Hobbyist Turnover

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 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...

Good points from all. For some reason the economy issue didn't even cross my mind. I'm sure that's had an effect.

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.

Adam Blundell wrote: I haven't seen stats recently... But as of a couple years ago the average life of a hobbyist was about eighteen months. Adam

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.

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.