Needing Motivation?

DisneyMatt10 · Jun 10, 2017

Hey all,

As many of you know about a year ago my partner and I built a beautiful, custom, saltwater setup. All was going great with the tank for a while. . . But as if lately I started a new career where I pretty much work 24/7, and have zero free time. Needless to say the tank is reflecting that.

I am now working on having more time to maintain the tank, and get it back to the beautiful tank that I had before. . . I just don't have the motivation to deal with it.

I spent all this time and energy on this tank so I could have a green mandarin (really the only fish, and reason I created this system) Well... I have a green mandarin. He has been alive and doing well (Not sure how) in the tank for a few months. But slowly everything but my fish have died, and there is algae taking over the tank. It depresses me every time I look at it, because I know I've let it get to this point. And I've neglected it for way to long. I just can't stand the idea of the work to get it back to where it needs to be.

So my question to you all is, when you're exhausted, don't feel like dealing with your tank, and feeling defeated in this hobby... How do you still find the time and desire to deal with it all??

Thanks.
- Matt

Alfrareef · Jun 10, 2017

Hi Matt,
I believe we all gone thru that.
As per my self when I got tank saturated i start a new and more simple setup.
Last time I did that I swap the sand, live rock and started a fish only tank. Finally I could have those wonderful fishes that I never had because they where not reef safe...

reeferfoxx · Jun 10, 2017

Hi Matt,

I don't know much of your tanks history but this lack of motivation become natural. I guess you are asking for advice because you enjoy the tank but it's current state feels like full time job in of itself. My suggestion is to look over the equipment and decide which regular routine bugs you the most. See if you cant automate that area to relieve stress. Then at the same time, go over water chemistry and see which area needs attention. Then take things one step at a time. Start with whats bothering you the most.

My first tank went through this with various issues and pests. Chemistry was spot on but bryopsis, pests, and then nutrients built up. I eventually started over but if I had waited another 8 months with advancements in reefing would have cured bryopsis in a week, removed pests one at a time and got a foothold on nutrients I would still have that tank. In fact I think it looked better than my new one haha!!

Anyway, nothing is impossible just takes TLC. Luckly for you, nothing fixes itself quickly in this hobby. So take it slow and learn from it.

Tahoe61 · Jun 10, 2017

In my mind the reward has to outweigh the effort. The pleasure that viewing my tank brings me motivates me, there are no other ways for me to describe it.

Have you considered some changes to the system like an ATS, modifications to the clean up crew.

I break tasking up during the day, feed, dosing, adjustments. I do nothing major until a planned water change, that is really the only time I stick my hands in the water.

Is hiring an aquarium specialist an option? Maybe just short term until you decide if the weight of the commitment out weighs the pleasure.

DisneyMatt10 · Jun 10, 2017

Hey all, thanks for the feedback so far. Working on a water change right now, so when I have time to sit down at my computer tonight I'll answer your questions.

Quick question. This is my current algae problem:

Would it be best to run the tank for a week or 2 with no lights to help cut down on the algae regrowth?? We are scraping and pulling a lot out by hand, but what we can't get done would less light help get rid of it??

Thanks again for everyone's help.

reeferfoxx · Jun 10, 2017

DisneyMatt10 said:
Hey all, thanks for the feedback so far. Working on a water change right now, so when I have time to sit down at my computer tonight I'll answer your questions.

Quick question. This is my current algae problem:

Would it be best to run the tank for a week or 2 with no lights to help cut down on the algae regrowth?? We are scraping and pulling a lot out by hand, but what we can't get done would less light help get rid of it??

Thanks again for everyone's help.

Do you have any coral in the tank?