There's that too. :D If a tank has been maintained well through its life, it needs less maintenance as it ages.

Yes ^this.

Also, the longer you keep your tank the better you get at discovering how it really ticks. We all know that every single set up is different. What I've learned over the years is that it really takes some time before you get into a groove where you truly know how your tank operates. How it reacts to various bioloads. How it does with skimming, water changes, trace element depletion, etc. Mind you, Murphy will occasionally throw you curve balls in the form of equipment failures, power failures due to blizzards or city flooding torrential rains, etc. Good times :-)

that's terrifying where does the time go!?

but yes the proof is in the pictures for sure.

etc includes other hobby distractions!