Why do people quit this hobby?
- Thread starter ptomoson
- Start date
well I have owned operated a LFS for over 20 years now and I have seen many people come and go ,, But I do notice that people that leave the hobby ,often come back ,, Ive personaly been keeping fish for over 30 years now ..And I'm having more fun than ever ..I'm now learning about sps corals after seeing some of the tank of the month pictures ..thanks for all the great work to everyone at reef central for helping to bring me back in as a hobbyist!!!!!!!
walkthedog
New member
I got out of the hobby because I had to move (work related). I missed it...... It's been about 2 years and I'm setting up a new tank. This is not a hobby that can be successful if you don't have resources (time, money,desire) to throw at it.
Laddy
New member
My $.02:
A lot of people set themselves up for failure in this hobby, more so than a lot of other areas of their life. People will buck general consensus and do whatever they like b/c they want, a tang in a 30g, an SPS under an incandescent light bulb, a 1000g in an apartment, and most importantly: HAVE NO LONG RUN OBJECTIVES. They set themselves up to fail long before it actually happens.
****warning****warning****warning****
SOCIAL COMMENTARY
We are in the NOW GENERATION (regardless of age). I see it all the time, in all walks of life. It's not alright to have to wait for anything in this life. People want it now......and looking inward, RC can enable this type of behavior in a way. I believe a lot of people act irrationally in this hobby b/c they can always come here and post: TANK CRASHING PLEASE HELP!!!!!. And the line to answer their remedial questions about cycling a tank with 20 inhabitants in it, lines up around the block. Which isn't a bad thing per se, however, it does supply for their demand.
I believe in order to find balance and an equilibrium in this hobby:
(a) its OK if you only have the time/money to keep a 10g standard tank with NO lighting--you can still contribute to this hobby!!
(b) it's OK if you can't keep SPS--you can still contribute to this hobby!!
(c) I'm not judging you by the rarity of your SPS or angel fish--you can still contribute to this hobby!!
(d) This hobby will be around if you deceide to take a "break"--you can still contribute to this hobby!!
(e) This hobby should be a long-run objective
and
(f) It's alright to stay within your comfort zones for the time being.
......and just for the record, about 1/6 of the TOTMs out there I actually stare in awe, mainly for how they approach the hobby (i.e. COPPS/Melev). Anyone can throw out $20,000 and reach a "status tank" in a month or two, but the real thinkers in this hobby may just very well have a 75g fish only tank with only 500 "posts" on the forums.
---James.
A lot of people set themselves up for failure in this hobby, more so than a lot of other areas of their life. People will buck general consensus and do whatever they like b/c they want, a tang in a 30g, an SPS under an incandescent light bulb, a 1000g in an apartment, and most importantly: HAVE NO LONG RUN OBJECTIVES. They set themselves up to fail long before it actually happens.
****warning****warning****warning****
SOCIAL COMMENTARY
We are in the NOW GENERATION (regardless of age). I see it all the time, in all walks of life. It's not alright to have to wait for anything in this life. People want it now......and looking inward, RC can enable this type of behavior in a way. I believe a lot of people act irrationally in this hobby b/c they can always come here and post: TANK CRASHING PLEASE HELP!!!!!. And the line to answer their remedial questions about cycling a tank with 20 inhabitants in it, lines up around the block. Which isn't a bad thing per se, however, it does supply for their demand.
I believe in order to find balance and an equilibrium in this hobby:
(a) its OK if you only have the time/money to keep a 10g standard tank with NO lighting--you can still contribute to this hobby!!
(b) it's OK if you can't keep SPS--you can still contribute to this hobby!!
(c) I'm not judging you by the rarity of your SPS or angel fish--you can still contribute to this hobby!!
(d) This hobby will be around if you deceide to take a "break"--you can still contribute to this hobby!!
(e) This hobby should be a long-run objective
and
(f) It's alright to stay within your comfort zones for the time being.
......and just for the record, about 1/6 of the TOTMs out there I actually stare in awe, mainly for how they approach the hobby (i.e. COPPS/Melev). Anyone can throw out $20,000 and reach a "status tank" in a month or two, but the real thinkers in this hobby may just very well have a 75g fish only tank with only 500 "posts" on the forums.
---James.
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maxpower2112
New member
People quit for many reasons. I left the hobby after a combination of many things mentioned in this thread. I had the honor of having TOTM (on Advanced Aquarist http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/12/aquarium). After that I was moving and lost a few of my favorite inhabitants. That took a lot of wind out of my sail. Then due to lack of time for maintenance and a few other interests that started to occupied my time I decided it was time to leave (at least for now).
This hobby takes a lot of dedication, time and money. It is fine as long as other priorities don't get in the way. The main reason I left was, I was tied down to the tank. It's like taking care of a little child that needs constant attention and it can be a pain. I missed the freedom to travel, move and the thought of my inhabitants dieing was painful. Time to time something happens and something dies. I didn't like the idea that I was life support for these wonderful life forms.
I still come here time to time to look and admire the great tanks this site posts. Though for now that is as close as I want to get.
This hobby takes a lot of dedication, time and money. It is fine as long as other priorities don't get in the way. The main reason I left was, I was tied down to the tank. It's like taking care of a little child that needs constant attention and it can be a pain. I missed the freedom to travel, move and the thought of my inhabitants dieing was painful. Time to time something happens and something dies. I didn't like the idea that I was life support for these wonderful life forms.
I still come here time to time to look and admire the great tanks this site posts. Though for now that is as close as I want to get.
strtrodreefer
New member
Agreed. Time and dedication seem to top the list. For me, it has been frustration more than anything. I've been battling valonia for years, and despite multiple attempts to go sps dominate I just can't seem to get there.
You try to do it all right, have the proper investment in good equipment, methods and husbandry yet the struggle continues.
Two years ago I sold everything off as a result of the valonia and started over. Although the bubble was terrible the tank flourished and I frequently sold overgrowth to a local store.
Today I feel like I am clueless anymore in this hobby. Still here but FRUSTRATED!!
You try to do it all right, have the proper investment in good equipment, methods and husbandry yet the struggle continues.
Two years ago I sold everything off as a result of the valonia and started over. Although the bubble was terrible the tank flourished and I frequently sold overgrowth to a local store.
Today I feel like I am clueless anymore in this hobby. Still here but FRUSTRATED!!
ratherbediving
New member
I think I have come pretty close recently... I still love my tank, but having a new baby, then having to move (huge pain) then having a bunch of issues with the tank that I just don't have time for right now... it is tipping the scale more towards 'hassle' than hobby. Hopefully things will quiet down a bit and I can begin enjoying the hobby more. If they don't, and the tank crashes... I probably will keep the tank going, but it will probably be an all Green star polyp/ aiptasia/ Xenia tank (pretty much headed that way right now anyway!)
I don't think I have posted in this forum for probably two years. Hoping I can rekindle the excitement... reef central really helps with this!
I don't think I have posted in this forum for probably two years. Hoping I can rekindle the excitement... reef central really helps with this!
Jagermeister
Premium Member
I'm in the exact situation. New babies take a LOT of time. That caused me to neglect the tank, thinking it more of a hassle than anything else. Then we moved and I didn't transfer the tank properly and everything died. Lost a 120g reef.
However, that being said, I have now set up a nano and much to my surprise am having a lot of fun with it. The baby is approaching 18 months and absolutely LOVES looking at the new fish in the nano. In fact, 'ish' was her first word. I'm thinking getting back in with a big tank partly for myself and a big part for my little girl who loves going to fish stores more than I do.
phenom5
Member
There are lots of reasons people quit, as others have said...
Money...times are tough, maybe a tank isn't in the budget.
Time...if you don't have the time to maintain your tank, or enjoy it, well...
Frustration...bad advice, or setting up a tank too quick without a good understanding of what your doing. You know, this hobby can be frustrating for people that have gotten good advice, and have a good handle on what their doing. Can you imagine how frustrating it could be for someone that's never heard of RC?
Disaster...I've been through 2 tank disasters, and it can really take the wind out of your sails. And those are just tank disasters, not major natural disasters. A hurricane? I think my fish tank would be the last of my concerns after a hurricane.
Sometimes, it just gets old. I'm probably going on water change number 300 soon. It definitely can get old, and become more of a chore then a fun hobby. The thing for me is, if I tear down my tank, who knows when I'll get another tank up & running.
Money...times are tough, maybe a tank isn't in the budget.
Time...if you don't have the time to maintain your tank, or enjoy it, well...
Frustration...bad advice, or setting up a tank too quick without a good understanding of what your doing. You know, this hobby can be frustrating for people that have gotten good advice, and have a good handle on what their doing. Can you imagine how frustrating it could be for someone that's never heard of RC?
Disaster...I've been through 2 tank disasters, and it can really take the wind out of your sails. And those are just tank disasters, not major natural disasters. A hurricane? I think my fish tank would be the last of my concerns after a hurricane.
Sometimes, it just gets old. I'm probably going on water change number 300 soon. It definitely can get old, and become more of a chore then a fun hobby. The thing for me is, if I tear down my tank, who knows when I'll get another tank up & running.
eyesinthedrk
New member
i know i fear the day when i have nothing left to do with my tank, i actually enjoy crashes, though when gustov hit i didnt have a whole lot to crash yet, it gives you a set back to recover, its the same with my computer, when the spyware gets too bad or some other glitch appears to be on the verge of hitting critical mass, i dump my pics and music to the external and wipe it, and re do it, better, leaner, faster,
i find half the fun is in the building and tinkering, getting a new coral or fish, im not in a race to get to the finish line, im looking to enjoy the ride there
and i agree with paul, matainance isnt expensive at all i have about 75 dollars of additives under the tank and spend maybe $10.00 a week on water from the lfs, witch i do more for an excuse to check out new live stock than anything else
i find half the fun is in the building and tinkering, getting a new coral or fish, im not in a race to get to the finish line, im looking to enjoy the ride there
and i agree with paul, matainance isnt expensive at all i have about 75 dollars of additives under the tank and spend maybe $10.00 a week on water from the lfs, witch i do more for an excuse to check out new live stock than anything else
LOTUS50GOD
Active member
I think people get out because they dont realize how expensive this hobby can be...
when people get into it, they start small (29-75 gallon) usually... then they overpopulate the tank or go to quickly resulting in high nutrients and unwanted algeas. So fish and coral die due to bad husbandry. Newbies also buy what the LFS sells them, which is what the store has on hand, and not always what they need. To do a big tank (over 180 gallons) makes things easier, but there is added expense to having such a large tank (higher electric bills, bigger water changes, etc)...
Over all I would have to say the main reason is financial, next would be frustration.
when people get into it, they start small (29-75 gallon) usually... then they overpopulate the tank or go to quickly resulting in high nutrients and unwanted algeas. So fish and coral die due to bad husbandry. Newbies also buy what the LFS sells them, which is what the store has on hand, and not always what they need. To do a big tank (over 180 gallons) makes things easier, but there is added expense to having such a large tank (higher electric bills, bigger water changes, etc)...
Over all I would have to say the main reason is financial, next would be frustration.
john rochon
New member
lets see, were to begin.
FLATWORMS
REDBUGS
AEFW
APTASIA
ALGEA
CYNO
ICH
TANK CRASH WIPING OUT YEARS OF WORK AND THOUSAND IN CASH.
DINOS,
COST.
and probaly more that I overlooked. but for me I took a year off and came back slower and smarter
FLATWORMS
REDBUGS
AEFW
APTASIA
ALGEA
CYNO
ICH
TANK CRASH WIPING OUT YEARS OF WORK AND THOUSAND IN CASH.
DINOS,
COST.
and probaly more that I overlooked. but for me I took a year off and came back slower and smarter
jhildebrand
New member
Too much, too fast. Everyone wants a TOTM yesterday. People rush out and buy every interesting critter they can find without doing research or quarantine and introduce pests or disease.
Reasonable expectations. You can't expect to keep corals without adequate flow, lighting, and testing. People get frustrated even though they ignore the basic fundamentals. This hobby, while still in its infancy, has come so far that it boggles my mind the number of people that don't learn from this forum and the volumes of literature available on proper husbandry.
People also need to understand that there's different levels of beauty. You can have a low-cost, yet gorgeous softy tank. Don't buy SPS if you can't support their demands or think your tank isn't worthy if you can't have every coral sold at the LFS. Or keep a fish only and enjoy they beauty of the fish you can't have in a reef tank. Too many try to stretch what they can keep in the most minimal conditions and the animals and the hobbyists suffer in return. It's a hobby, not punishment.
Given how much there still is to learn from each other, I can't quite grasp the "bored" concept. I can't look at my tank once for ten minutes and not see something new or interesting. There is always something to improve on or research. I have yet to see someone at the pinnacle of success where their tank is so perfect it cannot be improved upon.
My tank has taught me a lot about patience and the wonders of life in general. It also has shown me the value of having focus on something. I have my first child on the way in July and while I know things are going to change, I want my children to be able to experience all the joys this hobby has brought me. As other posters stated, when a tank is stable, it doesn't ask much of you to keep up on the basics.
Reasonable expectations. You can't expect to keep corals without adequate flow, lighting, and testing. People get frustrated even though they ignore the basic fundamentals. This hobby, while still in its infancy, has come so far that it boggles my mind the number of people that don't learn from this forum and the volumes of literature available on proper husbandry.
People also need to understand that there's different levels of beauty. You can have a low-cost, yet gorgeous softy tank. Don't buy SPS if you can't support their demands or think your tank isn't worthy if you can't have every coral sold at the LFS. Or keep a fish only and enjoy they beauty of the fish you can't have in a reef tank. Too many try to stretch what they can keep in the most minimal conditions and the animals and the hobbyists suffer in return. It's a hobby, not punishment.
Given how much there still is to learn from each other, I can't quite grasp the "bored" concept. I can't look at my tank once for ten minutes and not see something new or interesting. There is always something to improve on or research. I have yet to see someone at the pinnacle of success where their tank is so perfect it cannot be improved upon.
My tank has taught me a lot about patience and the wonders of life in general. It also has shown me the value of having focus on something. I have my first child on the way in July and while I know things are going to change, I want my children to be able to experience all the joys this hobby has brought me. As other posters stated, when a tank is stable, it doesn't ask much of you to keep up on the basics.
FranktheTankTx
New member
A lot of good responses here - too many for me to read all of them.
I assume reasons include but not limited to:
1) Algae
2) $$$
3) Just a phase
4) Time Commitment
5) Wife
6) $$$
7) Algae
8) Becomes a Chore/Job
9) Wife
10) $$$
11) Algae
12) Poor Husbandry (of tank, not wife)
13) Wife
14) Algae
15) $$$
I assume reasons include but not limited to:
1) Algae
2) $$$
3) Just a phase
4) Time Commitment
5) Wife
6) $$$
7) Algae
8) Becomes a Chore/Job
9) Wife
10) $$$
11) Algae
12) Poor Husbandry (of tank, not wife)
13) Wife
14) Algae
15) $$$
reefermike1
New member
i dont think id ever quit the hobby completely but i have been thinking alot about downsizing lately. a small low-maintenance softy tank that uses under a couple hundred watts of juice sounds kinda nice.
like it was said the hobby is pricey but only in the beginning, the only way i can see money making someone get rid of an established tank is so that they can sell it for whatever they might need.... if that is the case you do what you gotta do i guess.
like it was said the hobby is pricey but only in the beginning, the only way i can see money making someone get rid of an established tank is so that they can sell it for whatever they might need.... if that is the case you do what you gotta do i guess.
Just like your first "trophy wife"...nothing lasts forever... Sometimes you just get to "been there done that" and move on... I'm lucky, my tank was a bit minimalist and low maintenance, so I've been able to just let it sit and do it's thing without a lot of intervention...
Some people like the hardware, some, like me, just want to sit and watch the "fish channel"... I got lucky in that the upkeep didn't burn out the enjoyment...
Some people like the hardware, some, like me, just want to sit and watch the "fish channel"... I got lucky in that the upkeep didn't burn out the enjoyment...
Kenmx10
New member
I've been trying to quit. But its hard. I attend RA. (Reefers Anonymous )because Im a reef-o-holic. It doesnt help. I still drive to the fish store every week to see whats new. Last week I put PraziPro in the bathtub and took a dip. My shrink said it wasnt a good idea. The fish store said I wouldnt have flukes.
