Reality Check

[Adrian]

This is exactly why I do not dabble with salt tanks. I have found the whole experience very very intimidating, and since dealing with salt tanks is extremely expensive, losing a setup do to me being to headstrong to listen to advice, and losing it all, leaves me in a position to say, nope, not for me. I love them, they are beautiful, they create a feeling that is unlike anything that I can imagine, yet I am too intimidated to even try. Guess that saves a bunch of lives......

Thanks for the reminder ILMGB

[Tigerbarb]

Excellent post, Goldbarb! I definitly agree that marine tanks are nothing to fool around with or jump into. Although this is true, aquariusts who know what they are doing in freshwater should be encouraged to take the plunge.

All it takes is dedication, research, and the willingness to put one's time & money into the hobby. I would definitly do alot of research, but there's nothing intimidating about the marine aquarium hobby. I was intimidated by everyone I knew, until I came to this site. Everyone would just talk down about saltwater, giving off unnecessary advice. I went ahead anyway, after joining AC, and found that it was just like freshwater, just different. I will say this again, but saltwater is not difficult in any way and should not be intimidating at all, just as long as you know what you're doing.

[Aude]

Ha. I wanted, originally, to start up my first tank in a decade or so as saltwater - nearly died when I realized how much it would cost...I believe it breaks down to at least $50/gallon. Maybe when I'm rich...

Money is oftentimes overlooked until it is too late, in my experience...and when living creatures of any kind are concerned money is most important.

[oldhead]

Ha. I wanted, originally, to start up my first tank in a decade or so as saltwater - nearly died when I realized how much it would cost...I believe it breaks down to at least $50/gallon. Maybe when I'm rich...

Money is oftentimes overlooked until it is too late, in my experience...and when living creatures of any kind are concerned money is most important.

It is a sizeable investment but some of the cost you are able to spread out over time. Nothing should be overlooked untill it's too late though. If you don't have the means to keep something then it should be no where near your tank.

[gem]

Awesome post GB.

Oldhead, I don't think GB's post was intended to scare people from the dark side of marine tanks. I think it was more to encourage those considering it to learn before they endeavor!

As far as cost, yes.....it is expensive. But even ROAB (reefer on a budget) can afford a reef tank. It just takes alot more planning and alot longer. I am by no means wealthy, nor am I what most people consider even comfortable financially. However, I still have a reef tank. A thriving one at that. Go figure.

[oldhead]

I didn't think it would scare people so much as I thought it would help them to take the higher road. Well I guess some people might scare from it. I know I would, I can't imagine my system crashing the thought would seriously keep me up at night,lol. Anyhow, this did really need to be said.

[AABatteries]

Great thread, now I realise that since I'll have to wait till Christmas to get all the equipment and supplies is actually a good thing. This is true because it gives me 2 more months to research and ask questions. Rather than the month or less I was originally planning. Taking the time of only about 3 or 4 months of research to 5 or 6. Still low, but definitly better.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

That's great. 5-6 is not a bad timeframe at all. As someone pointed out, the quality of the research can go a long way towards speeding things up. Also, your ability to learn it plays a big factor.

[SkinnyChicken]

Good advice for most things in life I would think where the care of animals is concerned ... from the humblest freshwater goldfish bowl to the new puppy at Christmas ...

Wise words indeed ILMGB

[fishface]

Nice quote too:)