Hey Steve,
First off, thanks for being so helpful with my messages about the actuators over the last couple of months!
I run my own business and it gets extremely busy from May to October. So busy, that I have hardly any time for anything else but just staying on top of it. In the past, my tanks would suffer during that period to the point and they ended up becoming an eyesore. I eventually let it go, and was happy for awhile. When I moved to my new home two years ago, I always envisioned a large reef in the family room. I started the project in January of this year and worked on it until May when it slowed to a crawl again. I fully anticipate it will reach full speed in November again. At least I have water in it now.
My company is even busier this year, and those months will be even harder to do maintenance going forward. As I started my planning, I knew I was going to need outside help during that period at a minimum. My local LFS knows my situation and has recommended two companies who have the skill and knowledge to take it over for me during that time. I actually anticipate they will make it better then I can with their skill set, and I will learn more from them. At least, it will leave me a much smaller task of just enjoying it as a hobby, instead of a second part time job. Maybe you have someone in your area that can take it on part time? They might even make it better then it is now? You might enjoy it even more then you did earlier in its history.
I remember after reading one of my fish books from years ago, not sure who, maybe Sprung or Tullock. They recommended hiring a local teen/kid in the neighborhood for cleaning glass etc. Teaching them what to do, and spreading the hobby on to them. Takes some of the burden off you.
Cheers,
J.