Need some motivation

D

Dholmblad

New member
My SWF passions have lessened over the past few months as I have been at school and in that time my tank crashed and became a cesspool. Now all my bulbs need to be replaced, I need at least two new pumps, out of salt. And am realizing I dont have the month to replace all of this. I would love to have a beautiful functional tank but can never seem to get there as one thing or another happens. I cant seem to part with my system because I would never get back the initial set up because I had a cabinet custom made which cost well over $1700. Don’t know what I am looking for here, mby advice on the first steps to having a successful tank, easiest way to bring my tank back up. Should I completely empty it out clean the rocks and re cycle the tank?

Thank set up is as fallows

90 gal
mag9 return
30gal sump
unknown skimmer
4x96 watt power compacts(debating going to MH but again with the money issue)
 
I am just responding to what you wrote, so please do not be upset with me.

1. As you already know, this hobby definitely takes some money to have a “beautiful, functional tank.”
2. You said your interest has lessened.
3. The tank already crashed, so I'm assuming there is nothing living in it.
4. Time is another issue.
5. You already have the equipment.

This are just my thoughts. . .
School is more important than a hobby. Once you finish school you will probably have more time and more money to spend on "toys."

You could keep your tank and all the equipment, put it in storage, and free up a lot of time to focus on doing well in school. After you complete school, if you're still interested in the hobby, you'll have all the equipment to start it back up. If you still have lost interest, you could sell everything then.

No matter how much I refine my ways of doing things, I still have the occasional “problem” with my tank. That leads to, at least, some stress. Being in school you probably have enough stress and might possibly feel “freed” by not having a tank right now.

Again, I’m just responding to the tone of your post.
Hope this helps.
 
Hi there Dholm--I am gently agreeing with Rick. When I was in grad. school plus working 30 hours a week my work load was horrific; and, I had very little money. Stressful! I think it's a great idea to just pack everything up, neatly and safely, and get back into reefing when you have more time and money, and aren't feeling so overwhelmed with school. You'll probably be REALLY excited to start up again later on, and be able to finish school with one less thing to worry about. GOOD LUCK!
 
One of my tanks crashes fairly frequently (I'm in college too) luckly I don't get any livestock loss, just lots of algea growth. It's a bit of a pain coming home all the time and having hair algea all over the place and wotnot, but at the same time I know I've got vacations and such that I like to have it. I'd just stick it out as best as possible till your through school, even if you just keep the tank cycling and don't have anything in it, it'll give it time to stabilize.

My 90G tank's got a black longspine urchin and about a half a dozen hermits and a few snails. They just keep things clean and moving along (as they have been for about 2 years now) until I graduate in may =)
 
rick s: I almost had the money to get my system back up and running with lots left over for new equip. but I backed into my sisters car causing $1800 in damages... there goes my bank account.
 
I just cant bring myself to leave this hobby. Many hours during work this week were spent looking at people logs in reef discussion.
 
QUOTE
Many hours during work this week were spent looking at people logs in reef discussion.
UNQUOTE

same here, many many hours, same with many others on this site I notice.... wonder how work gets done
 
Well right now I am doing data entry for a company... So looking at RC is a must or else I may kill myself. So I figure 25 entrys entered into the sytem = 20 min of fun on RC.
 
Your sig says your a rookie so I'm not sure how long you've been in the hobby. But my humble opinion is the same as Rick S -- this hobby takes an enourmous amount of time, dedication and a boatload of money.

I vote for school first, then play. Yes you'll miss it but now is not the right time for you so don't be selfish any more and take it down, put it away. Your priorities are school and work, EVERYTHING else comes after that. (I tell this to my daughter as well... responsibilities first, play after).

A 90g is an awesome tank - it won't hurt it at all to put it in storage carefully. Do yourself AND the livestock a favor and take it down. This will pass and you will then have the time AND the desire later.

You'll be glad you did.

Not meaning to come across harshly or anything just trying to help you prioritize.
 
its obvious you do have a passion for the tank . But school is taking up your time and I think school is more important then having to do maintenance on the tank. I had the same problem when I was attending school and doing a job. I think you have two choices one tear down the tank and store it away when things slow down you can get back into it. The second thing you can do is what I did after my tank crashed and everything died, I gave the tank a 100 percent water change cleaned up my live rock and left it that way until school slowed down and I had more time for my self . The tank I kept it cycling and did not loose my live rock and when the time came I was able to get back into it I realized I was a lot happier knowing it was there Instead of hiding it out of my view . Life has many rewards and that tank is one of them. right along with your accomplishments in school.
 
Well depending on how things go financialy in the next month I will most likly be keeping my tank up but just cyclying it for a long period of time. Hopfuly my sister can add water to the tank while I am away on my 4 month backpacking trip.
 
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