Was it worth it in the end

[my2rotties]

I have been hanging in there thinking this exact same thing. I never turned the halides on today, since I don't really need them. They look much prettier though...

Originally Posted by mark

haven't shutdown a tank, but the on-going costs compared to the initial setup cost, that I wouldn't realistically be able to recover, would seem like I would just be throwing money away if to close up. Then imagine if decided to start up again later..., I couldn't see starting again after the first lesson.

Would think though if the make/break point is the cost of running a tank, I'd be wondering how I extended myself so much and be looking over a lot of lifestyle choices. Either way, the economy will turn around.

[Skimmerking]

Originally Posted by my2rotties

It is heart breaking to even consider this,

was it worth it all in the end?

The money was already spent on my tank,

it runs itself now after 13 months.

and I only have my prized fish left.

All I pay for now is salt and food, and it is not that much anymore.

Everything is healthy and I adore my fish.

I know I don't need to be running my halides so much anymore,

I am trying to justify keeping my tank since it was a lot of hard work and

I am very attached to my livestock.

Did you regret shutting it down?

I don't want to regret this after all my husband and I have been through

with setting the system up.

or will I kick myself in the a$$

you know your answers here Diana and frank you have already have it in your mind

[Delphinus]

Come close to tossing in the towel a few times. I think there comes a time when you'll know if it's time. Personally I would miss it. I know I spend *way* too much on my tanks, it would probably save me loads if I did sell all, but I'd miss it.

One thing to take into account also is how much you'll lose if you sell the equipment. Used to be you were lucky to get pennies on the dollar, think it's a little better nowadays but not sure.

It's a hard decision. I don't know what to suggest to help decide, other than you usually know when it's the right time.

Sorry and good luck.

[my2rotties]

Thanks Tony... I do love my fish... they are my little pets and they swim into my hands and we interact so well together. I would hate to give them up, but I would alspo hate to lose them if I could not afford to maintain their tank, if you know what I mean.

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Come close to tossing in the towel a few times. I think there comes a time when you'll know if it's time. Personally I would miss it. I know I spend *way* too much on my tanks, it would probably save me loads if I did sell all, but I'd miss it.

One thing to take into account also is how much you'll lose if you sell the equipment. Used to be you were lucky to get pennies on the dollar, think it's a little better nowadays but not sure.

It's a hard decision. I don't know what to suggest to help decide, other than you usually know when it's the right time.

Sorry and good luck.

[Delphinus]

It's hard but I think you need to find a way to keep it, you will find it way too hard to deal with without it in your life. Give it up on your own terms.

I know if I were to sell everything, I'd be done forever. That's one reason I keep plodding along .. if I'm not 100% certain I'm ready to call it "forever" then I might as well keep what I've spent money on for the time being.

[lastlight]

This isn't forever though. The economy will recover and so will all of us =) You're thinking of taking a break not getting out for good right?

If you enjoy the build as much as I do and you make improvements with each one...you might be able to see this in a positive light.

[my2rotties]

It would be for good, or so I think. I notice most people I have bought stuff from have shut down and restarted numerous times... we could afford the build last year, but I have no clue when we can afford this again in the future. I am very lucky with my fish, and doubt I would be so lucky with the fish I keep and their survival rates.

Guess I will keep things going, I just wanted to know if people regretted shutting down. I am gutting even thinking about it, but if it saved money which made a big difference, then it would be a slam dunk on what should be done..

Thanks for the advise!

Originally Posted by lastlight

This isn't forever though. The economy will recover and so will all of us =) You're thinking of taking a break not getting out for good right?

If you enjoy the build as much as I do and you make improvements with each one...you might be able to see this in a positive light.