Finally got around to reading your article. Very insightful. You touched on topics I hadn't considered, but fully agree with. I couldn't agree more about supporting the LFS!
Great write up. One thing I would say you include in your analysis is stress relief. When I came back from a deployment to the Middle East I had a difficult time reintegrating with my family. My tank became a way to bond with them again as well as an outlet to provide focus and direction. Cleaning the tank and routine maintenance became soothing and almost therapeutic. When my tank thrives I thrive. Just my two cents.
Excellent article! I did start this as a reason to spend time with my two boys, and explore some science with them. A good reason to get in the car and spend some time at a LFS together.
Lately, I found it an excellent outlet to focus my OCD tendency. I get to go home, fiddle and chase numbers to no end, which gives my two boys a break. LOL
Thank you for this. I agree with most of the topics in here. I have a very analytical mind and tend to move from hobby to hobby very quickly as I get "bored". Reefs have interested me since I was kid, and have had tanks on and off. But I am always reading and seeking more info on how reefs work at a lower level.
One thing that I struggle to cope with (but also keeps the hobby fun) is how much we have yet to learn and how each tank is essentially an experiment. That is like drugs for my mind lol. It's therapeutic in a way and I think this hobby will stick with me for life (at least I hope).
I think a lot of people gloss over the impulse-buy and financial side of the hobby. I've definitely been dishonest about my spend (not married though), just to make myself feel normal. That's definitely unhealthy and it's hard to exercise control over your purchasing power.
We all struggle with the topics I discussed. Like so much of life in general, it's definitely a juggling act to keep balanced. "Your definitely not alone on a island"!
Great topic and not one that's easy to tackle in one essay. I think there is much to be said about people's tanks being a reflection of who we are, who we want to be, and how we want others to see us
