Getting tired... Considering shut down

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by kien

It sounds to me like you could use some Vodka dosing. Or increase your dosing rate if you are already dosing. Perhaps try other sources as well. Just be careful of which ones you mix together.

Yes. Today I can use some vodka.

[FragIt Dan]

+1 on The Grizz's comments. I too have multiple tanks, dog, two rental houses, travel for work, have a two year old and one due in July. My tanks provide me a great deal of therapy, and are cheaper than the going rate for a shrink. They were/are also very calming for my son when he was born and I expect will be so for baby #2 shortly. I have had times where it is too much, and the tanks have suffered, but I always manage to find some time eventually and bring them back up. I had much the same decision to make recently and opted to go ATO and dosing pumps on my three tanks to free a bit of time up for me. Hopefully you will find a way to keep the tanks, but either way, you will have a great family and can always come back to the tanks later. Best of luck with your decision,
Dan

[christyf5]

You can do it, it really doesn't take all that much time to keep your tank running. I always say, reefing can take as much time as you want to put into it. I used to spend a considerable amount of time puttering with the tank but with the addition of a new baby (now 14 months) tank time has taken a dive in the ratings but I manage to get everyone fed and water changes done on the weekends. A lot of tank maintenance can get done after 7pm when the kid goes to bed, although I hate doing it that late as stupidity usually ensues (late night water alarms, skimmers overflowing or the worst: I adjust the rockwork).

[Dez]

Either way, it's up to you. I took a 5 year break and it was great. I waited until my kids were 3 and 4 before starting up again. I just made sure I set up my new tank to be as maintenance free and easy as possible. Now I really don't do much to the aquarium except for glass every 3 days and a water change once a week (7 mins). Ultimately, the decision is yours as you know your situation best.

[kien]

Originally Posted by christyf5

I always say, reefing can take as much time as you want to put into it.

My sentiments exactly. I'm a lazy reefer so I don't want to spend too much time on my tank. However, at the same time I don't want my tank to look like @$$. So..

Originally Posted by Dez

I set up my new tank to be as maintenance free and easy as possible.

.. after a 2 year break from the hobby this is what I did as well. In my first stab at the hobby years back my tank was all sorts of pain and suffering with all sorts of maintenance. After some time off I got back in to it but this time I decided that although it will be expensive, more expensive than any previous tanks that i've had, it will be well worth the monetary investment to throw equipment at the tank to help reduce maintenance time on the tank. Think opportunity costs! Controllers, dosers, monitors, etc, all well worth it to me.

Some people manually top off their water and manually dose a few chems here and there and say they have a simple and low maintenance system. Some people would consider that very complex and high maintenance system. In the end it is all relative.

[christyf5]

Originally Posted by kien

My sentiments exactly. I'm a lazy reefer so I don't want to spend too much time on my tank. However, at the same time I don't want my tank to look like @$$. So..

I just don't ever invite anyone over and post only macro shots of the tank and FTS from really far away

[kien]

Originally Posted by christyf5

I just don't ever invite anyone over and post only macro shots of the tank and FTS from really far away

This is a good reefing strategy that I subscribe to as well. There are usually at least two or three polyps on every SPS colony that look fabulous! The rest of the colony is another story

when I invite people over they can only view the tank from the front yard.



I just pray to Baby Jesus that the visitor doesn't have a telephoto lens.

[lastlight]

well that looks familiar!

[Skimmerking]

Originally Posted by kien

This is a good reefing strategy that I subscribe to as well. There are usually at least two or three polyps on every SPS colony that look fabulous! The rest of the colony is another story

when I invite people over they can only view the tank from the front yard.



I just pray to Baby Jesus that the visitor doesn't have a telephoto lens.

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