Is it typical to feel overwhelmed?

[WannaBSpaghetti]

I resisted the temptation to purchase a controller for many years. Never needed one before... I'm an automation developer, I don't want my hobby to start feeling like work, they're expensive... Picked up a reefkeeper lite, with the justification that it was probably less money than a heater controller, a couple decent light timers, and a good power strip. That unit failed on me, and with DA's total lack of customer support, I consider it a seriously bad purchase. However... it did have one major effect in my opinions. I will never own another aquarium without a controller. When the RKL failed, I bought an Apex Classic. At this point, the Apex is performing all kinds of monitor and control operations for me, allowing me much more time to ENJOY my hobby, rather than constantly having to WORK on my system.

I know, controllers are expensive... but honestly, $239 for an Apex Jr, $550 for the classic... I can think of MANY reefing items I've spent that much on that have done far less for me than my controller.

Would you recommend the step up apex over the classic? Or do you think for a standard hobbiest the classic is fine?

 

[purpguerilla]

Would you recommend the step up apex over the classic? Or do you think for a standard hobbiest the classic is fine?

This is the question us newbies need answered lol

 

[Greybeard]

Would you recommend the step up apex over the classic? Or do you think for a standard hobbiest the classic is fine?

There are 4 reasons to buy the 2016 Apex over the classic:
1) Amp measurement on each outlet of the new energy bar.
2) Wireless ethernet built in.
3) Required for the soon to be released Trident Alk/Calc/Mg controller.
4) It's simply newer, looks different.

Aside from those items, they're the same. Same programming software, same interface, same capabilities... plus the classic comes with a small HMI unit that allows me to walk by and see pH and Temp. Not sure why they dropped this with the 2016, but they did. None of those features are worth the $250 price increase on the 2016 Apex to me. They might well be worth it to others.

 

[Genomecop]

Jake Adams posted a recent video at a coral farmers and at the end asked the guy for that one piece of advice to give everyone watching. And he said 'enjoy yourself, it's a hobby...' I thought that was a great answer.

 

[davehead86]

I have a dehumidifier in my basement with my sump. It’s on the other end of the basement and I have not noticed any ill effects on the dehumidifier or the tank.

 

[ssky]

Depends how much control you need. Many people are just fine with the Apex Jr.

 

[lapin]

Would you recommend the step up apex over the classic? Or do you think for a standard hobbiest the classic is fine?

Both :))))) as Greybeard says. Either one works . I like my classic and prob will not upgrade until it dies.

 

[Captain Quint]

One day after a few builds it will all just be second nature to you.

I actually enjoy the build more than the final product at this point. But then again I'm weird like that and was once told that I change tanks like some change their socks. lol

 

[lapin]

I actually enjoy the build more than the final product at this point.

Ya thats the fun part. Actually building your own tank is fun too.

 

[WannaBSpaghetti]

I have a dehumidifier in my basement with my sump. It’s on the other end of the basement and I have not noticed any ill effects on the dehumidifier or the tank.

This was the question I had the least confidence someone would have a shared experience with, and yet you've answered it. Thank you. I love R2R.

There are 4 reasons to buy the 2016 Apex over the classic:
1) Amp measurement on each outlet of the new energy bar.
2) Wireless ethernet built in.
3) Required for the soon to be released Trident Alk/Calc/Mg controller.
4) It's simply newer, looks different.

Aside from those items, they're the same. Same programming software, same interface, same capabilities... plus the classic comes with a small HMI unit that allows me to walk by and see pH and Temp. Not sure why they dropped this with the 2016, but they did. None of those features are worth the $250 price increase on the 2016 Apex to me. They might well be worth it to others.

Thank you so much for the insight. I'm a pretty big Gadget guy, but yea - when you break it down like this I cant see a justification for the price difference - plus now it will fit in my budget!

 

[purpguerilla]

This was the question I had the least confidence someone would have a shared experience with, and yet you've answered it. Thank you. I love R2R.




Thank you so much for the insight. I'm a pretty big Gadget guy, but yea - when you break it down like this I cant see a justification for the price difference - plus now it will fit in my budget!

Even more so that the jr and classic apex are everywhere for sale right now

 

[WannaBSpaghetti]

Even more so that the jr and classic apex are everywhere for sale right now

Do you have an example of where I could find a classic on sale? BRS I think had the classic for a few bucks off but is there somewhere you know of where I could pick one up on the cheap? (other than craigslist)

 

[purpguerilla]

Do you have an example of where I could find a classic on sale? BRS I think had the classic for a few bucks off but is there somewhere you know of where I could pick one up on the cheap? (other than craigslist)

Yeah these forums are awesome for getting used equipment if you dont mind it being 2nd hand some are even new in box! Just check the selling forums for dry goods they are everywhere

 

[AMBER NICHOLS]

When feeling overwhelmed I like to set myself in a time out. I sit and make a list/spreadsheet of everything needing done. It feels overwhelming when you start but as you sit and write down everything it helps get a clearer picture. You then know everything you need to conquer. In the end it helps get it all out the anxiety and you can then look at each item individually instead of everything as a whole. Cross items off as you go. One thing at a time. [emoji847]

 

[Will Milberger]

If you spend all your time preparing for disaster, that's all you'll be doing. Get your tank, get some live rock and substrate, get a sump (or build one) and a skimmer. Let it cycle, put some fish and clean up crew in it. Get a test kit. Check it from time to time. Enjoy.
Everything else adds to this. It's like building a race car from there. How fast do you want it to go? What do you want it do do?(Analogy) But the basics are always there.

Oh yeah, get a mop.

 

[Scott Hawaii]

No need to rush into a hobby. Reasearch your questions so your comfortable and less overwhelmed. This is a fun hobby, not like having a baby or family problem. Think hobby equals fun, relaxation, challenges, and rewards.

 

[Mjrdude1]

Or, if your tank is sitting on carpet like mine, get a wet/dry shop vac lol

 

[Victoria M]

Hi Reeftank -
I'm relatively new to the forum and to reeftanks in general with only one 10g pico about 5 years ago under my belt and I'm wondering : Is it normal to feel completely overwhelmed/intimidated by the prospect of setting up a new tank?

I mean, I've had half a dozen freshwater tanks before and they never bothered me at all - I would just plop whatever size tank I wanted down, fill it with water, chuck in some conditioner, rev up the HOB filter and like 3 days later chuck a few fish in and viola! New fish tank! Fun!

If you've seen my build thread you might know what I'm talking about when I say that this time the approach I'm taking is far more detailed - but its riddling me with anxiety! I'm hooking up a RODI system to the water pipe that feeds my boiler - what if it limits the amount of water my boiler gets and causes massive problems? What if the float valve in the containers fail and flood my basement or upstairs with water? What if the floor is too uneven and the tank cracks? What if my cat jumps in the tank? I'm having a dedicated outlet installed for safety - but is there extra precautions I could take? Does all dry-rock need to be cured? QT tanks are neccessary but I dont have the space or setup for one right now - will this set me up for failure? The basement has a large dehumidifier in it - would this adversely impact the QT tank if I set it up down there?

There are just so many questions with Reef Tanks that I never had to ask with any of my freshwater. I'm not asking for answers to these questions tho - what I'm asking is this: Is this a normal amount of anxiety to feel in the late planning stages, how did you handle it, and what ended up being far less of a problem than you expected?

Thanks,
Maybe One Day Spaghetti

These thought show you are really thinking about all the important aspects of keeping a marine tank. Just keep breathing, just keep breathing, as in just keep swimming, just keep swimming.

 

[aquadog]

Of everything you posted I have had all of them happen except for the cracked tank from an uneven floor and I don't have a boiler.
I did have a 55 lose the bottom front seam catastrophically.
Get the mop.

Making RODI in the kitchen and the tube fell out of the trashcan while I was out mowing grass.
Get the mop.

Did you know cats can levitate if motivated enough? They can. A cat in a 55 gallon makes a very interesting sound. SplooshRRROUHOWWWWSPLat.
Get the mop.

You clean it up and go on. Time heals all wounds.
Get a mop. They are handy.

Love it!

 

[Gaines69]

My 20+ pound cat sitting inside my 47 gal column tank. He loved jumping in there and chasing his tail. lol Never got to set up this tank thanks to Harvey but I do have a 29 gal cube and he has never attempted to jump inside that one. Maybe he realizes it has water in it lol. I have been in this hobby for almost two years and I still feel overwhelmed. The members in this forum have been wonderful. Always willing to step up and help even if their advise is not what I want to hear. As frustrated as I am at times I have never wanted to give up I love my little tank and all the critters in it