When To Throw In The Towel

[Bill S]

I've been in the hobby - on and off - mostly on - for over 35 YEARS. It's addicting. Even late last year, when I was seriously considering getting out, I just "down-complicated" instead. No more SPS. It's made a WORLD of difference. The tank just cruises along.

All hobbies have cycles. This one is just SO frustrating - because when you have a bad run, you just HAVE to prove it to yourself that you ARE capable of doing it.

Hang in there.

[barderer]

Giving up SPS is the key I think. A key which I can't seem to use cuz SPS is dope. Nothing drives you mad like a huge SPS colony evaporating overnight for a unknown reason.

[RICKY81]

i am just getting started to the saltwater hobby and in it for only 2 yrs now... i have also gone through hundreds $$ of dollars from sps, corals, and fish dying but everytime i learn something new even when i thought i knew i was doing the right thing i actually wasn't..... so i guess as long as you keep yourself out of trouble and entertained at home happy with your tank rather that out in the streets risking yourself of getting in to trouble.... safe and happy reefing

[Jeff]

go ahead and take a break for awhile if you want, just don't get rid of any of your stuff because you will be back again later and it is way more expensive to buy again than when you got out. also try to go another direction with your tank, like a lagoon or large refugium that is a mangrove forest, or see how simple you can make your tank and still have a thriving aquarium.

[brewercm]

So many comments that are spot on in so many places. I downsized myself and went smaller and a different route (no SPS), but kept the concept of making my tank as self sustaining as possible. Next to water changes and cleaning my skimmer it pretty much does everything itself and all I have to do is enjoy it.

It really comes down to what your feelings are and where you want to go with it. Like so many have said though that once it's in your blood you will probably be back at some point.

[jennabee]

Hey Sherry dont give up, Even though its hard to lose some things, You will bounce back. Just enjoy the hobby and don't overwhelm your self. As addicting as this hobby is

[ballardjr2000]

i got an currently unused uv sterilizer i can loan you if you want? shoot me a PM i am in located in Kingsville Tx