Reef Exhaustion?

[Elira_6301]

Do you ever get reef exhaustion? The attitude- If it can go wrong, it will go wrong. How do you get motivated again?

Between the algae build up, dead fish, coral death, testing, pests etc...how the heck do you stay motivated?

Of course I do have 4 salt tanks. But its exhausting. Sometimes I want to throw them all out.

Who gets tired and what keeps you going?

 

[Elira_6301]

On a side note- dad's in labor and baby comes in for the steal!

 

[Fish Fan]

I think this is quite common. I think tank neglect - for whatever reason - is common, I for one am guilty of it.

One of the things that keeps me motivated is this forum, honestly. Seeing what others are doing, and just keeping "in tune" with the hobby, even when I'm not on my best tank maintenance, helps me.

 

[rtparty]

Having more than one tank does it for most IMO. Every time I have tried two tanks, I get super burnt out

 

[Elira_6301]

I have 4 salts and 2 fresh. But never have to do maintenence on the fresh. Salt keeps me so busy.

 

[nezw0001]

I go through streaks when i'm super on top of everything for a while, then let things slide for a while. It would really be best if I just kept in steady all the time but i don't

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

Fewer tanks
Easier fish and coral
Less tech

Gotta make it so you don’t need to think about it all the time.

 

[Elira_6301]

I go through streaks when i'm super on top of everything for a while, then let things slide for a while. It would really be best if I just kept in steady all the time but i don't

Im always on top of it. I guess thats why I get so tired. I probably spend about 3-6hrs a days tending to tanks, making live foods, checking on everything. But I hate to see algae or any spots on the tank. Im cleaning glass daily!! Sigh...Its worth it. I just want a day off.

 

[jguerin88]

Having more than one tank does it for most IMO. Every time I have tried two tanks, I get super burnt out

yup same

 

[Elira_6301]

Fewer tanks
Easier fish and coral
Less tech

Gotta make it so you don’t need to think about it all the time.

Maybe Ill take a day and let stuff slide. I just never do.

 

[Goaway]

I only did 1 water change on my reef in the last year. I used flatworm exit to nuke my infestation
The worst of my maintenance is cleaning skimmer (it stinks), making fish food (stinks too), topping off water (im getting lazy).

Fewer tanks
Easier fish and coral
Less tech

Gotta make it so you don’t need to think about it all the time.

Strongly agree.

Maybe Ill take a day and let stuff slide. I just never do.

Glass can rest for a bit. I've been there until 7months into a complicated pregnancy. It was a nightmare that turned into a blessing.

 

[Elira_6301]

I only did 1 water change on my reef in the last year. I used flatworm exit to nuke my infestation
The worst of my maintenance is cleaning skimmer (it stinks), making fish food (stinks too), topping off water (im getting lazy).


Strongly agree.


Glass can rest for a bit. I've been there until 7months into a complicated pregnancy. It was a nightmare that turned into a blessing.

I did away with my HOB skimmer. I bought a trigger fish a week ago and Im thinking Ill have to upgrade to a 180g. God I hope having a sump makes it easier. And less maintenence.

You're brave not cleaning glass for a year. Did u have algae like crazy on the glass?

Oh I forgot, I have my sterilizer off because my trigger brought some ich with him. That makes algae a major pain right now.

 

[Goaway]

Oh i stopped scrapping glass for 5 months. My son took over because he couldnt see the fish any more. And dinos began to show themselves. This was 2 years ago.

I don't do water changes unless I'm using something that needs removed.

And mostly coraline algae grows on my glass.

Also, I've ran non drilled tanks. They really can require more work than tanks with sumps. There is so much to factor in.

 

[Elira_6301]

Can I get a tank recommendation for 180 gals? Is AIO better?

 

[Goaway]

I dont know if there are any 180g aio. Depending on placement. Reaching back chambers might be a real hassle.

Sumps are awesome. If you have a rwally good plumber or plumber skills, thise can be setup in another room connected to the display.

Since I have neither.... my sumps below the tank and its so nice to hide all that bulky ugly equipment.

 

[littlefoxx]

I went down to one tank thar helped a lot

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

i’m one year in and still as excited as day 1. However, that may change if i can’t get this hair algae under control

 

[Elira_6301]

I went down to one tank thar helped a lot

I could possible consolidate 1, but that might overcrowd my tank..

 

[Elira_6301]

i’m one year in and still as excited as day 1. However, that may change if i can’t get this hair algae under control

That is a bugger isnt it!!

 

[Matt L]

Do you ever get reef exhaustion? The attitude- If it can go wrong, it will go wrong. How do you get motivated again?

Between the algae build up, dead fish, coral death, testing, pests etc...how the heck do you stay motivated?

Of course I do have 4 salt tanks. But its exhausting. Sometimes I want to throw them all out.

Who gets tired and what keeps you going?

Yes.