I'm curious how those of you who have been in it for a long time measure success. With my mixed reef tank up at about nine months, and coral healthy and growing, I guess I'm trying to figure out where I am versus where I could be or where I hope to be.
I guess I could see more growth and better color with increased stability and an eye towards maintaining optimal parameters, but I just don't know if it's worth it for me. I think the only reason for me to be better at monitoring my water chemistry is to avoid harm to the animals I care for. Maybe it would be helpful see where things are headed before seeing any declines. I just haven't really experienced any significant events yet. Of course as my coral grow and have increased demands, this might be more necessary.
I see incredible reef tanks that have been up little more time than mine, and wonder how much difference between these tanks and my own has to do with husbandry versus the size and types (and cost) of corals that others are starting with.
I'm including a picture of my tank for honest feedback. I typically do biweekly water changes of about 15% and no dosing (except vodka...), running 1 xr30 (gen1) on my 65 gallon tank. Water tests haphazardly. I have chaeto growing in my sump as well as my skimmer.
I know my flow and lighting could be improved, and am inclined to improve flow before lighting. I also think that this is not my first tank, will probably hold off on pricey equipment upgrades until I move to a larger tank. You'll see that I'm also using an hob overflow, which will probably wait until a tank upgrade. The biggest factors concerning my timeline for upgrading are my growing number of specimens (for) and the wife (against). I imagine a bigger tank won't satisfy my need for more space as much as facilitate these recent addiction...
Thanks in advance for anyone giving feedback or sharing your thoughts, add well as those WAMAS reefers who have made this hobby more approachable through your collective advice and your awesome frags.