Nightmares in the hobby

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Entering and existing in the hobby, we encounter many fears such as loss of a prized specimen, tank leaks, a certain pest or equipment failure.

What is yours?

Two issues come to mind:

In 1986, while working at the Shedd Aquarium, I was doing a water change on a quarantine tank. It had a valve on the bottom for changing the water. I left for lunch with a group of co-workers, and at around 1:10, my curator called me to the tank - I had left the bottom valve open and forgot to close it and refill it. All of the fish (minnows) were dead on the now dry tank bottom. He promoted me anyway (grin).

Fast forward to 1995: I had bought some fairly rare Brycinus tetras. I quarantined them, and grew them up behind the scenes. I decided they were large enough to go on display and so I had one of my staff add them to the display, while the rest of us watched from the public hall. The Brycinus were released, and they swam left and then right, and then were immediately eaten by some Arapaima. My staff would still remind me of that event decades later!

 

[PapaFishRocks]

*-*slaps tank*-* "that ain't going nowhere":

Nice subtle way to say, “Hey, I also have a HUGE 4K TV.” ;)

 

[Fish Styx]

Nice subtle way to say, “Hey, I also have a HUGE 4K TV.” ;)

lol. No, not at all. The warranty states that we have to keep the original box if we need to send it back. So, it lives in the basement in that utility room. That's also an old pic.

 

[Badblackdog]

I know it's not common but...Palytoxins..

I just bought a beautiful green palythoa gigantica for my RS Reefer 300XL. Danger is my middle name. ( I am replacing the tank very soon)

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I just bought a beautiful green palythoa gigantica for my RS Reefer 300XL. Danger is my middle name. ( I am replacing the tank very soon)

What tank are you going to be getting?

 

[Badblackdog]

What tank are you going to be getting?

I was brand loyal to RedSea. I still like their accessories but I fear their tanks. I am going with my local LFS for my new setup. They build furniture quality stands and will order and drill the tank. I am hoping to go with a 180 gallon. I want room for tangs.

Every time I tell my wife the danger of the Red Sea tank failing she blows it off saying I just want a bigger tank.

 

[snorklr]

Do you have a plan on getting rid of them?

nope...got any suggestions?

 

[Shawnd08]

This seam is my current fear.