When doing things right turns into not doing anything at all

[SandJ]

Has anyone else experienced this...you bring that new tank home. It may get stored in the garage or go directly into the living room. Then you just stare...and ponder...and measure...and research...but never get to the actual point of setting up the tank?
That is where I am with my 235g. I said I wanted take my time and do everything right the first time. But now my indecisiveness has left me with an empty tank. So now I just need a swift kick in the behind to actually get this tank up and running. At this point I feel even if do not get it set up perfect, at least it is up and running and I can enjoy it.
Anyone else ever go through this and what finally have you the shove you needed to get things done?

 

[vetteguy53081]

And take more time if you must. You've picked a location.... now start thinking about accessories and Must haves and buy components one at a time. If youre doing reef, focus first on lights, then water movement (wavemakers and return pump), SUMP, then heater and a controller or programmable power strip.
Once acquired, your are down to sand, salt mix, test equipment and rock
NOTHING GOES FAST IN SALTWATER AND YOU ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING: Waiting til you're good and ready.
This will be a Nice Tank !!

 

[Goose91]

I feel your at the point where you just need to take the plunge and get wet. Every tank needs running water so filler up! Think your biggest decision atm is what your base will be, and how much rock you need. All your equipment needs are fairly staight forward. Its just what brand and price points your happy with. And once shes full of water and running your gonna have that itch to filler up with live stock. But youll never get the livestock itch till shes full of water. So dive in head first and get the reef addiction started!

 

[phatduckk]

I had similar paralysis with the tank I just got (first one ever). It sat there about a month.

Eventually I decided I had to just do it so I took 3 days off work and that forced me make it happen. If I didn’t get it all done in that 3 day window it was just gonna sit there for god knows how long.

 

[WVNed]

Just do it
It's never going to be perfect. There are so many options now. Make something you like and have fun.

Not done yet. But getting there.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Has anyone else experienced this...you bring that new tank home. It may get stored in the garage or go directly into the living room. Then you just stare...and ponder...and measure...and research...but never get to the actual point of setting up the tank?
That is where I am with my 235g. I said I wanted take my time and do everything right the first time. But now my indecisiveness has left me with an empty tank. So now I just need a swift kick in the behind to actually get this tank up and running. At this point I feel even if do not get it set up perfect, at least it is up and running and I can enjoy it.
Anyone else ever go through this and what finally have you the shove you needed to get things done?

What you feel is common. I know the solution. PM me your address and I'll take it off your hands. I bet your wife would love it.
Also didn't read any replies to your thread, before this comment.

 

[krbshappy71]

YUP! Still haven't even purchased a tank. I know things will die but I just can't bring myself to even take that first step yet because if I screw up things will die. This hobby seems so fragile compared to my other critters and freshwater fish! GAHHHH! Carry on. Gorgeous tank btw.

 

[ZoWhat]

I think the fact its the FALL time of year, its tough finding extra time....

You should see my Google Calendar.... I've had smthg huge going on every day or evening for the last 3 weeks.

I actually said to my wife last night, "Oh my God, we've been running nonstop for the last 3 weeks and the next 3 weeks are just as bad!"

Fall time it seems everyone is super busy. Give yourself a break and dont fret!

You got January, February, March which are DEAD months with not a lot going on and IMO a perfect time to FOCUS on a new build.

QUESTION: anyone else seem like they're running nonstop in Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec????



.

 

[phatduckk]

QUESTION: anyone else seem like they're running nonstop in Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec????

always - with the wife and kids my weekends are jam packed; 3 birthdays, 2 ballet classes, 2 swim lessons, a gymnastics lesson and a dinner party this weekend. Weekends are not relaxing at all!

I've compensated by waking up at 4:30am to get "my stuff" done. it sucks but its either that or I never get to it.

 

[User1]

Just do it
It's never going to be perfect. There are so many options now. Make something you like and have fun.

Not done yet. But getting there.

AND YOU HAVE A GSD!!!! Caps - what can I say, love those dang dogs!

 

[SandJ]

Thanks for the pep talk guys! I’ve had this tank for over a year now, I think it is time to get some water in it lol

I already have:
*Sand
*Several hundred pounds of rock
*48” Bashsea sump
*Maxspect Razor light
*Have a couple MP10s and a few other power heads
*Apex and Reefkeeper controllers, don’t know which one to use yet
*Mindstream is in the way
*a Marine Solutions skimmer, but it may be too big for the tank

I also have a water mixing station for the garage.


I think I am just missing an accountability partner lol

I need to get the plywood cut for the bottom. Then install the plumbing. Can also be working on the rock structures...would like to lay them out and cement them together in large sections. They will be almost 30” tall so I need a stable structure.
I may put the ato container in my bedroom closet that is behind the tank, and then the wall behind that is the bathroom so I can install the rodi system there.
And decide on a return pump. I may just get a Jebao until I can decide. I can always use it for something else

 

[User1]

Has anyone else experienced this...you bring that new tank home. It may get stored in the garage or go directly into the living room. Then you just stare...and ponder...and measure...and research...but never get to the actual point of setting up the tank?
That is where I am with my 235g. I said I wanted take my time and do everything right the first time. But now my indecisiveness has left me with an empty tank. So now I just need a swift kick in the behind to actually get this tank up and running. At this point I feel even if do not get it set up perfect, at least it is up and running and I can enjoy it.
Anyone else ever go through this and what finally have you the shove you needed to get things done?

Yes, a lot of us do. My current upgrade, a 210 gallon, sat in my garage still in its shipping crate, for a year. It was getting so bad that my wife actually called the tank manufacture and asked them what happens if we uncrate the tank and it has a issue since it has been so long...they said no worry, it would be covered.

However, after that call it got the ball rolling Still not done 18 months later although the tank has water, rock, and I moved over my 40 breeder into it. Life, parts, things you forget that cause a delay, trying to get it perfect, etc. Setting up a tank regardless of size really does require planning and a document list to include steps. I won't go so far as a project plan but a list of steps and items is very helpful. At least for me.

I was so used to buying salt for a 40 breeder that when it came time to fill up my 210 for the first time guess what happened? Yup - didn't have enough salt. I only bought a bag. Such a dork I am at times. I just sat that and said to myself figures. The little things like that you may forget.

 

[SandJ]

What you feel is common. I know the solution. PM me your address and I'll take it off your hands. I bet your wife would love it.
Also didn't read any replies to your thread, before this comment.

When I seen you asking for my address, I got excited and thought you were going to offer to throw me a tank filling party (like the barn raising get togethers)! LOL
My husband has been understanding and only asked a few times when I was going to get water in it lol Now, when we had to carry the tank in was a different story, it weighs A LOT of pounds and we should have had a few more people to help