How did you get into the hobby

I think I started the hobby when I was just a kid. I remember going to Petco at the time and getting my first tank, gravel, and air pump. I think I just used a undergravel filter and would just change the water a lot.

Looking back, it’s crazy to think what I had kept in there and how the nitrogen cycle wasn’t really fully completed (as we’d always wash the gravel and tank out every other month).

I remember always being into it since I was a young, young kid due to my dad. I'm still learning new things every single day, but I'm totally open to try new things when it comes to saltwater tanks since they are beautiful (freshwater is too, but not so much my thing).

I just jumped in from the first time that I managed to go into a fish store near me! Love the fish curse.

started a few weeks ago when I became a store employee to a store that also sells fish. Learning as I go!

I’ve always loved everything to do with the ocean and how alien the life there is. So, I wanted to have a little piece of it.

I started this hobby when I was a child. My parents had a huge fish tank when I was younger, and they would buy fish to put in it and I would help them with picking out fish that could go in the tank together and also help with the decorating the tank when I was younger. I really enjoyed being involved with picking out fish and decorations and also taking care of the fish and I learned a lot of what I know today from that when I was younger and my parents having fish. As I got older, I decided to continue wanting to have fish and look after them and give them great homes to stay in.

It was a hobby as a kid. Well, I'm not sure if I messed with fish "that much". Anyway, I got into fish because they were fascinating to look at.

Got into it after binge-watching too many nature documentaries. One day I thought, "Hey, why not bring a bit of the wild into my living room?" Now my fish tanks are the only thing keeping me sane. 😆

I got into the hobby a few years ago, sparked by a fascination with marine life documentaries. They made me curious about replicating a slice of the ocean’s ecosystem at home. Initially, I found the prospect overwhelming due to the complexity of maintaining saltwater aquariums. However, this forum and various online resources have made the learning curve much more manageable.

I started with a basic setup, focusing on fundamental aspects like the nitrogen cycle, water chemistry, and selecting beginner-friendly species. Regular maintenance and patience have been key to my success so far. I also joined local aquarium clubs, where sharing experiences with fellow enthusiasts provided invaluable insights and tips. One thing I've learned is that every tank presents its unique challenges and opportunities to learn.

My biggest takeaway is that diving into this hobby is as much about the process as it is about the outcome. The journey from a basic setup to a thriving reef aquarium is incredibly rewarding, even with the inevitable hiccups along the way. It's a continuous learning experience, but that's part of what makes this hobby so fascinating. So, for anyone new here, I'd say take it one step at a time and enjoy the ride!