Was it worth it in the end

[lastlight]

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]

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]

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.