I guess its time to move on

[Lavey29]

My tank is approaching 5 years and I love this beautiful hobby. Nothing more relaxing then sipping a good whiskey at night in front of my tank but recent events have made me make the difficult decision to shut down my tank.

My wifes mom passed away over Christmas and it has been very hard on her and the family. It really got me thinking how precious and short life really is. Im not a young guy and have 2 daughters. One in college and another in high school and there is so much more I want to experience with them before I'm to old and they are grown and on their own. I sold one of my properties to pay for their college but I also really want to take them and my wife on world travel so they can see different cultures and history. Im talking extended travels all over. Obviously this is difficult if you are worrying about your tank. I've had neighbors tank sit for a week or two here and there but I don’t want to burden them multiple times and I'm so OCD about the care of my animals most have been with me close to 5 years too.

Also, few years back I got a 4runner and really started to enjoy overlanding day trips in California but I really want to expand on this hobby also and see many different parts of our country that I've only read about. I'm retired so loading up for a multi week trip around our beautiful country just sounds so relaxing to me.

Essentially, I feel if I dont get going on some of these family life plans then they may never happen but I'm so concerned about the tank break down. I wish I could just give everything as is to a young reefer with a family to enjoy in their home like I've enjoyed it here in mine. The care and well being of my aquatic friends is so important to me.

I have really enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship with many of you here. We all have the same love of the hobby.

 

[TX_REEF]

Sorry to hear you're looking to get out of the hobby, but I'm happy for you for deciding what matters most to you and committing to it! Hope you'll still check in once in a while.

Where are you located so we can try to find a caring new home for your gem?

 

[Cthulukelele]

Beautiful tank and always see your kind thoughtful posts around the forum. Your care was noticed, and you'll be missed, but enjoy spending time with your family experiencing the great outdoors :) life is about more than just our hobbies sometimes.

 

[bushdoc]

Thanks for sharing your personal life, I think We are similar age and I am living in California.I found common life activities with my wife, like hiking, xc sking,bike riding and for that you don’t need extended long trips. I found that you can do two weeks away trips from your tank with careful planning and safety and precautions .
However there are priorities in life and having reef tank is less important than happy wife and life.

 

[Lavey29]

Sorry to hear you're looking to get out of the hobby, but I'm happy for you for deciding what matters most to you and committing to it! Hope you'll still check in once in a while.

Where are you located so we can try to find a caring new home for your gem?

Thanks, I'm in so cal. My local LFS would do the breakdown for me and they have the resources to manage it safely but if they could just move everything to a nice new home that would be the ideal situation rather then piecing everything out.

 

[Fish Fan]

Good luck going forward! I hope you'll check in from time to time

 

[Lavey29]

Beautiful tank and always see your kind thoughtful posts around the forum. Your care was noticed, and you'll be missed, but enjoy spending time with your family experiencing the great outdoors :) life is about more than just our hobbies sometimes.

Thank you

 

[D.WhiteShark]

Man, sorry to hear of all the life changes but also good for you for getting out and living! I'm sure a young reefer would be more than happy to take on such a good looking established tank.

Wishing you the absolute best in all your future endeavors!

 

[Lavey29]

Man, sorry to hear of all the life changes but also good for you for getting out and living! I'm sure a young reefer would be more than happy to take on an established tank.

Wishing you the absolute best in all your future endeavors!

Thank you

 

[Sam7]

It sounds like fun and adventures await you.....good for you. Enjoy yourself and your family

 

[X-37B]

Sounds like an excellent plan.
You can always get another system. You can never get back time not spent with your daughters and it will give them awesome lifetime memories.
Good luck on the adventure!

 

[BryanM]

Gotta take care of you and family first. After travels and things provide more time you could always start a new tank when it doesn't interfere in real life.

 

[Lavey29]

Sounds like an excellent plan.
You can always get another system. You can never get back time not spent with your daughters and it will give them awesome lifetime memories.
Good luck on the adventure!

Thank you

 

[Lavey29]

Gotta take care of you and family first. After travels and things provide more time you could always start a new tank when it doesn't interfere in real life.

Thanks

 

[kevgib67]

Sounds like the right decision for you at this time. R2R is going to miss the pictures of your beautiful tank and your kindness and advice to the new reefers. I have a feeling we will see you again 10-15 years down the road!

 

[Lavey29]

Sounds like the right decision for you at this time. R2R is going to miss the pictures of your beautiful tank and your kindness and advice to the new reefers. I have a feeling we will see you again 10-15 years down the road!

Thank you

 

[Sophie"s mom]

Aww, so sorry to hear you are leaving. I have seen and spoken with you on several occasions. I do get it though, getting priorities in line is important. I will probably follow this path in the next few years as I will be retiring. I wish you luck in whatever you do going forward. I hope you are able to find a good home for your tank, the love you have put in it shows, and deserves to be maintained if possible.

 

[fishface NJ]

Try to enjoy life. It passes by so quickly.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Maybe a donation in whole to some deserving family? Not sure how to vet candidates best, but maybe the LFS or local club can help find the right people. Safe travels and enjoy!

 

[Lavey29]

Aww, so sorry to hear you are leaving. I have seen and spoken with you on several occasions. I do get it though, getting priorities in line is important. I will probably follow this path in the next few years as I will be retiring. I wish you luck in whatever you do going forward. I hope you are able to find a good home for your tank, the love you have put in it shows, and deserves to be maintained if possible.

Thank you