I'm close

[Delphinus]

I'm not sure what to say. To be honest I feel your pain so I'm the worst person to give a pep talk. I plod on some days because it's easier than taking a stand. 9 years in the hobby for me now too. Moving my tanks when I moved was the worst thing I could ever have done because I took one of the nicest tanks I ever saw and made it one of the worst tanks I ever saw. Three years later I still don't have the problems licked. I don't know what to fix when I don't know what the problem is. It's like a tank gets to an age and it just can't sustain itself anymore. At least some things do OK but I miss my tank when it looked like this:


It hasn't looked like that in a long time.

I try to remember to focus on the things that are working, but it's hard not to notice the things that aren't. At least there are things that do make it worthwhile still, otherwise the towel would have been thrown in already.

Hang in there for now. Things always seem the worst before they start to get better. If you need help, ask. We're in this together.

[Ken]

Hi Deb, so sorry to hear news like that. I've been in the hobby for over 30 years, my life revolves around aquariums, whether it is mine or my maintenance client's tanks or even friends tank. It is part of my life, every days bring challenges and new things to learn and discovered. Everyone on this board brings excitement and joy as they share their aquariums with us. The good and the bad, we are always constantly battling it. We have support from everyone here. You have invested in 8 years of a great hobby that I can't imagine myself in giving up on. I read many of your posts and I can feel the passion you have in your aquarium and the sucess you have in keeping your fishes. Can you not find a maintenance company to help you when it gets overwhelmed? Many of my clients love their aquarium but leave the maintenance to us. What about downsizing to perhaps a small tank? I wish I was closer to you, so I could help you out, or perhaps someone close to you, like another member that is willing to help you out once in a while. Sometimes the simple system designs are the easier to look after. Your passion of 8 years in this hobby is most respected by me. Here wishing luck in whatever decision you have. Regards Ken

[woodcarver]

Hey EmilyB , I see from the previous post, you are Deb. I have not posted much but have been logging on for quite a while now and getting info for my eventual return to S.W.
I have regarded you as a regular contributor and have greatly appreciated your input , generously shared knowledge and experiences.
Your predicament is understandable and very stressful. I just hope you can hang in there and bring things around.
Good luck .........................Dave