The hard side of changing systems

[Bowin]

So my 90 is maturing well and I'm happy with the way it's going. Things are growing and the fish all seem happy. I'm getting sad as I watch the aquatic community I've created because I know it's time is limited. Soon I will be tearing down this system in order to move on to my next creation. While I'm excited about the new challenges and opportunities before me I can't help but feel the sadness from the ending of the adventures that my current system has provided me. It leaves me pondering the "what if" and "what could have been" on this 2 yr old tank. It's not like I had a crash or a bout with disease. This is a choice that I'm making which makes it so much more bittersweet. I tell myself it's better now than 4 or 5 years in with hopes that it will make the choice feel more justifiable and rational. But still there's this sense that I'm cutting short something that could have been great by turning my attention towards something new and unknown.
So I ask this to other reefers and members. Am I alone in my feelings of guilt? Do others feel the same way when they choose to move on or upgrade. Please share stories of your systems in the past and transitions to the new. Again, I hope to hear from others as their has been complaints of no use or chatter here as opposed to fb. Let's keep this place alive by beginning to interact. Share your stories with me and others.

 

[.AcroKiller.]

Everything should be fine if you upgrade. Fish would love the upgrade if the tank is going to be bigger

 

[Bowin]

Everything should be fine if you upgrade. Fish would love the upgrade if the tank is going to be bigger

Going double the size to a 180. But I'm starting fresh with a new cycle. New rock so it's gonna be a slow transition. Going a whole new direction this time. I'm just saying it's gonna be a little sad ending the path that tank was on. (Just a little...lol)

 

[.AcroKiller.]

What are you planning to keep in the new tank

 

[Bowin]

What are you planning to keep in the new tank

Hoping to try a mixed reef

 

[schooleyosis]

I've had my tank up and running for almost 4 years but it has been through so many changes. I've found that as you gain experience you sell the old and move onto better/more difficult corals and fish...

I do miss a few of my fish but luckily they are in a bigger home and close enough that I can go visit

 

[joshbbert]

Same with me, my tank keeps changing as i learn more. I'm hoping to keep my current tank for a few years before making any more changes just sit back and watch em grow

 

[anarchy]

I've changed tanks quite a bit in the last 3 years. Started with a 120 then bought a 27 cube and ran both. Had problems with the 27 not draining properly and flooding so shut it down. Had a baby and bought a drilled 29 and sold the 120. Once things financially stabilized I drilled the 27 cube and bought a deep blue 30. Connected the 30 and 27 to a 55 gallon sump. Around Christmas decided to get rid of the 27 and I replaced it with a 93. Currently I'm running the 93 and deep blue 30 with the 55 gallon sump. Now I'm just waiting for the wife to approve the 180 or custom tank upgrade. Through all of this I kept the same coral up until my aefw battle and tank crash in March. I miss fish that I had and if it wasn't for ich I'd probably still have some of them. I plan on getting them again, but I don't feel guilty for the changes I made. Change is good

 

[Bowin]

Thanks for sharing guys. This is the stuff I wanted to hear and some of the chatter our group needs on this forum. With all of those who have viewed this hopefully others will share their history with tanks of the past.

 

[Esage]

I'm going through the same feelings right now. I have no more room in my tank, corals are thriving and the fish are doing great. I need to upgrade soon if I don't want an all out coral war, but I feel guilty about tearing a tank down that is thriving.

 

[bknapp]

I love the build aspect of reefing so upgrading is fun for me. Nerve wrecking but, fun. Livestock transfer isn't much fun. I'm in the middle of a transition of sorts myself. But I'll echo what others have said that as you mature in the hobby it's usually out with the old and in with the new, which I know you've been going through anyways. Just keep reading and researching and the change will pay itself off in no time.

 

[Bowin]

I love the build aspect of reefing so upgrading is fun for me. Nerve wrecking but, fun. Livestock transfer isn't much fun. I'm in the middle of a transition of sorts myself. But I'll echo what others have said that as you mature in the hobby it's usually out with the old and in with the new, which I know you've been going through anyways. Just keep reading and researching and the change will pay itself off in no time.

Yeah, I'm ready to try a new challenge and learn new things. That is very much an exciting aspect of what I have going on. I'm nervous but the excitement of what could be around the corner is what has me motivated.