What is the most stressful part of keeping a reef that's supposed to reduce stress?!?

[revhtree]

They say that viewing an aquarium reduces stress but I'm not so sure about that when it comes to us reefers!

Would you say that keeping a saltwater reef aquarium actually induces more stress?

What is THE MOST stressful part of maintaining a reef aquarium?

 

[Gonzo74]

This article explains it best for me:

Reefing Saved My Life!

How reefing has helped me and can help others redirect negative thoughts related to trauma and possible help prevent suicide and self harm.

www.reef2reef.com

 

[KrisReef]

It's those "Parameters!" It they would monitor and self manage everything would be groovy!

 

[BayouReefer]

For me the most stressful thing is having all the expensive live stock in your tank and That at any time they could start dying. You may not even know why or even if you do know why you may not be able to stop it. I have not been there yet but the thought of having to go through that is terrifying

 

[Whasmack]

Depends on the status of the tank!
Things are going well; then kick back & enjoy!
Things aren't going well & you have to spend hours / days troubleshooting / googling... very stressful.

 

[Billldg]

EVERYTHING!!! LOL!!!

It’s seems that every time my stress is reduced by something in the tank it is shortly followed by something that adds stress, lol!

 

[vetteguy53081]

First of all..... I am liking these daily polls and im sure others can agree.

The only stress i endure is checking the tank throughout the day and hope Not to find something distressed or dead. Otherwise an admiration and stress reducer.

 

[Westside Guy]

Looking at a beautiful tank definitely reduces stress.

Having to endure and combat an invasion of baby trouchus snails (over 1,000) and then adding insult to injury dealing with an invasion of flatworms adds to my stress level! :mad:

 

[UpNorthTom]

Once you learn patience, it's much less stressful.

 

[Bpb]

Everybody is different, but at this point the reef hobby only adds stress to me. I feel like there’s too much inertia to just jump off now though. I stay for fear of how difficult restarting would be if I regretted quitting.

 

[Hallowhead]

When the tank is going well - all is well! When I discover a new invasive critter or algae some stress is definitely associated. The startup of the tank was the most fun, however stressful. Navigating through the ups & downs and finding the happy balance that my tanks are at now was stressful.. However, at the current time I am loving my tanks and sitting watching them and just the sound of the water while I am browsing R2R or my local club is super relaxing & zen.

 

[Hallowhead]

Everybody is different, but at this point the reef hobby only adds stress to me. I feel like there’s too much inertia to just jump off now though. I stay for fear of how difficult restarting would be if I regretted quitting.

Why do you have so much stress? What's not going right?

 

[Hallowhead]

For me the most stressful thing is having all the expensive live stock in your tank and That at any time they could start dying. You may not even know why or even if you do know why you may not be able to stop it. I have not been there yet but the thought of having to go through that is terrifying

Just like how a 2000 dollar tv or computer could just fry itself or an AC or furnace. You can apply that to anything in life. Whether it be a life essential or a luxury. Enjoy everything in life while you have it.. because unfortunately, you might not always have it.

 

[Peace River]

Losing fish and livestock adds stress to my life, but also propels me to learn more and be better prepared next time.

 

[SunFish6]

They say that viewing an aquarium reduces stress but I'm not so sure about that when it comes to us reefers!

Would you say that keeping a saltwater reef aquarium actually induces more stress?

What is THE MOST stressful part of maintaining a reef aquarium?

HaHa, same. I've learned to accept coral death...that helps.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

Most Stressful:
-Keeping creatures alive, especially new acquisitions
-Disease outbreak - in fish or coral (had a recent Brown Jelly outbreak take out two torch colonies)
-Wallet diet

Stress Reducing:
-Watching the tank(s)
-Interacting with fish/coral via feeding/handfeeding

 

[Hogdaddy]

Stress...being away from my mixed reef desk tank on weekends with no access to the building I work in.
Relaxing as I get to look at it all day at work. My FOWLR tank at home has been neglected..so a little stressed as I am not sure where I want to go with it.

 

[Silent]

Going on vacation gives me stress. Worrying about getting the tank ready for me to leave. Worrying about the tank while I am gone. Worrying about what I'm going to find when I open the door when I get home from vacation.

I should start doing staycations lol.

 

[JDnKY]

“Viewing” a reef aquarium can definitely be relaxing, owning, maintaining and financing... not exactly the same relaxing experience all the time but it is very satisfying in other ways when things are going well and livestock it thriving.

 

[Reef_Hobbyist]

Great question....

You can get a tax credit for having a tank in the waiting room of your business (e.g., doctor/dentist office)... apparently its been proven to reduces stress.

I definitely feel a sense of calm when I stare at my tank.

However, when it comes to "keeping" a reef tank as the question was worded, I feel like my tank is more stable than I am. I constantly worry about something going wrong. If I hear a noise in the house, I run for the tank to make sure everything is OK. When I am away on vacation, I worry even more.

My system has me on pins and needles for no good reason other than my own fear. Its such a big investment of my time, my money and my pride that I feel stress over the thought of something bad happening.

I need to learn to trust mother nature more in keeping things balanced since it is such a complex ecosystem and I don't fully understand how it all works.