Why do we have a reeftank

[ribs]

I really believe it's a crazy side of each of us.
One power outtage, one missed waterchange, one dying bulb, one point of negligence, one unforseen circumstance, the possibilities of failure are huge for such an investment, especially over time.
What the hell am I doing here?

[spankey]

Sometimes I ask myself the same exact thing.......But when people see the tanks, thier faces when thier jaw actually drops. They ask, "Is that REAL!" That is what it is all about, at least for me anyway!!!!!!:):):):):)
WAHOOOOO KEEP REEFIN'...

[Jay4Robin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7569854#post7569854 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ribs
I really believe it's a crazy side of each of us.
One power outtage, one missed waterchange, one dying bulb, one point of negligence, one unforseen circumstance, the possibilities of failure are huge for such an investment, especially over time.
What the hell am I doing here?
I could have had a full head of hair:mad:

Did you have another major problem?

[Safir]

We keep reef tanks because keeping an aquarium is calming, duh ;)

We keep them for the same reasons we keep children, because while they can be a major financial burden, and a PITA at times, when things are going well it all seems very worthwhile.

[Sk8r]

It's cheaper than trying to get flowers to grow on a balcony?

[ribs]

Some others have had costly, habit-breaking problems recently is all.
I know it's a rewarding hobby, the beauty and inspiration that comes from a nice reeftank is what has me managing one.
Thanks for the replies.
Who has the longest, continuously-running reeftank in the tri-state area? One which hasn't had a major breakdown.
My first one lasted about 2 yrs, this one still only a few months old. Am I nuts to expect 5+ years? With the amount of time and effort spent, I would expect it.

[ribs]

Getting used parts from crashed tanks does help sometimes, tho :)

[spankey]

I am over a year and a half on my 46 gallon? So far so good. And its only getting better....:)

[fraggin]

i agree with safir on that one :D

[salty28]

My slowly evolving reef has been up for 9 yrs. Although, mostly softies, hope that counts.. My flame hawk is about 6 now, my longest lasting fish to date..

[Stixbaraca]

I't cheaper than some other addictions!

[Bebo77]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7574056#post7574056 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Stixbaraca
I't cheaper than some other addictions!

like what? i spent some $7000 on my 450 gallon system before i even filled it with water....

[ribs]

Softie tanks included, it's not what is kept, it's how long you can keep it.
Thanks for the 6yr old flamehawk input, it helps! I have no 6 yr old fish. I believe not many in the area do, actually.
Success around here may be measured in how many millimeters wide your zoa gets. I'll buy a frag of a 5 yr old zoa if there's any offers.
Sorta discouraged on recent losses from others tanks, they were well maintained, responsible reefs-in-a-box.
How much for the 6 yr old flamer?

[Stixbaraca]

I come into contact with people who have addictions that cost them everything they have...family, complete worth, and even their life! I keep a reef tank because it is my little slice of heaven! Sure it can be a headache like everything else...but it is still my refuge.

[RobbyG]

The reason I keep a tank could best be summed up by a famous line by JFK's We choose to do it "Not because they are easy, but because they are hard".

Also if the saying "nothing easy is worth doing" is true Reef tanks have got to the most worth while endeavor you can undertake.

[JER-Z]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7574086#post7574086 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bebo77
like what? i spent some $7000 on my 450 gallon system before i even filled it with water....

Weekend Drag Racing at the track...

at any given time...an axle could snap, a clutch goes....worse...

basically abusing cars and spending crap loads of money for a few seconds of fun a week...

[spankey]

Steve, Very well put! You see it first hand what people have to loose due to other "Addictions". Most of us only come close to loosing the wives when they see how much we spent or spend on this hobby. LOL:)........

[RobbyG]

So true, a friend of mine is into Rally Racing, he spends like $4000 USD on some Ohlins Titanium Shock Absorbers! (BTW thats $4000 Per Shock absorber)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7574558#post7574558 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JER-Z
Weekend Drag Racing at the track...

at any given time...an axle could snap, a clutch goes....worse...

basically abusing cars and spending crap loads of money for a few seconds of fun a week...

[RichT]

I've had my tank up for over a year and was doing great! Couple weeks ago I made a stupid mistake and so far have lost over 50% of the corals. Some beautiful, perfect pieces. Very discouraging. Trying my best to keep it together so I can preserver when everything calms down and the die off stops, if it stops.

[Jay4Robin]

I have had a tank now over 10 years the new system over a year. Ribs relax and go slow rebuilding. Make sure water quality is good and no temp swings

[ribs]

Richard, your tank is one of my girlfriends inspiration, one of the must-see systems, IMO.
Is 5 years concientious reefing expecting too much to have a continuously running reef? Do you need to expect crashing? Is it worth it?
My 2 yr old system didn't crash, it actually lasted 5 months with zero maintenance, my present system would crush me if it dumped on me (hasn't, BTW).
Jay, I believe you may have the right setup for a longterm system....you have a backup generator (another 5k)?

[Sonia Taro]

That is why I am out. Ribs, you can point everyone to the other side to get filled in.

[ribs]

I can only begin to imagine your next hobby, Walt
~`~ LOOK OUT, STAMP COLLECTORS ~`~

Was abunch fun reefing with you!

[Ben]

I go through cycles faster then my tanks, one year I like the movement of softies, the next the colorful SPS, ect... so my tanks chage it seems once every few years.

I have some old clowns I think I got my female in 97'ish?

[Jay4Robin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7576482#post7576482 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ribs
Richard, your tank is one of my girlfriends inspiration, one of the must-see systems, IMO.
Is 5 years concientious reefing expecting too much to have a continuously running reef? Do you need to expect crashing? Is it worth it?
My 2 yr old system didn't crash, it actually lasted 5 months with zero maintenance, my present system would crush me if it dumped on me (hasn't, BTW).
Jay, I believe you may have the right setup for a longterm system....you have a backup generator (another 5k)?
A back up genarator? I have thought about it. It is in the plans:D
Hey Ben when can you visit? Send a Pm.

[Sonia Taro]

Rob,

I am doing a 50 custom cube. I am still going to be around.

[Jay4Robin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7601843#post7601843 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sonia Taro
Rob,

I am doing a 50 custom cube. I am still going to be around.

they look so nice with a DSB:D

[us2000ua]

"they look so nice with a DSB" - remote DSB:D

[Sonia Taro]

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER.