Time in..

[Reef Pilot]

I think if you can get past 2 years, you will be in the hobby for a while. Lots of people have big ideas at the beginning, and then get frustrated and lose patience when they run into problems. And they don't like the mundane tasks like cleaning and changing water...

Then there are those that have climbed every mountain, and just got bored. Those are the 5+ years people. Don't know what the solution to that is.

But the true long timers, I think, just go slow, minimize/automate their maintenance, and don't set any big goals. They just enjoy the beauty and serenity that the reef tank adds to their home.

I am still in between. I still have some mountains to climb, and some goals. But some day hope to reach the serenity plateau.

[mike31154]

This week will be the 7th anniversary of my system. I recall my daughter & I driving to Richmond to pick up the used rig. Borrowed my Mom & Dad's station wagon 'cause there's no way a 77 emptied of LR with all the assorted parts were going to fit into the Saturn I owned at the time! A hectic day or two, drive to OK Falls to pick up station wagon, on to the coast & back to Vernon over snow covered highway passes same day, then bring station wagon back to OK Falls...

I was always fascinated by aquariums but never owned a tank until I found out about salt water a few years before jumping in. Once I knew I'll never move again, it was an easy choice. My previous career had me moving every 4 years, so tear down/setup every few years would have been too much of a hassle.