Thinking about packing it in

[denny80689]

Anyone else ever go thru a phase where they just dont feel they have the time for the hobby and think about giving up. The only time I even have a chance to see my tank is when I feed the fish and the occasional maintenace on the weekends. I used to get a lot of joy from it, but lately its more of a burden. Especially since my wife is due in 2 weeks with our first! So I know once the little one is here Ill have no time at all for the tank. The only part that hurts is I know if I give it up and sell everything I wont get near what it cost....

 

[sgreth]

well..our little munchkin is 2 years old...and I got into the hobby just this last summer for both him and myself. We're in a small apartment so we ruled out a dog or cat for him...fish were the next on our list...I just kicked it up a notch and went saltwter though Keep at it, your munchkin-to-be will thank you for it later...and once he/she is born, think of your fish care as a little down-time...

 

[rev]

I felt the same way when our 1st was born(4 years ago).However,after the first month or so,once the baby is kinda getting comfy.We would lay down witht he baby in front of the tank,and you could see how much it relaxed the baby.
The wife would sit and relax,and I would take care of the tank (water changes,cleaning...) once that was all done,and if the baby was still awake,we would shut all the lights out,and relax.It worked well for all of us.
Now we have 2 lil boys,(4 and 2) and they adore the tank.They love to just watch the fish,snails,and especially the crabs.All I can say is,give it a chance.The new born will be alot of work,no doubt about it (and they don't come with manuals either).Congradulations too!

 

[denny80689]

thanks for the good replies guys! The only ones enjoying the tank these days are the cats

 

[bunnyl99]

Get used to it. I started my 120 gal 1.5 yrs ago & I have two boys 6 & 2. They go to be early & then that's when I do my testing etc. Water changes I do on weekends. I enjoy the hobby & the kids enjoy the fish. If you're really into saltwater, you'll make the time. It takes a little adjustment & dilligence! Keep it if you like it! :joy:

 

[lafster]

Hey, I'm with you Denny. My wife is due in two months with our first. Honestly, I think I may have gotten out a while back if not for the thought of how much I have invested (a number my wife can never know).
However, now I'm getting reenergized and having a lot of fun with my tank.
Good luck with the kid.

 

[bunnyl99]

Stick it out! The first few months w/a baby is tough, but after that it gets easier you'll have time

 

[leafer]

My 4 year old (this Saturday) just loves our tanks. We go to the LFS to see what's new. To get supplies. etc. It's a great family hobby.

Plus, it relaxes her just watching the fish swim. Keeps me sane

 

[puffer32]

I raised 3 kids with fish tanks, first FW then brackish, then the ultimate, SW and I ran a small in home day care for 28 yrs, and the tanks have always been there with us all. The parents of my daycare kids were real impressed when their kids would take them over to one of my tanks and point out and name all the fish and corals. Some were barely talking and took great pride in knowing more then their parents about the things in the tanks. Stick with it, you won't be sorry, either will your child!

 

[merredeth]

As a mom who has had the kids, trust me when I say this... the tank work is going to be your salvation.
There are times all new Dads feel a little neglected and this is normal. Having a hobby like this is going to help keep you busy during moments you can't do anything that mom must do (i.e.

[hr]
feeding).
In about am onth after the baby can focus his or her eyes, laying the baby by the tank in one of those new carriers (my kids are much older, so I don't know what they are called) that vibrate them to sleep would be nice and relaxing.
As kids get older, they can help with maintenance. My step-grandkids come over and when I'm working on my tanks they help out.
My step-grandkids have named all the fish, crabs, shrimp and etc. The names are funny and even border on insane, but they are kids and the laughs I get out of it make the tanks worth the work. Imagine this... a two year old imitating "Dragon" (the Lawnmower Blennie). Nothing is funnier than watching the kiss and swim. Believe me, they have just as much fun at it as I do - even the two year old.
Denise M.

 

[murph]

I can understand where you are coming from. However if you do make the decision to break things down I would not sell the equipment. Clean it up well and store it because if your like me you will be back.
Unlike other hobbies that people leave this one has a way of rejuvenating itself and when you have the time again at least you will still have most of what you need to get started again. You could even have a LR only tank for 6 months or so that would require very little of your time. When things get less hectic your right back in business and with the sky rocketing price of LR these days at least it wont cost you an arm and a leg when you do make your return.

 

[ezee]

denny80689,
Just to add something. If you can, add a red or black and white fish. Babies love the color red (as well as black and white) and they react to it more readily than other colors.
I agree you will not have much time for the tank in the beginning but if you can just keep it going, it will be worth it. Especially 3-4 years down the road when your youngin' can start helping with small tasks. My three-year old has helped with everything from buying wood for our stand, to making DIY Live Rock, testing the water and, of course, picking out the fish she wants!!!
All the best to you and your little one!
E
"Dad of 2"