List Only

Large aquariums not a long term pet or hobby?

I see so very many large aquariums 55, 90, 180, 220 gallons for sale constantly on my free local online classifieds. Many of these setups are only a couple years old and the prices are usually rather low compared to buying new. Why so many getting into this hobby and spending thousands and then selling for a dime or two on the dollar so soon after? I'd think aquariums would be more successful as a pet or hobby due to no vet bills, no walking etc.

Public Comments

1. Maintenance, mostly. The bigger they are, the more work you have to put into them. It's not a "set it and forget it" thing like most people assume.
2. Maybe they are getting a larger tank or they cannot be bothered to do the required maintenance. People seem to have little time due to all the new technologies. Check out this site if you need help setting up: http://www.Fish-Tank-Accessories.net
3. Like the other said, maintenance seems to be a common reason people get out of the hobby. Another one I have noticed is the economy (in the US). I got my 55, 75 and 120 gallon tanks for dirt cheap b/c the owners couldn't afford the hobby or were moving to a smaller home w/o room for the tanks.
4. Like a couple people have already mentioned, all maintenance. They think, "Oh how cool its going to be to have a 200 gallon aqarium in my house all set up nicely with beautiful fish!" Yet they think just build it and that's it. It takes more than just letting the tank sit and look pretty. No matter how much money is invested in top of the line pumps, aerators, and filters, there's still care of the fish to be had. Y'know what I mean?
5. People buy aquariums on a whim, after watching "Finding Nemo", thinking how wonderful the tank is going to look with all those amazing tropical fish swimming around in there. Then reality sets in and those pretty African Cichlids or baby Jack Dempsey mature and slaughter anything else they put in the tank. Then you still have to clean the algae and change the water every week. Some just haven't done ANY research, and basically can't keep a fish alive. Some folks, the novelty just wears off. Also people may be moving, and a large tank is a big hassle. Easier to sell it off than get it moved. Yes fish do make good pets, IF you do your research, get suitable fish, set up the tank correctly. But to do it successfully is more technical than keeping a cat or dog. If you are comfortable, the dog is comfortable. Not the same with fish. The good side to all this? Us folks that DO want to keep fish, and know how, have a ready source of cheap 2nd hand tanks :-) Ian