I'm asking this question because this seems to be such a big part of this hobby! I mean, it's really exciting when you get to set up a new tank, decorate, decide on fish. But after that tank is up and running and stocked....what keeps everyone interested? I find myself really taking my time setting up my 40 gallon....because the setting up and deciding part is my favourite part. I don't mind the maintenance, etc......but who really enjoys doing the maintenance? After your tank is fully stocked, what does everyone do? I always find myself wanting to set up another tank after one is complete! I'm just curious, I know what keeps me interested but I'm wondering what keeps everyone else interested.
Who likes doing water changes???
- Thread starter Erynn
- Start date
I enjoy 'mucking about' in my tank. I like interacting with my fish. And I'm also a bit of a perfectionist with the decor so I'm rearranging plants a fair bit. Also, I keep up with the maintenance because I enjoy watching my fish and their antics. If I didn't do water changes and all that, they wouldn't be healthy, and probably wouldn't behave the way they do when they are doing well.
I enjoy it for the most part, but have spells of procrastination that require some discipline to overcome. I am a tinkerer with all things, and am constantly trying new ideas, decor etc. So there is always something new going on. In a lot of cases I tinker with ways to make my maintenance easier and less time consuming.
dave
dave
I really like changing my oil/plugs/wires/etc. on my car. Same thing with the fish. If it's something you love, you will get pleasure from its upkeep. I'm not a perfectionist like indigo, but I like to get the plants and larger rocks in a pleasing display. I can spend quite a long time "building" a better home for the puffer, Of course, (if I can go back to the car analogy for a sec) a new motor would be nice, but If all I can afford is a wax job, then so be it.
I'm not sure I would call the actual process an active pleasure, but it is one chore which I do not mind, and afterward I do get pleasure from the increased activity of the fish and somewhat neater appearance of the tank(s).
I don't mind changing the water at all. If i'm due/late for a water change, its always in the back of my mind. And when i finally do, its a small bit of relief.
The only time i hate doing tank maintanance is when i'm busy and have to do it within a time slot. When i change water i like doing it at my own pace and not rush things.
The only time i hate doing tank maintanance is when i'm busy and have to do it within a time slot. When i change water i like doing it at my own pace and not rush things.
Some think that if you have a hobby that requires work and stress, it isn't a hobby but a chore. I totally disagree, and would in fact say that 99.9% of hobbies require some level of work and/or stress. That being said, it isn't a bad thing to admit that you do not like to do water changes. As much as I love having my fish around, I will be the first to say if there were a way to never do any water changes, I'd take it.
The fact is, we will never be able to remove dissolved wastes such as nitrates without doing water changes. At least not while I'm still living.
The fact is, we will never be able to remove dissolved wastes such as nitrates without doing water changes. At least not while I'm still living.
Ever since I made a python, I love doing water changes. My roommates catch me saying stuff like "I love siphons" or "buckets suck. He he." I guess that's just the science nerd in me. I also love to fine tune my tank. I just got some java moss and tied it onto a huge piece of driftwood that I have. It totally changed the look of the tank for $4. That's a price that a grad student loves!! :dance