How has Owning a Tank Impacted You?

[Gumbies R Us]

The hobby is full of ups and downs, but I feel like it has impacted all of us in some sort of way. I am wondering how owning a tank has impacted you. Has it made you enjoy the aspects of the sea more? Or has it given something for you to talk about with others. Curious to hear everyone's input!

 

[Nano_Man]

Hmm it’s not impacted my pocket this time. In the 90s don’t want to add up the cost thousands . But this time round loving the hobby with out been skint

 

[Timfish]

It's not hard to say it's completely altered my life. Being diagnosed as autistic, reef keeping has given me something I can obsess about and make a living as well (austisics have a discouragingly high unemployment rate ). Being naturally non-social it's also given me an avenue to help stay socialized and forced me to improve my communication skill to better talk about what I obsess over in a manner that's a little more acceptable for neurotypicals.

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[Cichlid Dad]

It has definitely changed my life, my wife now dictates every penny I spend! Or so that's what she thinks. I love monthly bonuses

 

[PigPen84]

Honestly it’s like therapy for more, If I have a bad day at work, I can just come home and sit and watch my fish swimming around and for some odd reason I find it very soothing. It’s been hard on the wallet though lol.

 

[fish farmer]

Vacations or just leaving for a weekend take more prep time. I travelled more with less worry when I didn't have a tank.

 

[Rmckoy]

It’s become normal life .
I couldn’t imagine ever not having an aquarium .

 

[StatelineReefer]

 

[reefsaver]

I bought my Reef during a mandated lockdown and it probably saved my sanity.
Then when lockdown finished I got a job in a fish store. I really fell in love with the hobby and try to come up with new ideas all the time that help out the business.

 

[j.falk]

It's made me better looking to the ladies.

 

[exnisstech]

@Gumbies R Us how has it impacted you?

Me I have a lot less cash. I spend much of my time tinkering on stuff vs playing video games. I also no longer have to travel anywhere because I don't have any automation except ato. Never liked traveling anyway.

 

[Rmckoy]

It's made me better looking to the ladies.

I believe it’s the lights .

Or the glasses

 

[vlangel]

It’s become normal life .
I couldn’t imagine ever not having an aquarium .

This! I have had a marine aquarium without a break since the late 90s. I enjoy my tank thoroughly and have tailored it over the years to not be a chore or a great financial drain. Its in my livingroom where I see it everyday. Each fish has a name and I watch their personalities in action. I love it.

 

[Rmckoy]

This! I have had a marine aquarium without a break since the late 90s. I enjoy my tank thoroughly and have tailored it over the years to not be a chore or a great financial drain. Its in my livingroom where I see it everyday. Each fish has a name and I watch their personalities in action. I love it.

Same here .
Late 90’s is when I started .
I have a 230 in my living room . I barely ever turn the tv on , I watch the tank instead .
My wife names the fish .

 

[Paul B]

I don't know. I am 74 years old and have had fish for about 70 of those years so I don't know what it is like living without fish.

 

[secret_reefer337]

Planning a long vacation. A week is fine but longer, I am always nervous to come hope non functioning hardwares and dead fish and corals. Got no one to look after the tank and take care when we are out for vacations.

 

[saltyfins]

generalized anxiety attacks...depression...actually I feel it could be bipolar as they moods go high then low...pacing...sleepless nights

 

[soreefed]

I appreciate the ocean a lot more. In general reef tanks bring me a lot of peace. I struggle to focus on things and for some reason reef tanks just zone me in and keep me busy.

 

[NeedAReef]

a lot less stress in my life. Thankfully there are some great LFS who you can pay to come check on the tank while you are away if you went away for a while.