|
|
Post by parker002 on Oct 29, 2012 11:09:24 GMT -5
For the last few weeks, I've been contemplating giving up on fishkeeping.
My life is changing, kids are getting older, and priorities have to be re-arranged.
I just don't have the time to keep this thing up anymore.
That being said, I think I could kill 2 birds with one stone by switching my setup to African cichlids.
I've always wanted a setup with rocks and little yellow and blue cichlids.
And I think my biggest time sink in this thing is the plants. They need to be fertilized which results in them needing to be pruned. The extra decomposing material produced by the plants shortens the period of time between filter cleanings.
So what does everyone think? What should I do?
|
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Oct 29, 2012 12:09:47 GMT -5
I personally think you have got a lot out of your fish keeping, not to mention your intuitive thinking has helped a lot of others, myself included; however you need to do what is best for you.
Cichlids would certainly be easier, but for the occasional homicidal cichlid which invariably seems to happen from my experience.
Are you still going to keep up with your pond next spring?
Carl
|
|
|
|
Post by parker002 on Oct 29, 2012 12:23:28 GMT -5
The pond isn't going anywhere. It was my father-in-law's baby, I couldn't bear to fill it in. Plus, I still smile every time someone new comes over and sees my TWENTY FIVE POUND koi for the first time.  I think I might start with an intermediate step and remove the live plants. Go back to plastic plants for now. Switching directly to Africans might be too drastic - I'd have to relocate a BUNCH of fish including all of the tetras and angels. |
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Oct 29, 2012 17:24:41 GMT -5
Whatever you decide, I would like to say I have really appreciated your input, as you have helped me both here (EA) and helped me to grow in my l understanding of Aquarium/Pond keeping
Carl
|
|
|
|
Post by parker002 on Oct 29, 2012 17:56:12 GMT -5
Well, I won't be doing a wholesale change anytime soon.
I pulled the "lost puppy" bit on my wife today and told her "I think I'm giving up on fish" hoping for 1) some reassurance on what I should do and 2) some sympathy.
She said, "you're not going to get rid of my angels are you?!?!?!"
;D ;D ;D ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by devonjohnsgard on Oct 29, 2012 18:18:17 GMT -5
I say go for something that will make you fall in love with the hobby again. A little rearrangment never hurt. Only if it helps with the problem and not continues to be one (fishkeeping that is). I'm not saying give it up, but figure out what you would really like to go with and run with it. Thanks for everything you do help with.
|
|
|
|
Post by babygeige on Nov 3, 2012 21:16:23 GMT -5
I'd hate to see you give it up altogether, but I know what you mean about the plants. What about even changing back to a lower tech setup? In my 10 and 50 gallon tanks, I've just got some anubias and java ferns. The only maintenance I ever have to do is cut out a dead java fern leave once a month or so. And a few times a year the anubias plant flowers, so that needs cut when it dies. If things get hectic and I'm not able to clean those tanks for a couple of weeks, it's no big deal.
It might be a happy medium between plant maintenance and plastic plants for you.
|
|
|
|
Post by goldenpuon on Nov 4, 2012 13:52:00 GMT -5
I wouldn't want to see you give up on fishkeeping Parker! You You seem very devoted to it and that you really enjoy fish, setup, and plants aspects of it. Plus your fishkeeping hobby has taught me and many others (and yourself) a ton of great things about keeping plants and fishkeeping.  I (personally) think you have come too far and enjoy the hobby way too much to stop it. I understand about priorities changes (kind of is happening to me in college right now). Perhaps a compromise would work the best (ex. like you mentioned about plastic plants). Cut back a little on the number of fish, plants, and tanks to you. Maybe continue fishkeeping to the extent to which you have time for and enjoy, but won't not give stop or push yourself on it to the point that it feels like "work." I hope that helps and you are able to find a happy medium with real life obligations and fishkeeping! Renee |
|
I (personally) think you have come too far and enjoy the hobby way too much to stop it. I understand about priorities changes (kind of is happening to me in college right now). Perhaps a compromise would work the best (ex. like you mentioned about plastic plants). Cut back a little on the number of fish, plants, and tanks to you. Maybe continue fishkeeping to the extent to which you have time for and enjoy, but won't not give stop or push yourself on it to the point that it feels like "work." I hope that helps and you are able to find a happy medium with real life obligations and fishkeeping!