Atitagain Posted November 14, 2021 Share Posted November 14, 2021 I woke up early today, put in a couple hours maintaining tanks and feeding again. Started my job as a Manny. (that’s what the wife calls me, male nanny) at nap time, another hour cleaning tanks again. Bedtime major projects time 3-4 hours again. This is not every day but most. I drink a lot of coffee 🥴get 5-6 hours sleep, start over. Would be so much easier to give up the tanks. Atleast cut back to one or two. Would save A LOT of money, less stress, more time for other hobbies, and wouldn’t be called a nerm by all my friends and family. Sometimes I wonder why, then I see this… It’s not really that much money considering how much joy it brings me, it relieves much more stress than it causes, I don’t wanna take time to do other hobbies, and I am very proud to be called a nerm. was feeling a little beat and tired today and taking pics for something else when I caught the one of hillstream loach and bristlenose on the log. Started looking around and snapping pics and these are some of my favorite pics I’ve ever takin. Not that their professional just that they reminded me of what I do this for. Hope you enjoy and please leave a pic that would lift you up when you are wondering why? 13 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXInkedPhoenixX Posted November 14, 2021 Share Posted November 14, 2021 (edited) Aww @Atitagain great post, and so true. I have to get up early for my 10-12 hour shift to do daily maintenance/feeding on my 5 (7 if you count my 2 working 2 gallon QT tanks right now) and spend an hour at least on that before it's done, if I'm really speedy and do the minimum it's still 45 minutes. Though it takes so much of my daily life I live by myself so it's all me which can be gratifying. Having other little souls in my house to keep me company is comforting. Maintentance/routine is a meditative thing for me. While I'm doing it I don't think about the bad things in my life or that are going on in the world. There are days I think about combining inhabitants and stop plans for filling out my tanks (as I have plans but have been patient with transitions). THEN you do exactly as you said. Stop, and watch your water pets and you are instantly at peace with the world. Edited November 14, 2021 by xXInkedPhoenixX 8 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atitagain Posted November 14, 2021 Author Share Posted November 14, 2021 On 11/13/2021 at 11:57 PM, xXInkedPhoenixX said: Maintentance/routine is a meditative thing for me. While I'm doing it I don't think about the bad things in my life or that are going on in the world. So true, the calming reset of a meditative action. 😌 Great pics your snails and fish definitely seem at peace with the world, I’m glad they can get you there as well. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flumpweesel Posted November 14, 2021 Share Posted November 14, 2021 I struggle to find the tank/life balance at times. I'm seem to have either a tidy house or a tidy tank. When I had the goldfish it was at times hard work but when they waved at me when I came home from work, or splashed me to get my attention the water changes and perpetual decor replacement seemed worth while. The photo is one of the last taken of my goldfish they used to sit watching me in that corner of the tank. You can see the corys have joined them they still turn up in the corner if they think I'm being late with the feeding. I'm not as invested in the new fish I'm hoping that will come with time. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atitagain Posted November 14, 2021 Author Share Posted November 14, 2021 @Flumpweesel how could you not be excited to provide care for those two looking at you! yes hopefully the new fish grow on you and give you the same comfort as your goldfish did. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flumpweesel Posted November 14, 2021 Share Posted November 14, 2021 When they figured out how to splash me from their lidded tank I knew who owned who 2 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odd Duck Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 (edited) On 11/14/2021 at 7:07 AM, Flumpweesel said: I'm seem to have either a tidy house or a tidy tank. Tidy house? What’s that? Although, to be honest, I rarely have what you could call a tidy tank either since I lean heavily towards jungles. 😆 @Atitagain I’ve posted these pics before but he’s still one of my favorites. There’s just something I really like about this guy. Maybe it’s because I don’t see him all the time, maybe it’s just that he’s so visually striking. He’s a pretty active pleco, out and about during the day. I see him nearly every day that I actually get to sit and watch the tanks. Sometimes my schedule only allows for feeding but prevents viewing. But every time I see him, my heart does a little pitty pat! There’s also just something about putting together a new tank. Even when I don’t do a fancy aquascape, just toss in plants for cover for new, nervous fish like the 20 H for the lasers. Such a sense of satisfaction to create that little ecosystem in a box that you just know the little fishies are going to love. And when one comes together into something that also pleases the eye, well, that’s got a touch of magic to it. Edited November 18, 2021 by Odd Duck 8 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guppysnail Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 Sometimes life becomes overwhelming for me as well. Then I think how much simpler it would be if I had no tanks to care for and would have Time to deal with more, conquer more obstacles, dedicate more time to doing things for others. Then I take time to just watch my fish and realize they care for my mental well being and force me to take time to do something I enjoy vs what needs done or what I could be doing for others. It took me years to learn self care and that if I didn’t make time for it I was less and less effective at helping others. My fish do for me what I do for others. 1 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atitagain Posted November 18, 2021 Author Share Posted November 18, 2021 On 11/18/2021 at 2:03 AM, Odd Duck said: visually striking On 11/18/2021 at 2:03 AM, Odd Duck said: my heart does a little pitty pat! On 11/18/2021 at 2:03 AM, Odd Duck said: Such a sense of satisfaction On 11/18/2021 at 2:03 AM, Odd Duck said: touch of magic That’s what I’m talkin bout! Not to just see why we do this hobby but to feel why. That pleco is beautiful, I don’t remember seeing it before. I understand the pitty pat. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atitagain Posted November 18, 2021 Author Share Posted November 18, 2021 On 11/18/2021 at 4:18 AM, Guppysnail said: It took me years to learn self care and that if I didn’t make time for it I was less and less effective at helping others. My fish do for me what I do for others I for one am extremely glad you learned this because you do an amazing job at helping others. It is obvious you care about the members here and all the fish, shrimp, snails, and plants that go along with them. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atitagain Posted November 20, 2021 Author Share Posted November 20, 2021 Had a couple insanely bad days this week. Then I went to my aquatic therapy! The babies the babies the red puttin in work How you doin? 4 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minanora Posted November 20, 2021 Share Posted November 20, 2021 I completely agree. Your tanks and fish are so lovely. I'm so glad you get that moment of "worth it". Time management can be especially hard with kids. I only have the one kiddo for now, but between him, the dogs, the house, our property, toys, other hobbies, and work of course... it can be hard to not feel like the aquariums are more "unnecessary" work. I feel like that on days where I spend 4+ hours between the three tanks I have. Somehow I still want more tanks! Insane... but I love my fish kids and the peace they bring me. I'm fortunate in the fact that I work from home most days and get to spend lots of time near each tank when I'm home. I've scrolled through this whole page of others comments and photos. You guys are all so wonderful. I'm thankful to have been welcomed into this community. All of your tanks, advise, fish, humor, dedication... I enjoy and appreciate it all. 5 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon p Posted November 20, 2021 Share Posted November 20, 2021 On 11/18/2021 at 2:03 AM, Odd Duck said: Tidy house? What’s that? Although, to be honest, I rarely have what you could call a tidy tank either since I lean heavily towards jungles. 😆 @Atitagain I’ve posted these pics before but he’s still one of my favorites. There’s just something I really like about this guy. Maybe it’s because I don’t see him all the time, maybe it’s just that he’s so visually striking. He’s a pretty active pleco, out and about during the day. I see him nearly every day that I actually get to sit and watch the tanks. Sometimes my schedule only allows for feeding but prevents viewing. But every time I see him, my heart does a little pitty pat! There’s also just something about putting together a new tank. Even when I don’t do a fancy aquascape, just toss in plants for cover for new, nervous fish like the 20 H for the lasers. Such a sense of satisfaction to create that little ecosystem in a box that you just know the little fishies are going to love. And when one comes together into something that also pleases the eye, well, that’s got a touch of magic to it. Love the pleco 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flumpweesel Posted November 20, 2021 Share Posted November 20, 2021 (edited) Sorry your having a bad time, but today I thought of another joy moment in the hobby and it's when you add new fish to their fully planted forever tank after the sterile environments of shops and quarantine and they swim round like crazy exploring and their colours getting brighter. Such fun to watch Added these today Edited November 20, 2021 by Flumpweesel Added photo 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torrey Posted November 21, 2021 Share Posted November 21, 2021 My tanks bring the outside, inside for me. Majority of my work (I think I work harder now that I was forced into retirement due to disability) is helping others reconnect with nature. My tanks actually help with that... especially for other disabled people who are living in non-accessible spaces. There are disabled people living in buildings with no elevator, and therefore no access to the outdoors. Yet, they can have everything delivered to build a little nature on their kitchen countertop.... It's a special kind of medicine, and for many, it's the first step toward food sovereignty for disabled people... 3 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon p Posted November 21, 2021 Share Posted November 21, 2021 On 11/18/2021 at 2:03 AM, Odd Duck said: Tidy house? What’s that? Although, to be honest, I rarely have what you could call a tidy tank either since I lean heavily towards jungles. 😆 @Atitagain I’ve posted these pics before but he’s still one of my favorites. There’s just something I really like about this guy. Maybe it’s because I don’t see him all the time, maybe it’s just that he’s so visually striking. He’s a pretty active pleco, out and about during the day. I see him nearly every day that I actually get to sit and watch the tanks. Sometimes my schedule only allows for feeding but prevents viewing. But every time I see him, my heart does a little pitty pat! There’s also just something about putting together a new tank. Even when I don’t do a fancy aquascape, just toss in plants for cover for new, nervous fish like the 20 H for the lasers. Such a sense of satisfaction to create that little ecosystem in a box that you just know the little fishies are going to love. And when one comes together into something that also pleases the eye, well, that’s got a touch of magic to it. Love the pleco 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon p Posted November 21, 2021 Share Posted November 21, 2021 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon p Posted November 21, 2021 Share Posted November 21, 2021 @TorreyI agree I had to go on disability 5 years ago. I hated not working and my felt the same(I wound go into that) but I’m really believe fishkepping has beeped me get my mind in a better place. Especially in the last 1.5 years. I always had fish and breed a few and everyone in the forum has helped and along with @Coryand @Dean’s Fishroom giving ideas and projects has greatly busy help keep the mind going. I still love the muck bucket pond. Thank you again Torrey. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atitagain Posted November 22, 2021 Author Share Posted November 22, 2021 @Brandon p nice tanks a lot of different breeds! Have you harvested that mystery snail clutch yet? How many babies? Biggest I got was about 40 babies but only 12 have made it to maturity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon p Posted November 22, 2021 Share Posted November 22, 2021 @Atitagain yeas and my more. I have a 55 gal I keep them in most are blue mystery snails. I take a pic but the glass is very cloudy. Was free and meant to be a grow out tank. The sponge filter is about the middle of the tank so you can get your bearings Pic 1: Right side front to back Pic 2: Left “ “ ” “ Pics3 & 4: eating frozen corn Pic 5 clutch of eggs Pic 6 there are about 20 bn pleco small 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atitagain Posted November 26, 2021 Author Share Posted November 26, 2021 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardedbillygoat1975 Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 I really like the way the tea colored water interacts with those cardinals! Your bucephelandra looks great as does that bit of sword. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torrey Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 On 11/13/2021 at 9:37 PM, Atitagain said: I woke up early today, put in a couple hours maintaining tanks and feeding again. Started my job as a Manny. (that’s what the wife calls me, male nanny) at nap time, another hour cleaning tanks again. Bedtime major projects time 3-4 hours again. This is not every day but most. I drink a lot of coffee 🥴get 5-6 hours sleep, start over. Would be so much easier to give up the tanks. Atleast cut back to one or two. Would save A LOT of money, less stress, more time for other hobbies, and wouldn’t be called a nerm by all my friends and family. Sometimes I wonder why, then I see this… It’s not really that much money considering how much joy it brings me, it relieves much more stress than it causes, I don’t wanna take time to do other hobbies, and I am very proud to be called a nerm. was feeling a little beat and tired today and taking pics for something else when I caught the one of hillstream loach and bristlenose on the log. Started looking around and snapping pics and these are some of my favorite pics I’ve ever takin. Not that their professional just that they reminded me of what I do this for. Hope you enjoy and please leave a pic that would lift you up when you are wondering why? I have never had success with red plants, until this forum. Some days, especially when I am having a flare, I get depressed and want to give up. I'll make plans for getting rid of everything. And then I find 2 babies in a theoretical bachelor grow out tank, or come in the forum and read other people sharing their frustrations and watch kind souls offer compassionate support. The nerms keep me going when I am stuck in bed, and my tanks keep me going when I am able to stay out of bed. We're family, and the fish and plants are the family that keeps us all together. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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