I agree with MnFish1. We keep aquariums because they give us joy, serenity, a sense of fulfillment or a multitude of other reasons. So if we eventually get what we are seeking from our aquariums, then it is a success. I say eventually because even seeming failures along the way can lead to success.
Here is an example; I have attempted to keep sps and acros in the past. For the most part I did not do well with them which led me to examine why. What I realized is I am an aquarist who prefers to operate by observation and intuitiveness. I like coral that move in the current. I love fish and inverts more than coral.
I am not inclined to disciplines like testing parameters. Now that I know that about myself I leave the sticks for others and I choose high nutrient loving coral that are more forgiving of parameters. Many of those coral wave with the flow. And I can enjoy more fish and inverts as they help me keep the nutrients high to supply my coral. I also incorporate macro algae because I like the lushness it brings to a tank and as long as I am feeding heavy, macros help keep nutrients in check. Finally a high nutrient tank that is in balance is relatively low maintenance and requires minimal equipment, (which is in keeping of my KISS philosophy). So learning about myself through my failure to be successful with sps and acros has led me to be successful with a high nutrient aquarium system, which is what I have now. I enjoy my display tank along with the basement fuge and sump that go with the system. Enjoying it is the measure of my success!
Here is an example; I have attempted to keep sps and acros in the past. For the most part I did not do well with them which led me to examine why. What I realized is I am an aquarist who prefers to operate by observation and intuitiveness. I like coral that move in the current. I love fish and inverts more than coral.
I am not inclined to disciplines like testing parameters. Now that I know that about myself I leave the sticks for others and I choose high nutrient loving coral that are more forgiving of parameters. Many of those coral wave with the flow. And I can enjoy more fish and inverts as they help me keep the nutrients high to supply my coral. I also incorporate macro algae because I like the lushness it brings to a tank and as long as I am feeding heavy, macros help keep nutrients in check. Finally a high nutrient tank that is in balance is relatively low maintenance and requires minimal equipment, (which is in keeping of my KISS philosophy). So learning about myself through my failure to be successful with sps and acros has led me to be successful with a high nutrient aquarium system, which is what I have now. I enjoy my display tank along with the basement fuge and sump that go with the system. Enjoying it is the measure of my success!