Guess I'm Done

[Oldreefer44]

Have been in the SW hobby for about 50 years and reefing for 20. To me, this hobby is always a work in progress and sometimes a lack thereof. Have had many many setbacks along the way. I notice that you joined us in April of this year. If that is roughly when you got into the hobby then it is way to soon to give up. This hobby is not for those who lack patience (not insinuating anything) as, IME, it takes most of a year for a tank to fully stabilize and even then stuff happens. There are many here who can help you with just about any issue. Good luck top you!

 

[VintageReefer]

If I had some money to burn I would jump on this. I'm so sick of the 60g cube layout.

I like the look of a cube but it’s not an efficient use of space and the larger ones are more challenging to light.

I’ll take a regular rectangle any day! Peninsula is nice!

 

[Tidal Gardens]

Hey all

I lost my female clown recently, as she decided to try to fly, which ended with her disappearance until I found her under a shelf, dried like a raisin. I've also had an outbreak of algae that is being very stubborn and difficult to remove. My urchin is giving it all she's got.

I've been on the look out for a 65 reef ready for a good while, now. It's been over a year and I've yet to find one within reasonable driving distance (less than 2 hours). My only local supply shop would order one for me, with an additional $160 plus tax fee. I refuse to pay that for a tank that is sold in other states without that add-on fee. Unfortunately and understandably, no one will ship it from out of state, either.

So, that leaves me with the decision to drastically over pay for everything here (ohio), keep my current build and hope everything doesn't die, or just give the critters away and accept the loss. Considering how I've been feeling lately, I think I'm going to find a good home for everyone and hang up the towel. It's just too difficult to find or do anything of value in this state, anymore. Maybe one day, when I inevitably move, I'll start up again.

This seems like an awesome community. Hopefully everyone else has better luck than myself.

Hello there, Unfortunately as much as it kills us to experience it, fish do periodically jump out of our tanks. It really sucks. Sorry to hear that.

As far as the algae is concerned. We have found that you need to attack the problem HARD! By this we mean go overboard with the cleanup crew at the start. Overload the tank with snails and urchins and within a few weeks most algae issues will resolve. Then you can sell or give away the extra clean-up crew and keep enough to keep the algae at bay. Also, keep your parameters in check, Nitrate around 5-10 and phosphate under .1 but NEVER ZERO.

The issue of getting a bigger tank. Lots of our guys get tanks from Facebook Marketplace. Fortunately for you, lots of people are getting out of the hobby right now due to the fact that the cost of living has gone up so much over the last 3 years they cannot afford to keep the tank running. IF you were looking for new only, its going to be pricey no matter what avenue you take.

Isn't @Tidal Gardens in Ohio? Than has a pretty sweet setup...

We are indeed here in Akron Ohio.

 

[Hooz]

Hey all

I lost my female clown recently, as she decided to try to fly, which ended with her disappearance until I found her under a shelf, dried like a raisin. I've also had an outbreak of algae that is being very stubborn and difficult to remove. My urchin is giving it all she's got.

I've been on the look out for a 65 reef ready for a good while, now. It's been over a year and I've yet to find one within reasonable driving distance (less than 2 hours). My only local supply shop would order one for me, with an additional $160 plus tax fee. I refuse to pay that for a tank that is sold in other states without that add-on fee. Unfortunately and understandably, no one will ship it from out of state, either.

So, that leaves me with the decision to drastically over pay for everything here (ohio), keep my current build and hope everything doesn't die, or just give the critters away and accept the loss. Considering how I've been feeling lately, I think I'm going to find a good home for everyone and hang up the towel. It's just too difficult to find or do anything of value in this state, anymore. Maybe one day, when I inevitably move, I'll start up again.

This seems like an awesome community. Hopefully everyone else has better luck than myself.

Which tank are you looking for? You may need to expand your "reasonable distance" a bit.

I'm also in Ohio. There's actually a pretty strong reefing community in the state. The Dayton area is a little light (but picking up), but Columbus isn't far and there are a LOT of us around here. Join a few of the Facebook groups (Ohio Saltwater Fanatics, Columbus Saltwater Fanatics, Dayton Area Reefers, etc) and make some connections.

As for a tank, if they can get the one you're looking for, JP Success in Lancaster would be worth the trip. They don't over charge for anything, and they're SUPER nice people. If you're there, check out the clownfish breeding facility. It's pretty cool.

As for your current tank... You didn't say anything about what size it is, what type of algae you're battling or what sort of clean up crew (other than the urchin) you have in there, etc.

The hobby can be frustrating. I get that. But, speaking as someone who took an extended break and missed it every day, nothing is impossible with some patience and some solid advice/help.

 

[GARRIGA]

Keep it simple and less likely to quit. How I'm designing my main because tweaking this and tweaking that not me and will make me quit. Life that conforms to my approach gets picked and if lemons all that fits then so be it and I'll make lemonade. In other words, never realistically a need to quit just need compromise to what best fits.

 

[Sophie"s mom]

Hey all

I lost my female clown recently, as she decided to try to fly, which ended with her disappearance until I found her under a shelf, dried like a raisin. I've also had an outbreak of algae that is being very stubborn and difficult to remove. My urchin is giving it all she's got.

I've been on the look out for a 65 reef ready for a good while, now. It's been over a year and I've yet to find one within reasonable driving distance (less than 2 hours). My only local supply shop would order one for me, with an additional $160 plus tax fee. I refuse to pay that for a tank that is sold in other states without that add-on fee. Unfortunately and understandably, no one will ship it from out of state, either.

So, that leaves me with the decision to drastically over pay for everything here (ohio), keep my current build and hope everything doesn't die, or just give the critters away and accept the loss. Considering how I've been feeling lately, I think I'm going to find a good home for everyone and hang up the towel. It's just too difficult to find or do anything of value in this state, anymore. Maybe one day, when I inevitably move, I'll start up again.

This seems like an awesome community. Hopefully everyone else has better luck than myself.

This hobby can be as draining as it can be rewarding. Taking some time away, while continuing to learn isa great thing, and sometimes needed. I agree with another on here about keeping your equipment. You will most likely find your way back to it. Just take your time. The biggest, and hardest lesson about this hobby is patience. It can be deeply disheartening. Just do as much research as you can about the problems you have had. Please, above all, do NOT feel defeated!! This is an extremely difficult hobby to master, and most of us spend our entire time in it continuing to learn and grow thru our own defeats. Just consider this a learning curve. Stay on this forum and let us help you along your journey back.

 

[VintageReefer]

Keep it simple and less likely to quit. How I'm designing my main because tweaking this and tweaking that not me and will make me quit. Life that conforms to my approach gets picked and if lemons all that fits then so be it and I'll make lemonade. In other words, never realistically a need to quit just need compromise to what best fits.

That’s why I stopped keeping sps for 6 - 7 years. I needed my tank simpler, more resilient/durable/forgiving, and to need less involvement from me.

 

[GARRIGA]

That’s why I stopped keeping sps for 6 - 7 years. I needed my tank simpler, more resilient/durable/forgiving, and to need less involvement from me.

Like with all hobbies, there's a progression to do what most can't and that allure is strong until after an extended period then realize I'm too old to fuss over such little stuff and softies along with live rock and inverts might be satisfying enough. Although I want some Monti Caps which aren't ultra demanding and might fit my simplistic hands off mostly approach.

Saw a video today of a 17 year old reef that started simple but need to keep more delicate set in. Why must we complicate things

 

[snorklr]

i'm a little confused... a fish jumped out and you're disgusted so you need a 65 ? I have no idea what size your current tank is, but what makes you think a different tank will cure your problems? I think you need to figure out your current issues and resolve them (even if t requires a rip clean and 100% water change) otherwise the new tank will probably have the same issues of the old one or even worse

 

[snorklr]

oh and cant afford a 65? I'm running a Petco dollar-a-gallon 40B that I drilled myself...same footprint as a 65, just not as tall so your lighting doesn't need to be as intense

 

[NanoNana]

I understand the frustration of living in an area with no reef resources. Out here in BFE GA new UPS drivers can’t even find my house. I either have stuff shipped in or drive two hours to pick it up. It can be frustrating to have to plan a day to buy frozen mysis or face a $50 overnight charge.

My perspective is likely different on reasonable travel distances because I raise all sorts of livestock. Horses, sheep, geese, pheasants, chickens, Parrots. I drove 3 hours two weeks ago for a ram lamb and I’m driving 5 hours next weekend for a ewe lamb because my herd needs some new genetics introduced. I’ve traveled 15 hours to pick up horses and have driven that far for loads of hay during drought years. It’s almost a relief to only have a 4 hour round trip to a reef store. Lol But that makes it difficult for me to understand how 3 hours to the tank you want is burdensome.

The uglies are part of it and there have been days that I’ve had things I wanted to do besides scrubbing rocks. I did a lot of research, I improved my CUC, I added some fish that graze my algae, changed my feeding habits, dialed in my skimmer and added UV and my bryopsis, and hair algae and Dinos are under control now.
If the tank not coming together is the issue, I’m sure there is help to be found. But only you can make decisions about time, commitment and priorities. I don’t think it’s ever a good idea to hamstring yourself in any hobby by limiting distance you’ll travel but then again I drove 20 hours round trip for a small tractor part because I wanted to keep my Ford 8N all original. So there is that.

 

[Eggs]

It's still Ohio. And your anecdotal evidence does nothing to convince me that people who are land locked cook better sea food than people who are at the heart of the ocean.

Also, it was a joke... I thought ops claim of Ohio being a hindrance to reef keeping to be a bit strange.

Lived in both Florida and Ohio, overall there’s plenty of evidence and experience in Ohio.
Cooking seafood not the problem (it’s rather easy and straightforward), nor the subject of this post. But thanks for trying lol, it’s a reach.
BTW, the Gulf provides better seafood than the Ocean, and the beaches are much nicer.

Sourcing seafood a little more challenging, but the Great Lakes provide some excellent substitutes. Also, Ohio not landlocked. Look at a map Skippy. The future is in trouble.

 

[Stang67]

Edit deleted.

 

[CyberNinjaZ]

oh and cant afford a 65? I'm running a Petco dollar-a-gallon 40B that I drilled myself...same footprint as a 65, just not as tall so your lighting doesn't need to be as intense

I actually have a new 40 from the sale, but it's testing as tempered. I just used some old sunglasses and a light folding kit I bought that apparently had a polarized lens in it. I'm considering an over the top overflow, now.

 

[OrionN]

People got to make a living too. If they cannot make a living in their business, then they won't be selling anything to you soon enough. $160 is just a fish or two, or a small clam, or a coral or two.
Keep that in perspective. Skim on equipment and you are going to loose a lot of money on the livestock.
If you like it, and save enough for it, then go for it. Life is too short to worry too much about the small things. I just read this thread tagged below. It certainly put a few things in perspective for me, especially since I am the same age as @427HISS. 62 YO, and with medical problems. I certainly don't suggest you take you child lunch money to buy a fish or a tank. This is an expensive hobby for sure.

Things are going very badly. Two Strokes May Mean Retiring From Hobby ?

I've been buying products for three, maybe four years now for my 125g mixed in-wall reef under the big screen TV in the living room. All I need is a lot of salt and heaters, build the 2x4 stand and the long stand for the hospital tank, The reef room is almost ready with a one piece vinyl...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Reefing102]

And Corals.com! Tidal Gardens is 50 minutes from me and did curbside pickup a few times ( due to covid) and Corals.com is 25 minutes from me.

Can’t say I knew @Corals.com was in Ohio. Learn something new everyday.

Anyway @CyberNinjaZ, as mentioned there’s a lot of us in Ohio. I’m between Columbus and Cleveland, so not sure what all is really down that way, but for Columbus area, I believe Matt’s Corals and Rivers to Reef can special order fish tanks if your dead set on a 65. Also in the past Aquarium Adventure used to regularly stock 65 gallons. I found my 65 on FB marketplace though.

Depending on the algae, as mentioned overloading clean up crew at the start and maintaining proper nutrients can help maintain the algae stages. My tank goes through spurts of algae (a rock here or there getting red slime or hair algae or whatever) but then in a couple weeks it’s back to normal.

Also as mentioned, definitely connect with locals who may be able to help you out. I believe Lazys Coral House (I believe they’re a user here but not sure if they’re a sponsor) is in the Dayton area as well

 

[Doompastew]

Hey all

I lost my female clown recently, as she decided to try to fly, which ended with her disappearance until I found her under a shelf, dried like a raisin. I've also had an outbreak of algae that is being very stubborn and difficult to remove. My urchin is giving it all she's got.

I've been on the look out for a 65 reef ready for a good while, now. It's been over a year and I've yet to find one within reasonable driving distance (less than 2 hours). My only local supply shop would order one for me, with an additional $160 plus tax fee. I refuse to pay that for a tank that is sold in other states without that add-on fee. Unfortunately and understandably, no one will ship it from out of state, either.

So, that leaves me with the decision to drastically over pay for everything here (ohio), keep my current build and hope everything doesn't die, or just give the critters away and accept the loss. Considering how I've been feeling lately, I think I'm going to find a good home for everyone and hang up the towel. It's just too difficult to find or do anything of value in this state, anymore. Maybe one day, when I inevitably move, I'll start up again.

This seems like an awesome community. Hopefully everyone else has better luck than myself.

I have a drilled 90 (corner) with stand and canopy you can have for a hundo if you are willing to drive to central PA

 

[PharmrJohn]

It does have a few minor set backs to though

With a crime rate of 87 per one thousand residents, St. Louis has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 11.

Wasn't long ago that I heard my town was number one in the country in crimes per capita. Yay!

 

[PharmrJohn]

I hurt my foot pretty bad a while ago and couldn't take for my tank. It almost completely crashed lost some coral. After my foot healed some I didn't feel like tackling my tank . Kept it on auto pilot with just feeding the fish and kept the all for reef full. I couldn't hardly see into my tank. It was that bad. I finally took a full day and got everything cleaned, did water changes and am so grateful I did. My coral that survived are coming back and coloring up. I am more stoked now than ever before. I almost gave up. I'm glad I didn't. Just my 2 pennies.

When my 90 crashed 12 years back, I got out of the hobby, I was SO frustrated. I can understand the draw of hanging it up, trust me, cause I did it. But I wish now that I hadn't. I wonder often what I could have had if I just kept with it. But as stated, do what you think is best. Every situation is different.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

When my 90 crashed 12 years back, I got out of the hobby, I was SO frustrated. I can understand the draw of hanging it up, trust me, cause I did it. But I wish now that I hadn't. I wonder often what I could have had if I just kept with it. But as stated, do what you think is best. Every situation is different.

Tank is doing good and on its way to a full recovery.