Husbandry, distractions, what to do?

[Stege_saurus]

I've been thinking recently and was wondering if anyone else deals with this:

Currently I'm in a fallow period, so some of this is excusable...
I go through periods of time where I get distracted by other things in life and either neglect to do husbandry or completely forget about it. When my spark was reignited for the hobby, I was all in and completely in tune with everything. After some time, and other things happening such as fish and invert deaths, I lost interest. My tank is still up, I still feed everyday, there's just sometimes that I either ignore doing some sort of cleaning or maintenance. Then, I'll get it back on my mind and start going through everything and trying to come up with a better plan for everything, regaining interest and finding it fun again...then the cycle continues; gaining interest, losing interest..etc

How do you keep focused on your reef tank?
What are some simple diy ways to make things like water changes and water testing more interesting?
Do you have cycles like this with either this hobby or other hobbies you may have? (I have about 5 other hobbies and family)
Any advice is surely appreciated, or even just talking about similar situations! Happy Reefing!

 

[NY_Sea]

I go through these cycles also and I am starting to think im crazy. I have been in the hobby over 12 years and I ask myself how have I maintained my reef tank so long. My passion for reef keeping is the simple answer. Sometimes it’s takes me to see my tank is suffering for me to kick it back into high gear and get my tank clean and healthy again. i guess the thought of getting rid of all the things I spent so much money on and will only recoup a fraction of cost if I sell is enough reason for me to dive back in continue on.
I go thru phases often but recently went through it. one day I was thinking of selling everything. But within the next few days I was saying. No. The answer is to upgrade to a larger tank Where I could get more fish and that would be something to get excited about.
Instead I bought all new ro DI filters and membrane , did a water change and told myself it’s time to get back on the reef !
I really Believe to have longevity in this hobby you have to automate mostly everything. That coupled with once a month water changes it doesn’t seem like such a chore or hassle to keep a reef tank.

 

[Stege_saurus]

I go through these cycles also and I am starting to think im crazy. I have been in the hobby over 12 years and I ask myself how have I maintained my reef tank so long. My passion for reef keeping is the simple answer. Sometimes it’s takes me to see my tank is suffering for me to kick it back into high gear and get my tank clean and healthy again. i guess the thought of getting rid of all the things I spent so much money on and will only recoup a fraction of cost if I sell is enough reason for me to dive back in continue on.
I go thru phases often but recently went through it. one day I was thinking of selling everything. But within the next few days I was saying. No. The answer is to upgrade to a larger tank Where I could get more fish and that would be something to get excited about.
Instead I bought all new ro DI filters and membrane , did a water change and told myself it’s time to get back on the reef !
I really Believe to have longevity in this hobby you have to automate mostly everything. That coupled with once a month water changes it doesn’t seem like such a chore or hassle to keep a reef tank.

I'm glad I'm not the only one that deals with this! For awhile I was letting it get dirty, but seeing that kicks me into gear because I end up feeling like it's a reflection of myself and makes me look bad...