17 years and counting minus a couple for sanity breaks:biggrin:

Ive been doing salt for 5 years now, but had freshwater tanks a few times in the past. In fact my sump is made out of an old 55 gallon long that was my freshwater tank previously. I didn't realize my reef was 5 years old until I opened my tank journal recently and saw the dates.

Since 2006, usually have had either something running or something in the works.

Just coming up to 6 years...started Feb 2008.

Ever wonder about those super enthusiastic people who start out and figure they need every possible piece of equipment and gadget for their new tank? Thinking that's what will give them a nice tank and disregard the advice given to them. What is it usual a year or two and it's all for sale? The sad part is all the fish and coral that perish during that time.

About 7 years. And the battling Dino's. still.

I almost have it. But it almost beat me 6 months ago. It was so bad... I almost quit.

+1. And going big to start off is not necessarily a good idea either. Remember Hustler, a couple years ago?

Thanks for reminding me how much cash I have poured down the drain since I started this madness. Should have taken up coke instead, probably would have been cheaper!:biggrin:

nothing wrong with that as long as you are going to stick with it. the only difference between big and small is the amount of money.

Steve

Yeah, and cost of mistakes are much bigger, too, incl all the livestock that perish due to inexperience and bad decisions. Much easier to manage and correct a smaller system than try to fix a 100+g system that is not working out as planned.

I think the major reason people get out of the hobby is they underestimated the effort and attention needed to learn about and properly care for a good looking and successful reef system.