nevermind :redface:

This hobby is not for the Faint of Heart.

It is a very expensive hobby. For the compulsive buyer there is always something new and exciting available every time you go to the LFS.

It is also an extremely difficult hobby. Just when you think your tank is doing well all hell seems to breakout. Even the most seasoned hobbies run into trouble from time to time.

Tom R

Come on Leah, Tell us what your really thinking :P

I'm considering getting out of the hobby, not because of the price ( which is high and I have had my fair share of issues ) but because of the impact on the enviroment and issues with mass quantities of dead livestock.

I started the tank because I have a strong affinity for the ocean and it's beauty... I now question whether or not I can provide any money to an industry that is still so destructive. I'm probably one of the only ones in here hoping the stricter export bylaws go into effect quick.

I know I could buy locally propagated but regardless of my individual choices I still am required to support LFS and companies that may not feel the same way. It's a fun hobby and I certainly enjoy the work, but it's easy to understand in these times why people can't keep it up

Tom, I absolutely agree with you. IMO, if one can't afford it or doesn't have the time or patience it might be a good idea to leave it alone.

The Beagle or the Wife?

I have to agree with this as well it does costs a lot and I think most people get out as it is a lot of work to keep reefs running so they stays looking good.
That and it is hard to just go away somewhere for a few days.
The environmental issue does worry me somewhat but then I think it is people like us that might one day be able to save some part of the reef when it all dies off.

I think about packing it in quite often but always seem to come to my senses. Like this week for example, murphy's law dictates that if I'm going to host a reef meet this weekend my corals need to get burned tips and turn brown.:twised::redface::twised:

Brown. I thought they were supposed to look that way LOL

I thought you were getting out for a minute. Glad you are staying...

I thought to get out too with the way the economy has been. The tanks need constant cash flow and with so much other stuff to pay for the tank suffers. The tank needs money no matter how broke I am, and it starts getting old to have to drop a ton of cash for this and that and the other thing.

I am hanging in there... I adore all my fish.