The "it's only temporary" statement

[Mr. Mom]

Think of it this way... how many times does the person actually come up with an update showing the fish in its supposed larger tank?

Not very often...

Very good question, but it would probably take the mods to answer that one. Because ...
By update, do you mean another post at a later date under a new thread, where people who'd previously flamed you can comment on how nice things are in your tank. But never realizing (nor apologizing) that this was the same person who had the same fish in a tank too small ... but had finally made their upgrade?
Or by update, do you mean continuing on the same thread a person had first began inquiring about an issue (usually compatability) before the flaming began on tank space. Thus resulting in more flaming from persons who don't want to read all the pages and see when the upgrade/changes happened?

It's something I've often wondered as I've seen both scenarios played out here on this site.

But it's true most people who say they'll upgrade probably do so to keep the flaming at a minimum. As they really just want an answer to their original question.

 

[aldiaz33]

lol- if they do post updates they are pretty predictable....it goes something like this:

Thread #1: "Look at my cool new 3" baby RTC!"
Thread #2: "My RTC is already 12 Inches!"
Thread #3: "Help, my RTC is sick."
Thread #4: "RIP RTC."

I don't think noobies should be flamed because we all have to learn somehow, but I don't see how you can avoid the enclosure requirements (ie- tank size) when someone posts questions asking about keeping the true monsters. Questions about their dietary needs are inconsequential when someone is trying to keep a true giant in a 55G tank. That needs to be addressed first and foremost, otherwise regardless of what you do, you will not be successful.

There are lots of old timers on this site that should know better though and never learn their lesson. They continue to buy species they can't care for. I believe that's Einstein's definition of insanity: "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." These crazies sure keep the vendors happy though.

I setup my first tropical tank when I was about 12 years old (20 years ago); i had 2 Pacu and 2 Oscars. It was a 40G hex! I wish I would have had access to this site back then so I would have known what a silly stocking decision I had made. If someone would have recommended that I get a larger tank, I may have been frustrated by their suggestion if I wasn't able to upgrade, but that doesn't make the suggestion any less valid.

 

[tlindsey]

Unfortunately 20 years ago hobbyists like myself made horrible decisions due to lack of knowledge, but I started buying TFH magazines, and learned so much even learning more from Members on this site.

 

[Elbling0]

I started with a 2 gallon betta tank. Told myself I would upgrade because I know they need filtration etc, not just a bowl. He happily lives in a 20 gallon now and has done for 3 years.
Then I got my 50 gallon, whole school of PS gudgeons, was pretty sweet. Then I got my 180 gallon, the ''dream tank'', so I got myself a mangrove Jack, considering these things grow to 90cm and have the temper span of your mother inlaw, I figured I would need a bigger tank at some point. The jack has since passed away as a result of WC gill flukes. So know I have my 500 gallon, currently setting it up to be the new home for some monsters. Permanent home I might ad.
Did all of this in one year.

 

[MonsterMinis]

I've definitely evolved as a fish keeper over the past few years being apart of this site, meeting people and sharing knowledge/experiances/ect.. I've made my mistakes.. had a rough go of things in my personal life the past few years that inhibits fishkeeping.. ya know marriage and kids lol..

I can honestly say when we set up the 1k pool I had done my homework and picked brains on this site for months before we did so... and we still had a lot of learning experiances. The biggest surprise od them all was the monthly upkeep.. we knew it would be expensive but we had to invest in a new dehumidifier for the house, our electric and water bills skyrocketed, water treatment chemicals ect.. all those little things.. that's not even accounting the filtration medias ect. Our fish cost more then our cats do.. more then even my horses does.. I think we spend as much on the fish each month as we do the kids tbh.

 

[Elbling0]

I've definitely evolved as a fish keeper over the past few years being apart of this site, meeting people and sharing knowledge/experiances/ect.. I've made my mistakes.. had a rough go of things in my personal life the past few years that inhibits fishkeeping.. ya know marriage and kids lol..

I can honestly say when we set up the 1k pool I had done my homework and picked brains on this site for months before we did so... and we still had a lot of learning experiances. The biggest surprise od them all was the monthly upkeep.. we knew it would be expensive but we had to invest in a new dehumidifier for the house, our electric and water bills skyrocketed, water treatment chemicals ect.. all those little things.. that's not even accounting the filtration medias ect. Our fish cost more then our cats do.. more then even my horses does.. I think we spend as much on the fish each month as we do the kids tbh.

It is a money grabbing hobby, but when you love it you spare no expense.
Just think yourself lucky your not paying Australia's price for Exotics lol. Your fish would be worth more than your car.

 

[monsterkeeper87]

I definitely agree that life gets in the way! Was planning a 5000g for over a year then lost my job, then had to move to a house with a much smaller garden so I was stuck with my 100g and obviously I had to re home my precious fish, it killed me but I saved enough to buy a 225g with a good footprint and have found the perfect spot for an 8'x4'x2.5' glass build wish me luck! But for now I got a 225g with 6 clown loaches under 2" :/


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[tanyaelec11]

I am one of those people who start with one tank and end up with 20 . I am currently impatiently waiting on spring to come so I can move to a house with either a garage or a basement with a concrete floor so I can grab at least a 240 .. I have big dreams !! hehe I started off with a 20 gallon originally . Now I have a 180 , 55 and a 30... I did also had a 75 and a 100 but I had to downsize last move .

 

[gulperfan220]

It can be very expensive though one tried to keep their pets as healthy as possible but when pets comes ahead of ones wife and children then we really have to rethink our situation. Planning ahead and really research the species before buying is a must we all fall under of buying with our passion instead of our brain. Ones that could afford 600 to 1000 gallon tanks all the more power to you, the rest of us has a mortgage, children and other expenses would have make do with more modest exotic pets. i'm not saying there is people out there that is clearly not thinking that buys a red tail catfish and want to house it in a 55 gallon for life. We should not look down on people that made error in judgement but to educate them to not make that mistake. I join forum to be educated and learn from the more experience fish keeper not to be in it as a status symbol.

 

[Fat Homer]

It is a money grabbing hobby, but when you love it you spare no expense.
Just think yourself lucky your not paying Australia's price for Exotics lol. Your fish would be worth more than your car.

Yeah, i remember when i was in Australia i flipped when i saw the prices of a lot of fish over there... definitely wouldn't want to be an exotic keeper as you say over in the land down under...