish...

then one day my son said.. mom.. id like a shark for my birthday.. so we went and researched, and we went to a fish store, and the guy there told me that sharks are boring unless you get a bigger one but hten you would need a huge tank.. and he recomended for us to get a saltwater aquarium instead, that they are more interesting, and that we wouldnt get bored.. well... thats how it all started for me and saltwater aquariums.. i researched, looked online, youtube.. here on reefcentral. and i started with a 10 gallon, decided that was too small and before it even finished cycling i got a 30 gallon.. and since then i started up that 10 gallon, and now i have my 75 gallon.. and i think it is more for me than my son now.. even tho we have some fish that he wants.. and he picked out a few corals.. he and his friends play eyespy with the aquarium..

it is just soo fasinating.. having a piece of the ocean in your house.. watching it grow.. its awesome.. and i am addicted.. lol but we fell inlove with clowns.. lol hence why we have so many tanks.. and getting another 20 gallon soon as well for pink skunk clowns..
my friend and i would go reef shopping every saturday or every other saturday now..

 

[emilypres]

Well i have an addictive personality to begin with so the first time i saw a saltwater set up...doh - knew right away that trip to my friends house was gonna cost me.

 

[Megatrev62]

Thanks, insightful responses. Funny though, how it's a passion beyond for us and most people couldn't care less. Point being, a lot of people have aquariums, but they do not have " the bug". I think the fish friends I have understand

 

[Megatrev62]

Thanks, insightful responses. Funny though, how it's a passion beyond for us and most people couldn't care less. Point being, a lot of people have aquariums, but they do not have " the bug". I talk fish only with those who have this "addiction'.

 

[Jake007]

For me it is the comination of nature and science. I am passionate about both. I love the hardware side, DIY, pumps, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, chemistry, programming (Apex), and the entire ecosystem right in my house. I am always learning something new. I am an automation professional engineer by day so this is right up my alley. I live in Florida and have been on boats my whole life so salt water runs in my blood. It truely is an amazing and complecated hobby that provides a lifetime of satisfaction and joy from your success. Like others have said, not everyone can be successful in this hobby.