Missing Smaller Tank

[nzafi]

Does anyone ever miss having a smaller tank? I upgraded to a 535g tank almost 2 years ago which was a dream come true for me after being in the hobby for 19 years. Unfortunately, a full work schedule and having 2 kids has taken a toll and minimizes my ability to maintain the tank. I did spent a time of time setting up the tank to be minimal maintenance which is amazing. However, it has resulted in a bare bottom tank, with no decor. My maintenance is about 10min every couple months to backflush the filter. Other than that, I do spend about 1.5hrs scraping off tons of algae from the tank as it is near windows. I still have not figure out how I can address that.

Literally the other day I was thinking to myself of potentially selling the tank and literally downsizing to like a 120g which will be even less maintenance.

 

[jjohnwm]

I honestly can't see much difference in the amount of time required to care for a larger tank versus a smaller one. The biggest factor affecting this is the amount of effort expended in creating a design that minimizes the work. I've had a number of 360-gallon tanks in the past, and am just putting the finishing touches on a new one as I write this. It is plumbed for a sump, and has easy access to floor drains, outdoor drains and fresh water storage tanks. I know for a fact that it will require fewer hours of maintenance per week than the 15-gallon tank in my upstairs library, which requires buckets, siphons, etc.

Smaller tanks have a certain charm...but they are a PITA!

 

[nzafi]

My biggest maintenance is from algae. I was forced to put the tank in corner which unfortunately gets too much light. If the tank was half the foot print it would get much less algae, not to mention less glass/acrylic to clean.

I’m more frustrated that I don’t have the time to do the decorations I want. Also the only inhabitant is a 2ft aimara which makes cleaning the tank very difficult.

 

[jjohnwm]

It's not really fair to put a 2-foot toothy carnivorous monster into an aquarium, and then blame the maintenance difficulties on tank size.

Sort of like keeping an elephant chained up in the garden, and then blaming the smell on poor soil drainage.

 

[nzafi]

It's not really fair to put a 2-foot toothy carnivorous monster into an aquarium, and then blame the maintenance difficulties on tank size.

Sort of like keeping an elephant chained up in the garden, and then blaming the smell on poor soil drainage.

I agree!! It is definitely a combination of both. I will say that some of this is that I miss keeping piranha but do not have time or space for a second tank. Almost justifying I should sell this guy and get my piranha.

 

[DMD123]

I totally understand. Having been through the upgrade process and now having multiple tanks going, I have to say the small tanks are quick and easy where as the larger one not so much. Granted my largest is a 300 gallon but it is a pain because its 8 ft long and 30 inch high. I love show tanks but yep height adds to the pain. On top of that its the living room tank so it has to look good all the time. Its hours each week to keep that thing looking spotless.
Then I added a few tanks in my garage... two 75 gallon, two 65B and a 30 gallon. These just seem quick and easy in comparison to the larger tank.

 

[Rafini]

Biggest tank I ever had was a 3' wide 225, and for a while I was down to a 120, a 75 and a 20 and tbh I enjoy being able to keep different types of tanks on a smaller scale.

And I know that a lot of people here only keep big fish in big tanks, but tbh the same behaviors and traits that exist in 2' monsters also exist in smaller species.

Another problem is tank size. I can never keep marine fish again after seeing them in the wild in the Philippines.
A spawning pair of humbug damsels occupying an area of around 20 sq. ft.
seeing how fast foxface and surgeonfish can move It seems almost like a crime confining them to an aquarium.
Which is kinda a shame because I always enjoyed marine aquariums lol.

You gotta do what you gotta do, whatever works best for your current lifestyle, maybe set up like a 120g and two 75gs
mix things up a little, keep your P's and then something different, do a biotope or something

 

[Ogertron3000]

I know exactly what N nzafi means. Sometimes with work and family and other commitments the last thing you want to do is tank maintenance. It's why I currently don't have a tank set up at the moment, hopefully that will change shortly.
In this case it sounds like you have lost enthusiasm for your current set up. Maybe try a different fish or add some decor and it might give you the vibe again. It's a lot harder to get the motivation to look after a tank if you aren't dignity it to begin with.

 

[esoxlucius]

I think it's inevitable that at some point everyones experience in the hobby is going to be one of change. During your life you might have to adapt to changing circumstances, whether it's work commitments, family life or failing health. All will play a part in the size or amount of tanks you can have and the time you can spare to maintain them.

If you're at the point where you feel a dramatic downsizing would benefit your situation, then do it. A recent thread regarding the benefits of having an aquarium, for some, in relation to mental health and personal wellbeing highlighted to me that as long as you have a tank, no matter what size, it can help you.

I hope you find a compromise somewhere between your 535g and nothing, which will at least keep you in the hobby and rekindle your enthusiasm once more.

 

[nzafi]

I honestly don't think I could I go without a fish tank. I have been in the hobby way to long and the fact that I have managed maintenance of just minutes every week aside from cleaning algae helps with staying in the hobby. I think it will be very hard to do anything right now with this whole COVID-19 scenario. I am in north Jersey and trying to sell and buy is not going to happen for several months.