Conquering Your Coral Nemesis, Maintenance & Mark Has An Announcement 

Thanks for all the kind comments y'all! I really appreciate the well wishes and feedback. I'll definitely be around and check in from time to time on the podcast.

Mark has been the most interesting part of Reef Therapy I love dark Mark

Gonna miss you, Mark. Love hearing the perspective you being being in the hobby so long. Reminds me of how things were when I started in the late 90’s. This is still my favorite podcast to listen to. Love the regular chatting. Makes us feel like we are in on the convo and get to know you guys more than just if it were to go straight to reef topics. Interested to see where this goes. Best of luck guys.

Reef Therapy wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for you and Jake. Epic run with a great friend that you’ll always be able to revisit. I’m sure the guys appreciate everything you’ve done to keep things rolling. Thanks for all the great therapy sessions. Keep up the great work Remy!

I like having Mark Van Der Wahl on reef therapy because I relate to him as a just kind of a regular hobbyist and not someone who lives and breathes reefing. He reminds me that life doesn’t revolve around my reef but I still love my fish and corals. Plus his years of experience in the hobby and talking about the evolution of reef keeping over time.

Mark, you've been an amazing asset to the Reef Therapy podcast! Please dont feel that way. I thoroughly enjoy every minute of these podcast. Jake would be super proud for helping out im sure. Best of luck with everything you do, you'll be missed mate. Until next time 👊

I like the casual nature of that podcast and I think that Mark was great just being himself.

Reef therapy was the first podcast I ever got into and enjoyed and just today got caught up with. Being a new hobbiest, I found this podcast to help me learn more about and improve my first tank that I’ve had 3 months now. This might sound weird but Jake and Mark felt like the only friends I had to talk about reef stuff with. Even though it was a year after Jake’s passing, his tribute episode came as surprise for me and I felt like I lost a friend, condolences to those who actually know him. I hate to see Mark leave! He’s the relatable one on the show and I just can’t see it being the same without him, even Dark Mark. Raj, Remmy you guys are cool and doing great, just won’t be the same without Mark. Last thing, you could use a piece of quarter round trim behind the stand to attach the ribbon style LED, would give basically 90 degrees to adjust the light direction.

Love your honesty, Mark. Not just today but in all of the episodes. I've often wondered how you've handled Jake's passing and can totally see how it would affect you in both obvious & not so obvious ways. Great idea to take some time & reset. I always love your input & agree with you on so much #windextanks 😆 We'll all be waiting for your future cameos, with Dark Mark appearances of course 😸

Hey Mark, Aquarium service guy here. Our favorite led bars right now are made by Quanta Reef. No stupid Wi-Fi/cloud issues since they are just off and on haha and some of the best colors from any bar light out there.

Thanks for a great show fellas! Mark, I’ve always enjoyed listening to you as we share similar sensibilities towards the hobby. I yell at clouds too and that’s okay. I think it happens when you’ve been doing something for so long, to me it shows that you care about the hobby. I always felt like I was having the conversation with you and Jake, as it was just a conversation between friends and it felt natural. I was super happy that you came back to the show, but I completely understand that you have to take care of you and find what makes you happy. We never get over losing someone we care about, we simply learn to live without them, which can be a huge hurdle to overcome. Just know that you have the support from many listeners, including myself, so take care my friend and I really hope to see/hear you again in the future. If not, that’s okay. Hopefully I get a chance to meet you and the fellas at a trade show one of these days? Take care and happy reefing! Cheers!

Thank you all for this podcast, you are all part of my weekly maintenance routine. The best part as a beginner I am realizing that I have the same struggles as everyone. The algae and cyno monsters.

Mark is being too hard on himself, I hope he takes some time to enjoy the hobby again without all the pressure to please everyone. Thanks for all the good episodes, I hope to see you again the future! 👊🏻

Mark, I hope you read all the good comments too; You have already said so much with Jake in previous episodes and I think the rut that you are in can make you feel very self-critical and hard on your self. Just know you did amazing and deserve a break to recharge. We always have the old podcasts to listen to, I’m constantly relistening to them and relearning. Go recharge the battery and come back when you have a new opinion to share! I see your passion come back when you respond to things like Aquarium Design Group and episodes when you were away. I think what we need is just a monthly appearance of Dark Mark for some Mark Takes, some could say Darth Mark. . . in fact I see Raj as Yoda (he has all the life analogies) and Remy as Lama Skywalker. . . the chosen one, wait there is something here: Episode 1 - Jedi Jake and Padawan Mark, Jake passes on becoming the Force . . . Mark transforms into Darth Mark Episode 2 - YodRaj finds a young apprentice Lama Skywalker to bring balance to the force . . . Darth Mark sacrifices himself to bring balance to the force but will always live on . . . Episode 3 A new Hope - Lama Skywalker is on a journey to spread the force to all . . . Wow I have too much time on my hands. Thanks for everything and I am sure we will see you again !

Thank you for you honesty, Mark❤ We all loved Mark and Jake but this new version has been great too. The guests have been outstanding. Keep it up!!

Gotta say this, Reef Therapy can’t exist without Mark in my opinion. Will miss you Mark I hope you find what you are looking for again.

Hope Mark is There for Episode 100

I started listening to reef therapy about a month ago and kept hearing about Jake in the podcasts. Tuned into earlier episodes and realized what an incredible aquarist he was. I just got to know Jake and Mark. Just good guys who loved their hobby. I’m sorry to hear Mark is leaving and I mourn Jake’s passing. It’s beyond the hobby for me. Never did I know I could have the emotions I do for folks I never knew. I really appreciate both Mark and Jake and hope for the best for Mark, Jake, and their families. Hope to hear from Mark one day again and rest in peace, Jake. For Remy and Raj, keep it up! You guys make my drives from PA to MD every week go by so well.

Bummer to hear about Mark taking a brake, I think he helped balance the equation! Love dark Mark!

Good work gent!! Just want to let you know that some of us are here for the reefing banter. There is something specials about how these conversations roll along and stay interesting.

I personally loved the “two sides” of reef therapy. The ambitious, passionate, newer reefer in Remy and the seasoned pro in Mark. This hobby really needs both sides represented. As a long time reef therapy watcher Mark has always been my favorite part of the show. Take a break man absolutely! I wish you the best getting energized again. I will always turn in to listen to your updates.

Thank you mark for doing your best, hoping to see you more often in the future like Raj said rest up and take time for yourself

Thanks Mark - have been a long time watcher of reef therapy. Always have appreciated your views and didn't even mind "Dark Mark" because I've been there too - so it was nice to hear a perspective when I was not feeling the hobby. Just wanted to let you know your content is amazing. While you will be missed, you always will have a home and hobbyists who appreciate your perspective. Be well Mark!

The only thing that is static is change. Hope you find what you’re looking for Mark. See ya in December.😆

Mark‘s point about the glitz and neon of reef keeping right now is kind of on point. I’ve been out of the hobby for 25 years and just getting back into it and I have no interest in that kind of lighting, aquascape or those kind of corals I really kind of prefer more natural look And creating a biotope that at least on its face appears more natural.

I just started listening to reef therapy 4 weeks ago and mark is the most relatable (to me) and it’s understandable your position on reefing due to everything happening in life sometimes things we love take a back seat as we explore our interests, learn more about ourselves and figure out where our passions lie. I love reefing but I do have other hobbies too. Let’s start a surf band 🏄‍♀️ brah! 🤙

Mark dropped some great advice in this episode. Watch it twice!!! 🖖Mark. Hope we can chat from time to time.

I love your contributions to the hobby and the show, Mark. Sorry to see you go, but wishing you the best 🤝

Well, this was a great therapy session up until the last 20 min :/ SAD...You all have great ideas and opinions. I love listening to you guys, very therapeutic, I did all kinds of tank maintenance last night while listing. Mark, I can understand where you are coming from. Hope to see you soon on the podcast again, you know you will need your reef therapy sooner or later! ;) #1fan

Reef Therapy is the greatest RU-vid show of all time! I absolutely love every episode!

Mark leaving will be something I wrap my arms around.....He's been my calm and favorite.......Mark im 40 years in this reefing, you are so passionate and so level. I will miss you

I think Mark is being too hard on himself, but I'd want him to do whatever he feels is right. A lot of podcasting is personality, not necessarily the "content", and I've enjoyed listening to Mark for hours and hours. Take whatever time you need and don't feel bad or guilty about it! And for the record, Mark, I never thought you were overly negative. If anything it's nice hearing another hobbyist articulate frustrations some of us have but don't often hear aloud, especially those of us without in-person reef friends... It's therapeutic. ;)

Mark, therapy session 101: it's extremely likely your blah feelings about reefing are indeed because of loosing Jake. You can't separate reefing from Jake yet, after all, Jake hasn't been gone long. Advice: definitely take as much of a break as you need but more importantly, don't worry about it, let it go and have confidence that time is the great healer....you just need time.

This one really bummed me out. Reef Therapy was a large part of me getting into the hobby. I got curious and went looking for a podcast. The new cast has been fantastic, but I'll really miss Mark's perspective. It felt very relatable to an outsider who didn't breathe reef 24/7. I totally understand Mark's stance, but read the good comments too. If you do read this, I hope you know your viewpoint is much needed + refreshing. We don't always need the extreme enthusiasm or new gear. Your perspective hooked a new reefer. Happy trails and hope we'll hear from you soon.

What’s your name? Tony! Ef you Tony! Classic! Just curious how is the Space Invader Pectinia not mentioned? In regards to Mark, find your groove! Very admirable move and nothing but respect! Definitely, will miss him though! You guys should get Salem to take his spot! I think he’d do an amazing job! Just my 2 cents! Anyways, until the next one!✌🏼

Damsel’s - my first fish in my 20 long was a Blue Devil that Jake ‘gave’ me. Little did I know what he was giving me.

Raj, since part of the inspiration for the backlight came from the planted tank and paludarium side of the hobby: There are frosted glass backlight screens marketed at planted tanks you may want to consider. Just one more option to bog down your thought process. They can get expensive if you're going for a large tank though. But it is a very clean look

Craaap! Hope to see you soon Mark.

Mark enjoy the break, I did it back in 2017 and didn't come back to coral keeping until 2020 turn my reef to fish only from 2017- October 2020. Not that you're stopping keeping Corals but a break from RU-vid and handling life and work.

Mark you will be missed! We all love your honest approve to reefing. Keeping it real reefing. You are leaving for the right reasons. Go get your passion for the hobby back. When get feeling that way I restart reeftherepy. I’m on my 5th go around now. Raj tell him you will get him a Conspic if he stays.😂

$100 for shipping for sand that’s going in the sump😂😂. I love watching Reme go through all the crap we did 15 years ago overnighting all this “live stuff” in 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

PLEASE get Adam from battle corals to interview! I have a feeling that would be reminiscent of older videos and the pure coral interest talk!

I spy a nice Tele on Mark’s wall… I’m used to see an acoustic back there!

I enjoy reef therapy, will miss you Mark and i wish you the best in your future. Seriously you guys been killing it with these and i dont know who else would be able to tackle this task. On a different note, clean up those wires 👀🤣 dont just shut the cabinet . . . Put the mess behind the cabinet hahaha 🤣

Mark. I will say it again. Turtle grass tank my brother

If you guys are looking for a third guy, I've been reefing since 2007. Spent untold hours on Reef Central back in the day. I've listened to every episode of RT, Reef Beef, and Reef Bum. I feel like I know all you guiys already. I subscribe to coral magazine and read most of the RB articles. I currently have a 1 yo 200ish gallon mixed reef system. I have a PhD in biochemistry too. I don't have the reefing knowlege Mark has but at least equal to Remy. I like beer too and I'm passionate about reefing.

Mark needs to do an updated vid on his upstairs tank. Sounds great

@reefbuilders Raj you should check out this option. It's what the freshwater guys use. It is called the ADA Light Screen. Not sure the size you need, maybe a couple of them, and you cannot change the color of the light. It's a gradient from really light blue to white. I've done the frosted film with an led bar, but over time the film peels and it is a nightmare to reapply it if you can't get behind the tank. Hope this helps. See ya in Denver in March. Margaritas will be ready. 😃

I get it Mark, Raj and Remy are great but things just can never be the same as when you and Jake did the show. I’m sure you would have went on for years with Jake . You guys had Charisma and that’s over now and I think that’s what you’re really missing. It was fun while it lasted. I’m sure we’ll see you around from time to time. Best of luck to you !

Burnout is a real thing Mark 😂

I have always enjoyed Marks perspective on reefing all the little tips and tricks . He is the one that wasn’t there trying to sell or push anyone product We lost Jake it would be huge to lose Mark as well @reefbuilders Can you have Mark try once a month. See if that fits He adds more than you know.this is coming from a reefer that started listening with Jake and Mark on episode 1 of reef therapy.

Govee has some great led strips.. app works flawlessly

Raj. You want Govee Brand RGBIC strips. Make sure you get the one that connects to the app, NOT the cheap shit that uses the controller. The other option is the Govee “Neon” Rope light. But more high end and better color rendering than the regular egg strips, a bit more of a pain in the ass to install.

You will be missing Mark. A therapy will not be the same.

I believe the term Raj used was "the herps" 😂

It’s 2.4 GHz WiFi. You guys were saying it wrong so many times even I was starting to doubt it. 😂

Is dark mark on any forums. I want to show him my pet sand bed

Well that sucks....I was excited to see Mark back after 2 episodes without him. I think his perspective is exactly what the show needs. If he thinks he needs time off for himself, that's fine and understandable. But if he's leaving because he thinks he's not an asset just because he's not doing something new every week I think that's not true. Many of us that have been reefing 15, 20, 30 years think exactly like him. Tanks are on auto pilot and we know what we like and don't go after every new shiny thing. Anyways, get some rest, recharge and get your spark back, or don't get your spark back, thats fine too. Different perspectives are needed in these podcasts.

Thanks mark

To me Mark was the only interesting relatable character that actually spoke about anything remotely advanced. Remy is a great communicator and Raj typically has a non committal approach that almost seems like does not care about the hobby.

Mark, your years of experience is enough. You bring a realistic opinion to the podcast. I would hate to see this turn into another another advertisement for the big reef companies like most of the other youtube channels have become.

​but english pezi we can be friends

I could listen to Mark talk about his favorite beer for the entirety of the podcast because I’m here for more than just reef talk this trio is awesome you guys are like my bros I’ve never met and without Mark the podcast isn’t the same. I’d rather hear the bros have a little chinwag about what’s going on in life rather than a bunch of scientific interviews that fly right over my hobbyist brain. Mark is vital to the podcast