Thinking of pulling the plug, I need counseling

[ACBlinky]

Aww, you're most welcome! For what my husband calls 'crazy fish people' like us, it's a hard spot to be in. Yes, it may seem like a ridiculous First World problem to many, but when you're heavily invested -- both emotionally and financially -- in a hobby, it's prudent to really think things over before you make a big decision.

I think your decision makes sense. If you do get into underwater gardening, have a blast -- it's fun, it's challenging, and you get to play with chemistry (if you want to), just like a reef. When I was into plants, I even made interesting friends; I found a funny little hydroponics shop and bought bulk chemicals from them, to mix my own fertilizers. I like to tinker, I'm a bit of a mad scientist. And if you do REALLY well, grow some stunning plants, you can 'frag' them and sell them back to the LFS. I remember buying a couple Cryptocryne wendtii, and then six months later coming to the LFS with six fish bags stuffed to the brim with huge, healthy plants that made us quite a bit of money in credit Not bad for a gal who was brewing her own CO2 in Coke bottles and mixing ferts from scratch. I have GOT to get out more.

 

[reefer91]

I wasn't in the same situation, but a big move and significant increase in hours compelled me to sell EVERYTHING and take a short break. It's now time to start my new build. Although there are other factors influencing my build details, I decided that it would be most rewarding to go with a new theme. I have never had a small display or cube layout so it's exciting. I am also playing around with the idea of a more specific group of inhabitants. I was never considering leaving the hobby. This was an unfortunately forced opportunity. I never had the desire to go bigger and bigger and bigger or more complex (for the sake of it...)

You will also notice that many of the most experienced reefers end up moving down to a smaller system eventually. It's not all about big, bigger, gigantic or complicated for no reason. For some, the build and "completion" of a mature tank means it's time to start over, but I really don't prescribe to that attitude. The DIY and build is really what they enjoy not reefkeeping. They could probably get the same out of restoring/modding cars like I do if they had the means. Maybe you do?

I think you need to reflect. Maybe make a list of various aspects you enjoy and how to enhance them. Also, consider a list of what is negative to you. Ask yourself if these are traits of your system or of the hobby in general. If the latter, it's best to move on AFTER exploring areas that you might not have considered besides the standard reef. There are so many options that get covered up by the RC hivemind of "eheim return beananimal SRO skimmer AI SOL/MH ATO small refugium mixed reef consisting of one coral of every color 1 clown 1 tang 1 wrasse 1 shrimp goby pair in a 200 gallon tank "OMG is this overstocked thread?" posting every 3 minutes like they want praise or something (disgustingly annoying:headwally AND DON'T FORGET THE APEX AND TUNZE VS. VORTECH"

Some people are not in this hobby for the long haul. There is nothing wrong with that. Everyone is different. A few of my peers were extremely successful for at least 5 years each (not experts but longer than most with excellent results), but moved on to "master" another challenge/hobby in life. Learn about yourself.

Sorry for being long-winded and rant-like. I rarely post (lol) but I have been reflective lately. I hope you enjoy any avenue you take. Best luck and update us!:beer:

 

[aandfsoccr04]

. I remember buying a couple Cryptocryne wendtii, and then six months later coming to the LFS with six fish bags stuffed to the brim with huge, healthy plants that made us quite a bit of money in credit Not bad for a gal who was brewing her own CO2 in Coke bottles and mixing ferts from scratch. I have GOT to get out more.

:lol:

 

[Brian DeGolier]

I wasn't in the same situation, but a big move and significant increase in hours compelled me to sell EVERYTHING and take a short break. It's now time to start my new build. Although there are other factors influencing my build details, I decided that it would be most rewarding to go with a new theme. I have never had a small display or cube layout so it's exciting. I am also playing around with the idea of a more specific group of inhabitants. I was never considering leaving the hobby. This was an unfortunately forced opportunity. I never had the desire to go bigger and bigger and bigger or more complex (for the sake of it...)

You will also notice that many of the most experienced reefers end up moving down to a smaller system eventually. It's not all about big, bigger, gigantic or complicated for no reason. For some, the build and "completion" of a mature tank means it's time to start over, but I really don't prescribe to that attitude. The DIY and build is really what they enjoy not reefkeeping. They could probably get the same out of restoring/modding cars like I do if they had the means. Maybe you do?

I think you need to reflect. Maybe make a list of various aspects you enjoy and how to enhance them. Also, consider a list of what is negative to you. Ask yourself if these are traits of your system or of the hobby in general. If the latter, it's best to move on AFTER exploring areas that you might not have considered besides the standard reef. There are so many options that get covered up by the RC hivemind of "eheim return beananimal SRO skimmer AI SOL/MH ATO small refugium mixed reef consisting of one coral of every color 1 clown 1 tang 1 wrasse 1 shrimp goby pair in a 200 gallon tank "OMG is this overstocked thread?" posting every 3 minutes like they want praise or something (disgustingly annoying:headwally AND DON'T FORGET THE APEX AND TUNZE VS. VORTECH"

Some people are not in this hobby for the long haul. There is nothing wrong with that. Everyone is different. A few of my peers were extremely successful for at least 5 years each (not experts but longer than most with excellent results), but moved on to "master" another challenge/hobby in life. Learn about yourself.

Sorry for being long-winded and rant-like. I rarely post (lol) but I have been reflective lately. I hope you enjoy any avenue you take. Best luck and update us!:beer:

Thanks, it's amazing what a good nights sleep will provide the next morning, a potential complete change of mind in some cases. I do have a lot of hobbies and interests, art is one of them and I have been busy with that. Sometimes I feel as if the reef tank gets in the way or prevents me from other activities. This hobby is not like tinkering on a car where you can revisit that old carbeurator 6 months later and let the car sit in the garage for several months/years, the reef demands maintenance without delay and your attention almost everyday. As you mentioned, I have made a list, I make a Pro's and Con's list and the Con's list is very long. We'll see what happens, but I will be taking a break however, perhaps a minimal maintenance break.