Reefing Fatigue?
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Dr. Dendrostein
Marine fish monthly
If you do get tired of your box, i think we all would take alittle off your hands. I can use another 50 gallon. Can u do lay-a-way...
Zionas
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To be honest, it makes me sad when I see fellow reefers quit the hobby altogether with a slim chance of ever returning to it. At the very least I’d make time to maintain some softies and some of my favorite fish, or even go FOWLR for a while with the same fish.
Given the time, space, and finances, I might opt for a pretty big tank (200+ gallons) in the future but for now I’m pushing it with a 150-180 gallon. I’d expect my first ever batch of fish to live to the end of their lifespans before I consider getting another batch of fish or another setup. Now in human years with the species I’ve chosen, assuming the stars align I may well have the same fish into my thirties, with some making it into my forties.
If I am really not in a position to take care of my fish and corals someday, I would certainly wish to give them to a hobbyist of the same experience level, preferably someone who knows even better than I do. Even then, I would certainly request frequent updates on how they’re doing. If it ever comes to that day, what was once mine will always be mine to a degree. I must ensure that they’re left in good hands as part of my possibly final responsibility towards them.
I would love for “my fish” to one day become “daddy’s fish”. Same goes for corals.
I have specifically tailored my fish stocking list for the long haul with species like Tangs, larger Angels, Clowns, Hawkfish, Marine Betta, and the Foxface. Not a single one of these species is incapable of pushing at least a decade with proper care.
Given the time, space, and finances, I might opt for a pretty big tank (200+ gallons) in the future but for now I’m pushing it with a 150-180 gallon. I’d expect my first ever batch of fish to live to the end of their lifespans before I consider getting another batch of fish or another setup. Now in human years with the species I’ve chosen, assuming the stars align I may well have the same fish into my thirties, with some making it into my forties.
If I am really not in a position to take care of my fish and corals someday, I would certainly wish to give them to a hobbyist of the same experience level, preferably someone who knows even better than I do. Even then, I would certainly request frequent updates on how they’re doing. If it ever comes to that day, what was once mine will always be mine to a degree. I must ensure that they’re left in good hands as part of my possibly final responsibility towards them.
I would love for “my fish” to one day become “daddy’s fish”. Same goes for corals.
I have specifically tailored my fish stocking list for the long haul with species like Tangs, larger Angels, Clowns, Hawkfish, Marine Betta, and the Foxface. Not a single one of these species is incapable of pushing at least a decade with proper care.
It only took me 2.5 years to get so frustrated I wanted to quit. I started out totally dedicated and enthusiastic. Was testing all the time. Feeding like 4 diff types of food for all the different dietary requirements. Within one year I had three tanks going. had a 125, 55 and 29. 6 months later I took a job that required a lot of travel. I was gone at least five days a week and sometimes for two or three weeks in a row. I was living with my girlfriend who is taking care of the tank but that relationship was steadily deteriorating with all the travel. Naturally every time I came home the tank was in worse condition. Was very difficult watching everything I had worked hard for slowly become totally overrun with algae. A year after I took that job I ended up breaking up with a girlfriend and had a tank crash shortly after.
This is when I had a hobby changing event. sold the 125 and the 29. Luckily the guy that purchased the 125 did not want any fish or coral. Moved the few softies that survived and some of my favorite pieces of rock into the 55 along with the 3 fish that survived (yellow tang, blue tang, pink spot jawfish). Didn’t even set up a sump. Had zero filtration besides live rock. Just one power head pointed at the surface. Was just going to try and keep that stuff alive with weekly water changes long enough to sell it. Never thought a tank could make it long term like that.
Well a week became two, which then turned into a couple months. Really started to like the look of the tank and It was so easy to maintain. About 5 min every other day to feed 1/2 cube mysis. To this day I only feed mysis and occasional seaweed Wasn’t even doing weekly water changes. Ended up changing 30 gallons of water in that sumpless , skimmrless 55 every other week. Probably didn’t even need to change that much. Took 1.5 hours to do the water change. Most of which was spent waiting for the two 15gallon totes to fill and mix with new water. Ran the tank for 2 years like that before I upgraded again to the current 120 that I now have.
Fast forward to today and I have a beautiful (in my eyes) thriving mixed reef that still has no skimmer or any mechanical filtration. Just basically a bunch of rocks piled in the sump. No dosing. No skimmer cup to mess with. No filters to change. Just a couple hours once per month to do large 65 gallon water change (approx 50%) for nutrient export and a fresh load of trace elements. The tank was running high nitrates 5 years ago which is the last time I tested anything, but can still keep any sps growing besides acros. Lps grows extremely well in the dirty tank.
It’s amazing how much more enjoyment you can get out of your tank and the hobby in general when you are not spending a bunch of time screwing around with maintenance
This is when I had a hobby changing event. sold the 125 and the 29. Luckily the guy that purchased the 125 did not want any fish or coral. Moved the few softies that survived and some of my favorite pieces of rock into the 55 along with the 3 fish that survived (yellow tang, blue tang, pink spot jawfish). Didn’t even set up a sump. Had zero filtration besides live rock. Just one power head pointed at the surface. Was just going to try and keep that stuff alive with weekly water changes long enough to sell it. Never thought a tank could make it long term like that.
Well a week became two, which then turned into a couple months. Really started to like the look of the tank and It was so easy to maintain. About 5 min every other day to feed 1/2 cube mysis. To this day I only feed mysis and occasional seaweed Wasn’t even doing weekly water changes. Ended up changing 30 gallons of water in that sumpless , skimmrless 55 every other week. Probably didn’t even need to change that much. Took 1.5 hours to do the water change. Most of which was spent waiting for the two 15gallon totes to fill and mix with new water. Ran the tank for 2 years like that before I upgraded again to the current 120 that I now have.
Fast forward to today and I have a beautiful (in my eyes) thriving mixed reef that still has no skimmer or any mechanical filtration. Just basically a bunch of rocks piled in the sump. No dosing. No skimmer cup to mess with. No filters to change. Just a couple hours once per month to do large 65 gallon water change (approx 50%) for nutrient export and a fresh load of trace elements. The tank was running high nitrates 5 years ago which is the last time I tested anything, but can still keep any sps growing besides acros. Lps grows extremely well in the dirty tank.
It’s amazing how much more enjoyment you can get out of your tank and the hobby in general when you are not spending a bunch of time screwing around with maintenance
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Zionas
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Glad it’s working out well for you, though in the long run I’d still give the Tangs a bigger tank. Pretty amazing what you’ve managed to achieve with so little though.
As for me I’m going for a reasonably large setup but it’ll be with me for a long time, along with the livestock in it.
Low maintenance and lack of experience are precisely why I’m doing softies only, and only mushrooms and leather corals. Contemplated getting Pulsing Xenia and GSP but too invasive and I’d rather not have to spend the extra time needed to curb their growth, so, just mushrooms and leathers and some of my fave fish will have me set hopefully for the next decade at the very least.
I feel like I’ve still got time to figure out the different nooks and crannies of the hobby. For now, some simple corals and relatively easier fish will do for me.
Who knows? Maybe one day I will try a Regal Angel, CBB, or even a Moorish Idol (eh, maybe not this one but you get the idea) and move to SPS and LPS corals. I’m still a very young reefer, so for now some of my fave fish and a couple of watery mushrooms in my tank are just fine.
Pretty amazing what you’ve managed to achieve with so little though.As for me I’m going for a reasonably large setup but it’ll be with me for a long time, along with the livestock in it.
Low maintenance and lack of experience are precisely why I’m doing softies only, and only mushrooms and leather corals. Contemplated getting Pulsing Xenia and GSP but too invasive and I’d rather not have to spend the extra time needed to curb their growth, so, just mushrooms and leathers and some of my fave fish will have me set hopefully for the next decade at the very least. I feel like I’ve still got time to figure out the different nooks and crannies of the hobby. For now, some simple corals and relatively easier fish will do for me.
Who knows? Maybe one day I will try a Regal Angel, CBB, or even a Moorish Idol (eh, maybe not this one but you get the idea) and move to SPS and LPS corals. I’m still a very young reefer, so for now some of my fave fish and a couple of watery mushrooms in my tank are just fine.
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dohc97
Active Member
I took my break when I moved to Texas from Chicago. I resisted 4 years before I decided I needed a reef again. Started small and with a plan, now up to a 105 which will be it unless I move again or buy a bigger house. If you have any thoughts of coming back try and keep your basic equipment and store it, it quickly adds up when you come back to buy basics and it's money that can be spent on the reef instead. I have maintenance down to a very simple routine, Dose every day, test ALK once a week(more currently because im establishing a baseline in new setup), water change every 2 weeks. I make the water right next to reef, it takes longer to make the rodi than to actually perform the water change. I found new joy in taking it easy and not obsessing over every little detail, fish are fat and happy and my sps all look great and grow, what more could i ask for?
Started reefing in 1984 with one break due to living abroad for a few years. Each of us is different in respect to our goals, amount of free time, amount of patience and how much excitement/happiness that we need/expect from something like the reef keeping hobby. Taking a break (or multiple breaks) is just a personal decision and should be respected.
I tend to keep aquariums going for a long time. I also get the most enjoyment out of smaller systems, but I realize that that's not for everyone. I also set up my systems to have the least amount of complexity and cost which helps when running a reef aquarium over a decade or more.
I tend to keep aquariums going for a long time. I also get the most enjoyment out of smaller systems, but I realize that that's not for everyone. I also set up my systems to have the least amount of complexity and cost which helps when running a reef aquarium over a decade or more.
JumboShrimp
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My advice, given your original post:
FOWLR
FOWLR
FOWRL
Best wishes!
FOWLR
FOWLR
FOWRL
Best wishes!
I’m just worried about the softies that completely take over the tank… I’ve certainly realized over the years that I don’t like the “fussiness” of this hobby. Especially not during this phase of my life.
Is there a trophy for that? LOL!
Such a generous offer! Haha!
It makes me sad too, though I think there is a decent chance I would return if I decide to break it down for now. I’ve always loved keeping fish and I do not expect that to change.
It only took me 2.5 years to get so frustrated I wanted to quit. I started out totally dedicated and enthusiastic. Was testing all the time. Feeding like 4 diff types of food for all the different dietary requirements. Within one year I had three tanks going. had a 125, 55 and 29. 6 months later I took a job that required a lot of travel. I was gone at least five days a week and sometimes for two or three weeks in a row. I was living with my girlfriend who is taking care of the tank but that relationship was steadily deteriorating with all the travel. Naturally every time I came home the tank was in worse condition. Was very difficult watching everything I had worked hard for slowly become totally overrun with algae. A year after I took that job I ended up breaking up with a girlfriend and had a tank crash shortly after.
This is when I had a hobby changing event. sold the 125 and the 29. Luckily the guy that purchased the 125 did not want any fish or coral. Moved the few softies that survived and some of my favorite pieces of rock into the 55 along with the 3 fish that survived (yellow tang, blue tang, pink spot jawfish). Didn’t even set up a sump. Had zero filtration besides live rock. Just one power head pointed at the surface. Was just going to try and keep that stuff alive with weekly water changes long enough to sell it. Never thought a tank could make it long term like that.
Well a week became two, which then turned into a couple months. Really started to like the look of the tank and It was so easy to maintain. About 5 min every other day to feed 1/2 cube mysis. To this day I only feed mysis and occasional seaweed Wasn’t even doing weekly water changes. Ended up changing 30 gallons of water in that sumpless , skimmrless 55 every other week. Probably didn’t even need to change that much. Took 1.5 hours to do the water change. Most of which was spent waiting for the two 15gallon totes to fill and mix with new water. Ran the tank for 2 years like that before I upgraded again to the current 120 that I now have.
Fast forward to today and I have a beautiful (in my eyes) thriving mixed reef that still has no skimmer or any mechanical filtration. Just basically a bunch of rocks piled in the sump. No dosing. No skimmer cup to mess with. No filters to change. Just a couple hours once per month to do large 65 gallon water change (approx 50%) for nutrient export and a fresh load of trace elements. The tank was running high nitrates 5 years ago which is the last time I tested anything, but can still keep any sps growing besides acros. Lps grows extremely well in the dirty tank.
It’s amazing how much more enjoyment you can get out of your tank and the hobby in general when you are not spending a bunch of time screwing around with maintenance
Very nice tank! I guess setbacks can eventually lead to a better reefing experience!
Glad it’s working out well for you, though in the long run I’d still give the Tangs a bigger tank.Pretty amazing what you’ve managed to achieve with so little though.
As for me I’m going for a reasonably large setup but it’ll be with me for a long time, along with the livestock in it.Low maintenance and lack of experience are precisely why I’m doing softies only, and only mushrooms and leather corals. Contemplated getting Pulsing Xenia and GSP but too invasive and I’d rather not have to spend the extra time needed to curb their growth, so, just mushrooms and leathers and some of my fave fish will have me set hopefully for the next decade at the very least.
I feel like I’ve still got time to figure out the different nooks and crannies of the hobby. For now, some simple corals and relatively easier fish will do for me.
Who knows? Maybe one day I will try a Regal Angel, CBB, or even a Moorish Idol (eh, maybe not this one but you get the idea) and move to SPS and LPS corals. I’m still a very young reefer, so for now some of my fave fish and a couple of watery mushrooms in my tank are just fine.
No need to rush things!
Nice! I like the comeback stories! Having the equipment to make water right by your tank is something I definitely need the next time around.
I feel like its been quite the jump for me to move from 12 gallons to 50. I realize its not even a big tank yet, but I’ve found it to be more challenging in some areas for sure. I think for the next time around it should either be small and focus on corals or large and do FOWLR (maybe some softies).
Thanks!
Angel_V_the_reefer
Well-Known Member
Im currently out of the hobby. I left the hobby a few months back and I truly miss it. I’m 19 years old, and am constantly looking to improve my life around me physically, mentally, and financially. The reefing hobby, although once brought me a beautiful tank, crashed on me (Bryopsis take over), and with the thousands of dollars I’ve spent on the hobby, was only draining my pockets. It’s been a few months since I’ve left and I feel much happier out of the hobby. Do I still have a desire for a tank? Of course I do, I sometimes look back at memories with my reef and feel as if I am looking back at an old relationship that didn’t work out. I can’t wait to come back into this hobby in hopefully a few years from now when I can afford to get back into the hobby. I am excited to relearn every single bit of the hobby soon
