Here is the most used line in the saltwater tank world and every time I hear it, I cringe:
“there is tons of information online…just google it and you can find the answer you are looking for…”
Ouch.
People are right, there is TONS of information on the internet. And the internet is growing each day. The answer you are looking for is out there buried somewhere between the Elvis sighting last week and the two headed dog that sings Barry Manilow. And there are some forums where you can find your answers somewhat easily.
But I will say that even if you did find ALL the information you needed, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference for you and your tank. Nada, none, zip.
Why is that? Because until you know your tank personality, you’d have no way to know whether or not THATinformation makes sense for you.
Your tank….what?
Tank personality. Without it, you have no way to know if the information is right for you and when you don’t know your tank personality, your tank gets confused.
Your tank personality is looking at your tank in such a way that once you see it through this personality, you will know which direction (fish only, SPS, mixed reef) to go, how much money to spend, and which equipment/fish/corals to buy.
Here’s an analogy: ever seen a old beat up car with 22″ chrome rims on it? People laugh and wonder why someone would spend so more money on rims than the car is worth. I call that a confused car.
Tank confusion is similar.
You can spend lots of money on the top of the line tank, lights and corals, yet you cut corners and buy a cheap protein skimmer. Or you buy a top of the line protein skimmer for a fish only tank when you don’t need it.
HELLO…! Your ferrari, (SPS tank), needs to be looked after properly (get a good skimmer) and your ’88 Caprice Classic (fish only tank) doesn’t need 22″ rims ($1000+ protein skimmer)!
If that SPS tank owner knew that he was a reef junkie, or at least a reef enthusiast, then he’d know to buy a good skimmer and could stop wondering why his corals are turning brown and he has a nuisance algae issue. Same thing with the fish only tank owner – she could have taken the hundreds of extra dollars she spent on a skimmer and bought some really neat looking fish.
Knowing your tank personality opens up a whole new world of easy decision making around your tank. I’ve only gone into tank personalities a little bit here and I’ve written a whole report on what tank personalities are, why you should know yours, and what you can do once you know your tank personality.
I expect some of you think I’m nuts. That’s fine. I didn’t write this post or the report to make everyone happy. I wrote it so that you, as a saltwater tank owner, don’t waste hours researching topics that don’t apply to you. I wrote it so that you spend money on the right equipment you actually need.
When I found out I was a reef enthusiast, my tank started thriving…really thriving. My corals were brighter and grew faster. I paid the mortgage one month with equipment that I found out I didn’t need. And here’s the best part, my wife stopped asking why I was buying certain equipment because she understood my tank personality and my purchases.
Ready to avoid tank confusion? Download the Tank Personalities Report here
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Man you are great
you just brain washed me , i started to think about my tank in a really different way , what ever you are trying to say are ALL Logical
Keep up the spirit dude and wait always for your video and weekly tips
Thanks
You are welcome! I’ll stay after it!
You are exactly correct. I think there might be additional sub categories. like newbie enthusiast, stable enthusiast moving to junkie. I watch lots of tank videos where nice 55 gallon solutions entertaining the hobbyists and kids. Then the amazing tanks with huge corals and lots of fish which defy all common wisdom. This folks deserve Senior status!
I love what you are doing and helping diagnose our particular infatuation with poring money in to a glass box, is great “salty” soup for the soul. Good to know their others with the same addiction!
Chris “Newbie reef enthusiast” dreaming of “Junkiedom”
Chris…Junkiedom! That’s great! I’m gonna use it!
Thank you Very much for all your info about everything. I actually did not start my tank and don’t really know much about anything but i plan on starting it this weekend I scored a deal on a 55 gal tank, It also came with a seaclone Protein skimmer two cartridge filters A whisper 60 and an Aqua Tech, two air pumps and a Maxi- Jet Submersible pump model 400. All for 175 including a stand and Balast with a light. I’m trying to read up and watch videos to learn as much as i can before i start. a couple of questions that i have are do i need a sump and if so what size would be good to support a 55 gal tank. another one is what is a good way to run tank water to your sump. and the last question is should i start with dead rock or live rock? i have learned a lot from your videos but these are some of my main concerns. if you could get back to me before Saturday that would be greatly appreciated. thank you and hope to hear from you soon.
Damon-
Congrats on the tank grab!
Here are some thoughts for you:
- you don’t need the airpumps. Your protein skimmer will provide plenty of of dissolved oxygen to your tank.
- You will want to upgrade your Max-Jet to a bigger model (the 1200 would be best). The 400 model won’t give you enough flow for a 55g tank.
- Sump: Biggest one you can fit under the tank. Read this for more: Go Bigger, Even Downstairs
- Rock: Start with dead rock. Cheaper, easier to aquascape, 100% pest free. Read this for more: Buy it Dead, not Alive
And just when i thought you couldnt top the “how to pick up chics at the fish store video” you come up with this. You rock. Plus your just cool dude to watch on youtube. Informative, creative and funny (in kinda dorky way). Keep up the good work, and we’ll all keep watchin. ……tank personality…why couldnt i have thought of that!!! Brilliant
Hey Mark,
I’ve had a saltwater tank for 4 months and 7 days, and I can easily pick myself out as a reef junkie. I read for 10 to 15 hours a week for 6 months before I started this tank. I love my 29g so much, I’m already planning and researching for my next tank which I’m hoping will be a 125g. I’m starting my research now, but don’t plan on putting in a drop of water for at least a few years! Oh… my acros, millis, montis and mini maxi are all doing fantasic… what else would you expect from a reef junkie!
holy cow Matt! that’s a lot of research just to get started! Glad to hear your tank is doing well.
Hi
I have a calcium reactor for 5 months but i dont know when my Media wont produce any calcium ( same with mag ) , how can i tell that the media inside the reactor needs to be changed?
Jim…the first way to tell is when the media looks like a sandbox – i.e. you can’t see large pieces anymore. Also, you should be monitoring your Ca and Alk so that you can see when they drop.
hey mark i just found your website and it has been very informitive but i do have questions and lots of them i love the hobby of keeping saltwater fish and have had alot of ups and downs i lost a mimic tang yesterday he was doing well no idea how my lfs said he had a bacterial infections what would have caused that. and my live sand which is black sand is looking kinda dull can i replace that without causing any issues
about how many fish and corals are allow in a 90 gal tank?
Hi So i bought a brand new fish tank which holds 14 gallons of water and the water got cloudy in just 2 days! How can i make my aquarium water look crystal clear?
Is the download still available? I Putin my info and have not received an email and I did check my spam folder. Please help! Looking forward to the info, love the videos!
Thanks, Michelle
Michelle…check your email, I just sent it to you.
Yea me too I clicked download like 5 times
Trying to get the tank personality info and the link that was emailed to me comes up as a blank white screen
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