How do you balance keeping a reef tank in tip-top shape and having a bust schedule?

[Gumbies R Us]

I know many of us on here have very busy schedules, from having to work all day to making sure we spend time with our families and unexpected life occurrences. However, where does managing a reef tank fall into all of this? I want to know how you are managing your reef tank while having a busy schedule.

 

[Dragen Fiend]

Limited time is why I pushed forth automations to help alleviate some of the chores. I usually dedicate 15 minutes a day inspecting and scraping glass. I tend to do it in the morning while I have time before work. My bigger maintenance times are during the weekend where its mainly free time for me. Give or take an hour of maintenance between 3 tanks.

 

[vlangel]

I know many of us on here have very busy schedules, from having to work all day to making sure we spend time with our families and unexpected life occurrences. However, where does managing a reef tank fall into all of this? I want to know how you are managing your reef tank while having a busy schedule.

When my mother in law, who lived with us had a stroke and needed total care from me, I found myself neglecting my tanks, (which at that time added up to almost 300 gallons total). Caring for someone in bed was overwhelming so I made the hard decision to rehome/sell my animals and tanks. My husband talked me into a smaller tank that was a 36 gallon AIO that required much less time in maintaining. I am glad that I did not wait til my animals began to suffer. So if there just isn't time that can be joyfully spent on the tank, there is no shame in downsizing or even admitting that this is not the right season of life to keep a tank.

 

[PotatoPig]

“Deferred maintenance”

That said, I recently had some types of Zoas really struggling and dying while others, and all LPS and SPS were doing fine with Cal/Alk dosing alone. Then I got a little more diligent about water changes (albeit 5%/week) and the struggling zoas bounced back. I guess some micro/trace nutrients were lacking that these specific zoas were particularly sensitive to.

 

[exnisstech]

Time has never really been an issue for me since my kids were grown when I got into the hobby and I never had to travel. If I did travel or have a super busy schedule I would probably not have gotten into the hobby. If I had a life change after I already had tanks running then I would have gone with as much automation as possible and keep my fingers crossed.

 

[shakacuz]

create a routine.

wake up, quick glance at tank and make sure everything is in order, feed tank
shower/brush teeth, breakfast, walk dog, feed dog, commute to work
work, commute home
walk dog, feed dog, make dinner, shower/brush teeth
feed tank, daily dosing/maintenance
enjoy tank before bed
bed

repeat


i found that once i had a daily schedule, doing maintenance on the tank became much easier. when going out or when planning vacation and such i usually keep travel short, or have a to-do list i give to those watching the tank/dog. it also helped that the tank itself was pretty much on auto pilot. nothing was out of order except nutrients being close to 0.0 often likely due to my clams and tuned in filtration.

 

[Reefer Matt]

Two things. One, I automate as much as possible. Two, I have no life outside of work and reefing. Lol!

 

[edsbeaker]

I’m retired, so have lots of time. I still automate everything I can, though, since I don’t enjoy doing the maintenance. I’m not sure how people that work and have kids manage to keep up with it all.