Was it worth it in the end

Delphinus · #1 01-12-2010, 04:11 AM

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 · #2 01-12-2010, 04:22 AM

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.

Quote:

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 · #3 01-12-2010, 04:27 AM

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 · #4 01-12-2010, 04:37 AM

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 · #5 01-12-2010, 04:47 AM

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!

Quote:

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.

lastlight · #6 01-12-2010, 05:17 AM

I look at it this way. I left the big tank hobby for good I'd say. I think it's totally possible to not quit if you find what's sustainable. For me it's smaller tanks it seems.

Glad you're hangin in there

kien · #7 01-12-2010, 06:34 AM

I have had my fair share of shut downs and restarts and regretted each and every shut down. Each new start up was an evolution and kind of fun but ya, it is expensive, which is why my main 150g tank is probably it for me. Even if I had to move this tank is coming with me. I would miss it terribly but also would not want to invest the kind of money that I've already put into this tank to do it again. The "forever" part for me is I plan on being in this hobby forever, through thick and thin. I think I've gone through all the trials and tribulations.. tank shut downs, moves, crashes, algae, ich, fish deaths, corals, heater meltdowns, etc.. etc.. Those things used to bother me but eventually I learned that they were part of the experience. No one wants any of the bad stuff to happen but they are good learning experiences in the end. Another thing I've learned is that you make this hobby what you want of it. If you're happy just watching your fish that's great. You don't need to spend a zillion dollars on fancy schmancy equipment just to watch a couple of clown fish and a tang swim around (been there done that too!

).

burgerchow · #8 01-12-2010, 06:35 AM

Keep your tank unless it means the difference between putting food on the table or losing your house. Your fish only tank costs you next to nothing to run. You could just use your t5's for lighting. The only costs you've got is electricity and food. Maybe $50-70 bucks a month? Don't sell your tank cause you'll only get pennies on the dollar. Large tanks especially are hard to recover $$s spent. There's a guy in Richmond trying to sell a 270 8 ft acryclic with custom oak stand, lights and filters for only $1,100 and he's having a hard time selling it. Don't sell it. You'll only regret it later down the road.