Hobbyist Turnover
Printed From: Utah Reefs
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Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Description: Posts that don't fit in any of the other categories.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=55885
Printed Date: February 08 2026 at 9:14am
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Topic: Hobbyist Turnover
Posted By: Shayne
Subject: Hobbyist Turnover
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 12:09pm
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After being involved with reef aquariums for nearly 2 years (technically*), I'm kind of curious about the turnover rate of people leaving the hobby. I check the classifieds fairly regularly and it seems that every day I see someone who was fully involved with this hobby when I was just getting started selling their equipment and saying they've decided to get out. It's kind of depressing. Is running a reef aquarium really that taxing/difficult? What percentage of people who start up last more than 3-4 years before burning out?
I've also noticed a lot of downsizing. It seems like people are moving away from the bigger 90+ tanks and settling for the 40 or less sizes. I guess it makes sense since the old adage of bigger is easier to care for doesn't seem to apply as much anymore. Does this appear to be the future of reef tanks?
*(I say technically since I've been running a mostly fallow tank for about a year and a half.) ------------- 21G Reefer Nano |
Replies:
Posted By: Trevor40
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 12:22pm
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I would say people realize that it's a lot harder to keep there "dream tank" lookin bright an healthy than they thought. Also, it's fun to switch things up and get differant tanks now and then. Ive been in the hobby for 9 years now and have seen my share of trials and feel that if I wasn't as interested in the hobby as I am I probly would have gotten out. Moving can be difficult with a large tank so that could cause people to downsize. ------------- Call or Text (801)834-3119 |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 12:30pm
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I think the difficulty of keeping a reef tank is only part of the reason. Another big factor is the economy. People faced with a job loss or pay cut are cutting back themselves; things like a reef tank are (after all) luxuries that some can no longer afford... ------------- - My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) - * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 12:32pm
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I haven't seen stats recently... But as of a couple years ago the average life of a hobbyist was about eighteen months. More sad, average life of a pet store is two years. Our club actually is one of the nations best, with very low turnover and member return. Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: Shayne
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 12:42pm
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Good points from all. For some reason the economy issue didn't even cross my mind. I'm sure that's had an effect. ------------- 21G Reefer Nano |
Posted By: jwoo
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 12:58pm
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One thing I've noticed is that turnover has actually slowed recently so I do think the economy has a big role. A year ago the buy forum was almost nothing but full tank setups being sold and KSL was filled with them. Now it's probably only one or maybe two a week on KSL and fewer then that on our forum. ------------- None at the moment Soon: 72 Gallon Bowfront |
Posted By: Will Spencer
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 5:01pm
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Tank sales also seem to swing up a bit this time of year. People decide to change their priorities as summer approaches and sometimes that means getting rid of the tank altogether. There are not many people who can afford to many hobbies as expensive and time consuming as this one seems to be so when something else take priority either time wise or money wise they get out. Oddly enough many who have gotten out over the past few years are now getting back in, so what I wonder is not just what is the turnover rate, but what is the rate or recidivisim. |
Posted By: john hill
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 5:10pm
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i would love to get back in to the hobbie but i will do it much slower the next time i take the plunge i upgraded from a 65gallon to a 220 then to a 12 and then out in about 6 years damm economy
------------- out with the large and in with the nano |
Posted By: jmw
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 5:34pm
I've always thought 1 to 1.5 years is the breaking point. I think most people make their decision around that time frame. I know the economy has schewed the numbers, but in 1 to 1.5 years you've run into enough difficulties that, for most people, is when the decision is made. It was for me.
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Adam Blundell wrote:Posted By: Dion Richins
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 8:17pm
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I must be a glutton for punishment ;) ------------- http://www.customaquariumfurniture.com" rel="nofollow - Bad "censored" Cabinets Best quality in the valley! He is one sexy bald guy, even with out a finger!(MAC) |
Posted By: DLindquist
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 9:21pm
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Time and money! Any size tank taxes both as it is all relevante. We upgraded from a 90G to a 265G (400G total water volume). If the economy took a second dive- my wife (and myself- once I sold my left arm and right leg- and still couldn't afford the upkeep) would make sure the tank was one of the first things to go. I think few people realize, to create and maintain their "dream reef" requires a lot more... of everything. I'm 17 yrs very deep in. I don't think I could ever get out. ------------- A government strong enough to give you everything you want, is powerful enough to take everything you have. |
Posted By: Ryanscott
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 9:45pm
I would have to say also its the economy I have been in the hobby for 3 years started at 10 g jumped to 55 g a couple months later i got a 90 g and gave the 55 setup to my brother . after about 2 months of having the 90 i couldn't afford the upkeep. down graded to a 40 g . had that for 6 m then had to get rid of it because of the money aspect..... Now i am the proud owner of a 8g biocube reef with leds (to save money on lightbulbs) its the cheapest i could go without dropping the hobby all together..... i couldnt ever do that 
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Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 11:10pm
I've been "tanking" it continuously for 45 years now, since age 12. Two days ago it was time to take my reef back down to the ocean.  Kinda sad that day but those animals needed to be set free. It's in my blood though. Just this afternoon I built a big stand for my aquariums outdoors. It's time for some freshwater tanks. There are Green Swordtails living in Waipio Valley Stream with Apple Snails, interesting water plants and Water Hyacinth. I'm excited for some new set ups. This time the aquariums will be outside so my wife won't have any complaints about water on the floor or stink in the sink.  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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