Reflection of the past yr

[scherzo]

We've all been there.

The great thing is that you've learned so much and should be able to setup the new tank with so much more experience!

The thing I learned about my current setup (which is my 3rd salt setup) is that going really slow helped this time. I also came up with a system that allowed for quick water changes with no lifting of buckets to drain or fill the tank. Maintenance is minimal and when there is some maintenance, everything is setup the way I like it and so that it doesn't take hours... Just minutes to do a task.

Good luck... And yes ... We are all a little crazy.

[daplatapus]

One of the smartest things I've done is stop keeping track of how much I've spent on this hobby
If I can afford to buy a particular piece of equipment I need, then I buy it. If I can't, I don't. But NEVER keep track, LOL. Especially on paper or a file somewhere where your wife or significant other can find it and see what you've spent.

[Coralgurl]

Here's an honest answer for you. I wish I hadn't gone bigger. I have found my interest has waned, I don't deal well with loss, especially since setting up and losing my most expensive corals that thrived in my smaller tank. Costs are not the issue for maintenance, but I just found maintaining the smaller system was easier, took less money to fill with corals. I've thought about getting out but as I bought almost all of my equipment new, I'm gonna get my money's worth and keep it going. I've thought of going to a fowler or downsizing but the tank was a gift from my family and means a lot! Whatever size you go to, make sure its not going to overwhelm, become a chore to look after and fits your lifestyle.