Money crunch hobby depression

[Chris Adams]

You ever feel stuck, can't afford to upgrade and not willing to settle?
For months I have not been able to really add anything to my tank as far as corals or equipment. Extra money just not there.

I have almost been in a depression about my tank and considering selling things off and shutting things down.

With the kids getting older and cars needing more work recently I feel I am being forced out and hate to think about selling things off.

Signed not such a happy reefer lately

 

[Mike_J]

It can be an expensive hobby, for sure. I think most of us have been at that point of no return, thinking you've reached the end of the line. I'm not sure what size tank you have, but maybe a downsize is an option. Perhaps just maintaining what you have now can suffice until some extra money comes along. For all the frustrations and disappointments, sometimes just looking at my tank and being able to simply enjoy the life within the reef I've created just brings me so much joy, even when everything else in life seems so hectic. Things are bound to look up sooner or later. If you decide getting out is the right thing for you, you can always dive back in when the time is right! Be well, fellow reefer. Hang in there!

 

[Pruett-nc]

Try making some frags and sell or trade other corals . Don't let not being able to add anything discourage you in having a tank just change things up. Always nice if you can swap with other reefers or sell some frags for upgrades or other frags . Makes having a reef pay for itself. Hang in there you can figure out a way if you already have a successful tank .

 

[Chris Adams]

Well the main tank is only a 38IM and room is at a minimum. 2 years running SPS domiated/mixed reef
Have tried going the frag route but again limited space so can only frag so much at a time. With that being said the market is pretty tough down here I have found. Everyone wants that 2" frag of joe for 15 or 1+ inch frag hawkins for $20.00. If I was mass producing sure I can see reducing prices.

Problem with trading is I have no more room.

I have considered shipping but without high end Acros like RR, Cherry, JF and the cost for me to ship it is just not economical

 

[thirdchild]

If you're truly tired of what you have, you can choose to sell colonies you've got and just keep a large frag. I have gone that route sometimes to make room for new additions and get a bit of cash to cover the addition.

Also I think, part of the fun is sharing the hobby. So even if you can't make a ton from small frags, you can help some beginners start off well. That can also be rewarding in a different way.

 

[Chris Adams]

I will be doing just that @thirdchild. Start with the stuff I no longer want I guess
Just put my Neon Green Birdsnest Colony up locally. I had him tucked in corner last few weeks. Kept knocking it off Rock work so figured what the heck.
Put it up for $35 locally so see what happens. Not a large colony but I think it is worth 35 no?

 

[thirdchild]

You're giving some dude out there a deal and that colony is going to be someone else's centerpiece!

I think this is a little like Facebook though. We don't see a post about when people aren't upgrading the light or not getting that new frag, only the times when they do.

 

[Cleo642]

Income tax time is good time for extra money to come in.

 

[steve&mari]

As said there's ways to keep going on a budget great ideas tossed out already. Word of advice please don't let depression over take you n the tank. I've been in this position and trying to fight out of it. The tank going south from funds n depression only will add to the depressed feeling whenever you look at it. Tons of great people here to talk with and have support from. Please don't give up. Bless you my friend and those around you.

 

[Chris Adams]

They do pop that is for sure.
Wife asked me what I would do with my time. Shoot I have no idea!
Guess I will just have to see where things end up.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

I like the idea of fragging and selling the remaining colony suggested by @thirdchild . You can then start over with a new arrangement, redo some rock work, and get that "new tank" feel back in your life as you watch the frags grow back to colonies. Keep on pushing, it'll come around. Best wishes and happy Reefing!!

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

And if you were closer I'd snag that nest in a heartbeat. Beautiful piece. That'll make someone's day. Way to spread the love.

 

[Chris Adams]

Income tax time is good time for extra money to come in.

There was a time when that was my fun money but I see less and less each year unfortunately.

Appreciate the responses. Sometimes just nice to have some opinions and thought to help make a decision.

 

[Tahoe61]

I am in the same boat Chris, broken skimmer, broken ATO, need supplemental lighting, almost out of kalkwasser, one new coral in 6 months.
I will make it happen but I am on a fairly long streak, I always come out a head if I just hang in there.

I have a ton of Rasta and SunnyD, I just need to have the time to start fragging. It's not all about the money it's about the time too.

Hang in there.:D

 

[jsker]

Lotto :D
I feel ya, I have had a slow year so far, but it always turns around when I stay positive.

 

[aaron23]

Hey Chris, my suggestion is to not make a decision just yet. This hobby originally brought you so much joy it's why we got into it. Wait till this feeling settles down before you make a decision you might end up regretting whatever you choose if you don't :)