This may seem counter-intuitive for most Monster fish keepers, but my 2000L tank has been running for a little over two years and lately I've been considering downsizing...
The one compromise we made when buying our house (instead of building) is that my "dream tank" would have to be downstairs on the concrete slab, rather than in the living room where I really wanted it. Didn't seem like such a big deal at the time, we had an ideal space that backed onto the garage so the filtration could be plumbed through into there to keep the room quiet, and the plan was that it would be like a second lounge. The only problem is that it isn't. In an average week, aside from feeding (which my wife does half the time because of my shifts) and water changes I'd be lucky if I spend more than 5 minutes sitting in front of the tank. I love having a big tank and it isn't really a lot of work or cost, but lately I've been asking myself how much value/enjoyment I get from it, and if I wouldn't prefer a smaller (still somewhere in the region of 180-250g) tank somewhere where it is going to be a more visible part of day to day life.
So my question is how do those of you with tanks locked away in basements, sheds, spare rooms etc, go about making sure you spend enough time in there to get enjoyment from the aquarium? How much time on average do you spend watching the fish (not working/feeding on the tank)? Would you do it again, or is it not worth it?
The one compromise we made when buying our house (instead of building) is that my "dream tank" would have to be downstairs on the concrete slab, rather than in the living room where I really wanted it. Didn't seem like such a big deal at the time, we had an ideal space that backed onto the garage so the filtration could be plumbed through into there to keep the room quiet, and the plan was that it would be like a second lounge. The only problem is that it isn't. In an average week, aside from feeding (which my wife does half the time because of my shifts) and water changes I'd be lucky if I spend more than 5 minutes sitting in front of the tank. I love having a big tank and it isn't really a lot of work or cost, but lately I've been asking myself how much value/enjoyment I get from it, and if I wouldn't prefer a smaller (still somewhere in the region of 180-250g) tank somewhere where it is going to be a more visible part of day to day life.
So my question is how do those of you with tanks locked away in basements, sheds, spare rooms etc, go about making sure you spend enough time in there to get enjoyment from the aquarium? How much time on average do you spend watching the fish (not working/feeding on the tank)? Would you do it again, or is it not worth it?
