I think it depends on a couple things.. Willingness to learn and willingness to spend money.. But most importantly; pacing yourself properly.
My tank has been up for just over a year from scratch.. I took things very slow and read all I could.. Didn't add a coral till about 4-5 month point.. Now I'm pretty much out of room.. I have only lost one acro colony due to shipping and nothing else. I am obsessed with keeping my corals thriving.. Too obsessed! Don't get me wrong, I still consider myself a complete newby to the hobby.
