Is this normal?

[BSJF]

I love my tank, it is happy, it is perfect (shh, don't let it hear me say that).

But, every time I see a thread that says "selling everything, need a break" a part of me says that.

I really don't think I want a break, do I? I suppose it is mostly a money thing. I feel guilty for every dime I put into this hobby. But, this is the ONLY hobby I have right now, so should I?

Maybe it is just wondering what it would be like without a tank, quiet, simple, nothing to do...wouldn't that be boring? And if I did that, would I just replace the hobby with another one that would also cost $?

It's not like I am out of a job or anything, my bills are paid. Maybe it is just thinking about getting to retirement some day. More for a 401k vs in the tank stuff?

Sigh,

Think I will go sit in front of the tank an enjoy it now. Love that!

[Europhyllia]

I only felt like tearing things down when a big problem occurs not when things are happy.
I know what you mean though about the money. I also have horses so I got a double whammy on expensive hobbies and sometimes I wonder what it would be like if we didn't spend so much on our critters. Just for the horses alone we'd have several hundred bucks a month more.
But then what would we do with the money and our free time? Maybe we'd spend it on something boring like a new car with a bigger payment. No desire to that...

[BSJF]

I block my thoughts when I realize how wonderful the tank is. It would be stupid to tear down a perfect tank (to me anyway). Someday the tank will need to come down when we move again. I already dream of what the new tank will be when we move. Maybe a 4X4 with a bar counter next to it!

I'm so silly! I still have my 65 tank setup in Utah! My daughter tends to it, but I support the cause.

[Europhyllia]

I think that's the other thing. It would cost so much to rebuy everything after taking a break. If I took a break I'd just store most of the smaller stuff (Vortechs, RKL, etc.) and maybe sell the tank. (Eek just typing that makes me cringe lol )

[Kristy]

Oh Lorraine, you are not ready to take a break... No way!

I think that's pretty normal to reflect on the idea when you see someone getting out. It's like I think, "Wow, is that guy/girl nuts? Or maybe we must be the ones who are nuts for staying in!!!".

For me the rules are 1. Absolutely do not reflect too long on the $$$ already spent. That's just asking for trouble. 2. As long as we continue to get so much enjoyment out of it, we will keep on. I know that when I travel I really miss the tank. There is no substitute for my morning coffee in front of the tank, watching the fish wake up and come out to play.

[RayAllen]

Not always a money thing. Ask my wife, I drove her nuts over the years tearing down tanks, only to set up a new one shortly after. Im not sure how long you have been in the hobby but for me, its been a few years more than a decade now. There hasnt been a year since then that I havnt had 1 or more in my home. Im now moving into my later 20s and have had to many to remember. The money ive spent through the years is nuts, but that hasnt stopped me from having a aquarium.

I become bored very easily with a lot of things. About every 6 months or so I will move my living room furniture. Grow out then cut my hair. A while back maast became a little to dramatic for me so i Didnt post for 6-8months during that time.

Point is some people are satisfied more easily than others, but thats not in my personality at all. Ive not had one tank ever that I was 100% satisified even with people telling me my tank was amazing or a inspiration for theirs.

[RayAllen]

I think that's the other thing. It would cost so much to rebuy everything after taking a break. If I took a break I'd just store most of the smaller stuff (Vortechs, RKL, etc.) and maybe sell the tank. (Eek just typing that makes me cringe lol )

Ive sold tons of stuff only to need to buy it again later on.

[Bill S]

This is normal - it may be a "guy thing". MOST of the time they come back.

I've been in the hobby for almost 40 years now (you can see a photo of a tank of mine from 30 years ago on the "first tank" thread) - and I wax and wane every few years. Right now, I'm waning, on the SW side.

[alton]

It scares me sometimes when I look at the for sale thread and there are so many great deals out there. But then I get a little said because someone else is getting out of the hobby. I grew up around aquariums first with a 5, 10, 15, 55, 135, 100, 29, 200, 39, 75, 58, 29, 10, 158, Neo Nano, 20, 300, and 40. I have had as many as 4 set up at one time and as few as one. Today I have my 300, 29 and 40. I love setting them up and then I get bored. I have thought about getting out altogether but then my wife tells me you will just go out and buy another! So sometimes my tanks will look perfect and sometimes when I get busy with something else you have a hard time looking into them. But the way I look at it, algae is nature’s way of cleaning itself and my Chevron loves it.
As far as all the money I have blown on the hobby: I always tell my kids I am spending there inheritance!

[Europhyllia]

well when you get bored it's time for a second one with a different theme! Not to get out of it. Tst...

[alton]

So which ocean this time Karin?

[robalv]

To each his own .....I always say..

Right now my family needs my attention more than the aquarium does and that is why I decided to get out.
I swear it's all about percicution around here. Sell it all, the temptation is to great.lol

Not to include the pool,dog's and the wife..

[Scream311]

It scares me sometimes when I look at the for sale thread and there are so many great deals out there. But then I get a little said because someone else is getting out of the hobby. I grew up around aquariums first with a 5, 10, 15, 55, 135, 100, 29, 200, 39, 75, 58, 29, 10, 158, Neo Nano, 20, 300, and 40. I have had as many as 4 set up at one time and as few as one. Today I have my 300, 29 and 40. I love setting them up and then I get bored. I have thought about getting out altogether but then my wife tells me you will just go out and buy another! So sometimes my tanks will look perfect and sometimes when I get busy with something else you have a hard time looking into them. But the way I look at it, algae is nature’s way of cleaning itself and my Chevron loves it.
As far as all the money I have blown on the hobby: I always tell my kids I am spending there inheritance!

Alton you can't sell the 29 Oceanic Starfire you have there at work. Then what would your co workers call you ? If they can't call you the Underground Fish Importer lol

[Europhyllia]

So which ocean this time Karin?
Seahorses, Pipefish and similar are still calling my name...

At least while the kids are little the aquarium is actually a really family friendly hobby for me. The 4 year old loves to do water testing with me. I don't have to leave the house to do it. It's much safer than having the little ones around the horses. I think that's why it bumped horses from my #1 spot as hobby - aquariums are much easier to do when you have little ones than many other hobbies.

It's good though when people know what they need to do to make things work for them. If that includes getting out for awhile or forever then so be it.
Speaking of taking a break: I just read in an article that the majority of people that start a saltwater aquarium quit in the first year. Thought that was interesting. Obviously those of us that stay, stayed too long and can't let it be even after decades. lol

[ErikH]

Sometimes it's nice to not have to do anything. Just sit back and enjoy it while it's good. Find another small hobby to occupy your time, the tank will come back around. Everything is cyclical, and this hobby is way to hard to just dump and run away from.

[bullstedman]

My wife thinks i should keep it but just put a slot in the side of it for 100$ dollar bills and then she could just empty it from time to time.

[ramsey]

I'm a man of many hobbies. What I've noticed is my interest in various hobbies fluctuate. I enjoy playing and making music. Right before my tank busted, I noticed I wasn't spending all my time missing with my tank and was starting to think about music more (writing some songs, etc). However, about two days before my tank busted, I started wanting to do more with it. When it busted, my interested peaked even more since I have a new tank and I'm getting some new gear, etc. My point is this, there are peaks and valleys of interest in a hobby. I think it's completely normal to lose interest from time to time. I would say, if you're considering selling it all and getting out, give it another chance to make sure. Do something completely different with your tank as Karin said. Even if that means selling some of your live stock. I think this would help peak your interest again. If it doesn't, than maybe you do need a break.

[ramsey]

I love my tank, it is happy, it is perfect (shh, don't let it hear me say that).

But, every time I see a thread that says "selling everything, need a break" a part of me says that.

I really don't think I want a break, do I? I suppose it is mostly a money thing. I feel guilty for every dime I put into this hobby. But, this is the ONLY hobby I have right now, so should I?

Maybe it is just wondering what it would be like without a tank, quiet, simple, nothing to do...wouldn't that be boring? And if I did that, would I just replace the hobby with another one that would also cost $?

It's not like I am out of a job or anything, my bills are paid. Maybe it is just thinking about getting to retirement some day. More for a 401k vs in the tank stuff?

Sigh,

Think I will go sit in front of the tank an enjoy it now. Love that!

One more thing though, if it is about putting more in your retirement or getting finances in order, it may be worth while. However, I would see if you can make cuts from somewhere else. If you've never put together a budget, you don't know what you're missing. That makes it easy not to go crazy and to see exactly where your money's being spent. I know that budget is a scary word but it's very easy to do. It won't be perfect the first few months but just keep tweaking it and you'll get it down. I took a Dave Ramsey class and it really helped me. I'm not perfect but I now know what I need to do.

[BSJF]

All great thoughts on the subject. THIS is why I continue, I have even changed my work schedule so I have more time for it - it's my me time:


There is no substitute for my morning coffee in front of the tank, watching the fish wake up and come out to play.


A few other reasons...
Go diving once a year vs sit and watch my tank everyday for a year. Tank wins!
I need something that challenges me. My tank teaches me something about every day. Sometimes I don't think I can do it, and then after I go WOW - I did that!
I need something that satisfies my creative side. My tank is my canvas for my artistic masterpiece.
I need something that when I get bored I can change. Need I say more!
I have found some balance in the budget - My tank budget = Hubby's golf and other fun budget or I sell corals or go without lunch to get something for it.
Oh and my tank loves me back!

I just can't think of another hobby that is so diversified. Ok, Buster comes close, but he would be impossible to live with if I gave him everything he wants.

[Scream311]

Very well said. I must agree 100%

[BSJF]

One more thing though, if it is about putting more in your retirement or getting finances in order, it may be worth while. However, I would see if you can make cuts from somewhere else. If you've never put together a budget, you don't know what you're missing. That makes it easy not to go crazy and to see exactly where your money's being spent. I know that budget is a scary word but it's very easy to do. It won't be perfect the first few months but just keep tweaking it and you'll get it down. I took a Dave Ramsey class and it really helped me. I'm not perfect but I now know what I need to do.


BTW, we did Dave Ramsey a few years back. Well worth it! Nice to decide where your money goes instead of it deciding for you! I budget every dollar! That is probably what started this thread. Just needed a gut check from you all!

[ramsey]

BTW, we did Dave Ramsey a few years back. Well worth it! Nice to decide where your money goes instead of it deciding for you! I budget every dollar! That is probably what started this thread. Just needed a gut check from you all!

Awesome! Yeah, Financial Peace was probably one of the best things I've ever done for myself. I recommend it every time I get a chance.

[BSJF]

I gave the program to my husband for valentines day. I think he thought I was nuts! Not sure he would have gotten on board any other way though.