*How many hours do you want to spend each week working on your fishkeeping hobby?*

I can resonate with ALL of it. The difference between stamp collecting and fish keeping is the maintenance and responsibility involved. I have horses. 30 years ago, I had my one horse (which I still have, btw). I trained him, showed him, fed him, bathed and braided his mane. For my one horse, I paid for shots, his shoes, and those unexpected medical issues. 30 years ago, having my own farm and running an equine business that included training and selling horses sounded like a great idea. Fast forward to 15 years down the road, And the money, work, lack of personal time, and so little time spent between me and the horse that I love so much, definitely took its toll on me and my family. The biggest problem I had was being in denial about my desire to stay in this business. It took another 15 years for me to look in the mirror and say it’s time to stop, and go back to why I first got into this…which was my love for horses. Life is too short, and we need to accept that many things are impermanent. Of course, then I jumped into fishes and went from one 55 gallon to seven tanks, including a 120 …. but having learned my lesson, I took an absolutely beautiful collection of peacocks and return them to my local mom and pop fish store after four years. I’ve since downsized to three tanks and it’s just enough for me. As far as your yard goes, I had the same issue… That’s when wildflowers for the bees came in, literally no maintenance and helping mother Earth. Stay true to yourself and enjoy life , fish king❤

All of us fishkeepers needed this if we realize it or not. Thank you for always being so honest.

50 hours a week here with 36 aquariums + KZfaq content creation + breeding and selling fish (13-17 species) and breding and selling Neocaridina shrimps (6 colours) on my website. Greetings from sunny Croatia. If you are ever here (I know you planned it last year) pass by. Cheers

I was a "gotta catch 'em all" kind of fishkeeper. But I now find that having a few fish in an aquarium that I really enjoy is more peaceful and sustainable. Thanks for this important discussion, Cory

This man has shared with us his fish know-how for years. Two years ago at 67 I personally started a fish tank because of watching Aquarium Co op you tube videos. Now I'm further amazed that this relatively young man is teaching me how to grow older with grace and wisdom through sharing more of his love of the hobby and his life experience. I've never met Cory but he is someone I think of as a friend, one I value greatly. Thanks Cory.

The most honest man in business. No joke.

You are so right! I have kept 2 aquariums for 38yrs. I see the strong draw to have more. I stay with 2. It is enough for me. A 50g and 60g. Very enjoyable. Very easy.

It’s so funny how many men get this obsession with giant yards . I think it’s rich guy lord of the manor desires . My mom stopped my dad from doing this by pointing out he had no plans for the lawn , it was just more mowing . We have a 1/3 acre which gives you room to do stuff gardening , trees, etc without insane maintenance. As for your yard Cory , meadows are becoming very popular . Seed native wildflowers and mow paths into the yard going to the pond and a play area around the house . It’s much better for the environment and you’ll have more nature to enjoy !!

I got into the hobby because I love aquatic plants and beautiful planted aquariums. I stayed in the hobby because I understand that when a hobby becomes work it is no longer a hobby. I keep two tanks. Both with deep substrate, lots of plants, clean up crews and light fish stocking otherwise. They take care of themselves for the most part. I don’t do water changes unless there is a problem and there rarely are. The majority of the upkeep that needs done is glass scraping and plant trimming. I love my tanks and I know I wouldn’t if they needed constant attention. Keep as many tanks as you feel happy to care for. When you start feeling stressed about taking care of them downsize until you stop feeling the stress. Only keep as many tanks as you can comfortably can. Hobbies are meant to de-stress yourself not add more to your plate.

Corey I genuinely appreciate your honesty here. My partner she mentioned that I have too many tanks and Its a bit much. Reality is I have 13 tanks in a one bedroom apartment. its become more of an obsession than a hobby and it starts to take away from my time. I think I will just focus on my main display tank and maybe max 4 others i use for breeding. I should mention I started going tank crazy during covid. I actually dont have enough time to take care of 13 tanks. 4 is more manageable. I've come to realize my obsession with just having tanks didnt matter what was in them. Even if they were just planted with a few fish/shrimp in them. 13 is too much lol

I just gave away my only aquarium (20L), fish, plants, and a bunch of supplies and extra equipment after previously downsizing from 4 to 1 due to moving and then cancer treatment. I had to get rid of this last tank due to having to move (again) into a 300sf studio and not having the energy or desire to move or even keep fish at the moment. I kept a few items such as a light and air pump "just in case" I get another aquarium, and it'll most likely be a betta in a 10-gal with some anubias (my favorite plant) and crypts. I miss my little tetras and the gorgeous, large anubias barteri I got from AC back in early 2021.

Reptiles, arachnids, fish, pollinator-garden, houseplants…. Done all of these and pared-back on all. It IS overwhelming and pricey! I’m downsizing EVERYthing & loving it. Thrilled w/ my three tanks, not enlarging the garden anymore, parceling-out plants.

What I found out about myself over the last 7 years is I prefer watching my fish in a jungle style planted tank and I do not like tank maintenance. I topped out with about 35 tanks. I could not keep up. I currently have 6. Great video.

My problem is aquascaping. If I only have 2 or 3 display tanks, I keep "adjusting/fine tuning" each one until I've ruined what could have been a beautiful aquascape if I'd just left it alone. Something that's helped has been having breeding, quarantine/hospital, and plant grow-out tanks in a separate room. Things to take care of and fiddle with while letting patience take the lead in the display tanks, where I can simply watch and appreciate the fish and the maturing aquascape.

Whatever makes you happy, Cory. Fight the burnout.

I spend a lot of my free time on my hobby, but not a lot of that time is maintenance. Weekly, I probably spend 6-10 hours on research/learning and participating in the community, 2 hours on cleaning/maintenance, and I don't even know how much time passes while I"m just watching my fish. Most of my maintenance is a daily small amount. scrape some algae one day, trim some plants another, do a water change on another day, etc. Breaking things up into a small daily routine makes having lots of tanks a lot easier 😊 It also helps to keep low maintenance tanks with as much automation as possible.

I highly suggest looking into native planting and lawn alternatives 💚

👍🏻😎I have been in the hobby for 36 years now. I started when I was 24 and I'll be 60 this year. I never grow tired of the satisfaction I get from it. I have never had more than 4 aquariums at once and right now I only have 1. I might be setting up a second one but I would never go over 3 at this point in life because the burnout factor is real and I am starting to slow down a bit and I just want to enjoy it like I did when I first started out way back in 1988.

I realised after 17 years of fishkeeping that ultimately I just enjoy watching my aquariums. The builds, maintenance, etc etc that goes along with it is the necessary stuff to get through..... to then just enjoy watching my aquariums. The end game didn't match up to the time commitment I would have to spend on a regular week which used to be most of a day. So now I just have 3 tanks. 20G rimless and two 8G bowls all with different fish and vastly different eco systems. Maintenance now takes about an hour to 90mins once a week for all 3 tanks on a regular maintenance routine which is perfect for me. Less time mucking about and a lot lot more time for enjoying. That's how I just cut down and completely revitalised my hobby.

Have you thought about about doing a wildflower meadow in the “extra” yard? Then you wouldn’t have to mow and it helps wildlife

I'm in my later 60's now and I have chronic pain. I totally understand and agree with you.

I have had tanks my whole life, over 40 years. I got really into it and had 8 tanks and 2 ponds. I was also working and going to college full time. I eventually got burnt out in the hobby. As things died, I didn’t replace anything. Eventually I was able to downsize to 2 tanks and 1 pond. I kept all my old stuff in my garage. Recently a few years ago during COVID, I had more time and my interest got sparked again in the hobby. I now have 8 tanks going and I’m setting a pond back up, maybe 2. Burnout is real in this hobby. Dialing things back is the best way to deal with it. Once it’s fun again, you’ll slowly setup your old tanks again.

We also have several acres and we leave a large portion of our back yard grow up into a 'meadow' and all that is required is mowing it with a tractor once a year (late spring), way more environmentally friendly and wonderful for wildlife, win/win!

I have been keeping fish since 1962 and enjoy everything about the hobby including maintenance etc. Each person must and should make their own decisions

100% agree. Got into the hobby about 9 years ago got more and bigger tanks my partner started to help and enjoy it cause I couldn’t carry all the RO or afford to make my own. Became unenjoyable because I felt the guilt to keep up as they’re animals I took in to care for and I physically couldn’t. Burnt me out big time, I still have my biggest tank and only that now. Just switched that from a community tropical tank of about 5 years to two goldfish I don’t have to worry about hauling so much RO now. It was a great refresh for me I find more enjoyment back from fish again now with just two Orandas than worrying and keeping up with so many different/types of fish.

What a timely video, not just regarding aquariums, but life in general. Trying to resolve how many tanks and how big versus how much time I have to manage them given all the other responsibilities that eat up hours in the week.

Awesome content. I used to have 6 aquariums (40B, 29, 20L, 14 Cube, 10 and 10). With kids schedule and our schedule, I got burned out after a couple of years. I tore down 3 of them and completely neglected the other 3. Just recently, I got fired up and completely cleaned up the remaining 3 and they are doing great. Water changes, feeding and maintenance are a breeze and I truly enjoy the 3 that I have.

Thank you Corey for this inspirational video! This information will help me get the motivation and planning to get down from 23 tanks to a more manageable number. I have been in the hobby for over 15 years and love to breed fish. I used to have time for all of my tanks, but lately with work changes, having 4 kids it has been harder to maintain and simply enjoy the hobby. Now I need to start with a plan with downsizing the amount of tanks that I have so I can start enjoying this wonderful hobby like I used to.

Man I have always looked at you as the voice of reason in this hobby. 💚💚💚💚 definitely not doom and gloom.

I couldn't have said it better myself, all of it! I have been through the "monster" fish keeping phase, which led to me needing more and larger aquariums. I had around 5 or 6 aquariums at one point, with the largest being 300g. My largest fish was an 18 inch silver arowana, followed by my 15 inch hoplias curupira. I couldn't imagine doing that now as a full time worker and married man. Now I have 1 55 gallon planted angel tank that keeps me plenty busy. But when it doesn't, I have an empty 20 gallon and a 2 gallon that I already have plans for. I am in no hurry to set them up, as I am enjoying just my 55 for now. Back then I would have rushed into it and set all of them up and then found myself overloaded. Now I can really appreciate spending more time relaxing and watching the fish, while doing small bits of trimming and other maintenance. My interests in the hobby have most certainly changed, and so has my desire to spend time working on my tanks. I think it's just part of the journey for most people to go through the phases of fishkeeping. But like you said, it's most important for everyone to decide for themselves just how much time and how many tanks is right for them. Great video!

I have a similar situation rn. I just got rid of 7 under 6gal aquariums. Some were just standing there waiting to be set up. I now plan on having 2 40gal and 2 20gal longs. I’ll put them in one spot and the enjoyment will be way better. Sadly it took me purchasing a lot of small tanks to come to this conclusion. ❤ for anyone struggling - simplify, and your enjoyment will come back 👍🏼

I have 2 tanks, 10 gallons each. Perfect for me and I’m obsessed with keeping them spotless. I’m also a painter and I have a full time job, so I can’t have more than 2. One has ember tetras with a Koi Betta and the other one has Endlers with a blue and red Koi Betta. These two females are so different…one is super social and even plays with my bracelet when I clean her tank…the other one hides and likes to dig my plants at night. Love them both to death!

I think this video was meant for me to see. I currently have a 5 gallon nano that I've had for almost a year, and I love it. I've been thinking of adding another tank (or two) because I've always wanted a reef tank. My husband isn't crazy about the idea and said "This is how it starts. You gotta get this size for these types of fish you want, but now you also gotta get that size for those types of fish you want. When does it end?" He's not wrong. Lol You're right about the time invested in our hobbies and obligations. Working full-time and being a homeowner with "that bigger yard we wanted" takes up so much time. Then add in 8 dogs- 7 large dogs (so big poops) and 1 small dog- 3 cats and litter boxes, and a parakeet. We spend a lot of time feeding and cleaning up after them. Plus we're gamers too. There just isn't enough time in the day for everything. Heck there isn't enough time in the week. Lol Well maybe one more tank won't be too bad...😅

Funnily enough, a couple of hours ago I rehomed my goldfish collection and a few angelfish. I loved those fish, had them for several years and seeing them leave (With a very experienced and happy goldfish keeper!) was very hard. But I am moving house, doubling down on some career objectives, and taking care of my 135 and 70 gal tanks was getting to be a bit much - scraping algae for at least an hour and a half each week (brightly lit house, argh!) and carting hoses and water buckets around for another hour...although I enjoyed it, sometimes it was a chore. So when we sold our house, I decided it was also time to find a perfect new home for the goldies. I want to get back into small tanks. I don't think I will ever have anything bigger than a 40 again, except for when I get my pond in the future, and the goldfish fanatic in me will return. I kept my garra group as I love them, I have a 20 gallon tank I am about to set up, and will get some platies or small shoaling fish, something I really love, to go with them. And I will obsess over that single tank and keep it perfect, but in a more contained and small way. Maybe in a couple of years, I will get a small dwarf puffer tank I have also been thinking about. I was so sad to see the goldies leave, but I also feel good about the new direction of my fishkeeping hobby. Very funny that your video appeared on my feed just after I took this step!

I always look at from the perspective that when I start to resent something or the amount of time required, it's a hint to pull back. The hard part is admitting it to myself or others.

I understand burnout can make the things we love a hassle. I sometimes get burnt out but I’ve found that it’s not my magnitude of tanks that’s the problem. Always change your perspective and you’ll make the grass greener. If I want more tanks for more species but want less maintenance, I renovate an aquarium so it’s self sustainable and I don’t have to do water changes as frequently. The Walstad method is great for helping me achieve that. Out of my 30 tanks I only have to do maintenance on half of them because they’re for quarantining.

I have 5 tanks myself and feel this. I think multi tank syndrome happens because you can't keep all the fish you want to keep in one register. I find with my five I usually only feel like 1 is where it's supposed to be. My tanks are healthy but things are just off. Not sure what I want to cut though.

Yes! this is an important topic! I have only been in it about 5 years and recently with having issue after issue, tanks crashing inexplicably, sick fish, fish deaths and I don't even know for sure why, after watching video after video and seeking help on facebook groups, and seeing possible things I hadn't even thought of as being problems, and all the medications I have spent money on, only to see a few of my fish die anyway, I have gotten discouraged and felt burned out. I was thinking about getting rid of all four of my aquariums. I can't seem to do financially, or have time for what everyone else can do. But I am still hanging in there and trying not to be too hard on myself, otherwise I will completely drop out. I needed to hear this video. Not long ago I was considering getting another tank. I am SO glad I didn't. Thank you Cory. I love your common sense and level headedness. ❤

This was some good advice I needed. I already have 6 tanks (180G, 2*120G, 75G and 2*50G). This message means a lot to me because it made me realise that we also have other things to do other than just the hobby and if your a person who works and spends like 2 hours traveling man u barely have some energy to give your tanks some time. This is definitely going to make me put a stop to multiple tank syndrome. Yes every Sunday is a tank maintenance and water change day. And keeping up to everything is a headache and to add up to all of that I'm a researcher in biology. Thank you so much for this video it has really helped me understand that fishkeeping is a hobby just like any other hobby and i can't let that be my life but treat it as a hobby and give it the same time I give to other hobbies.

Thank you, Cory! I’ve been downsizing to just my 40 breeder tank. I only have one fish left right now, which is an almost 5” Sarasa comet goldfish that cost me 31 cents over 3 years ago. Who would have known a “feeder fish” would be my favorite fish of all time. It for sure was t the “rare” betta that cost over $40 that lived 2months.

Good talk. I started in the hobby in 2020 at 66. Went overboard, had large (8 -55g) and 8 smaller (10 & 20 gal) tanks, I have been downsizing and getting rid of the smaller tanks. Consolidating certain fish in certain tanks. Still have a couple small tanks for shrimp, hospital, quarantine and of course Mr. Betta. It became hard since most all my small tanks were under the big tanks and crawling around on the floor just didn't cut it. So it is still a work in progress, would like to be around 6 large and just a couple small. Still love my fish, love to watch them.

I went from 50tanks when I lived in the US and when I moved over here to Spain I only set up,5 tanks and I love it. I spend just enough time per,week with maintenance and I have an African tank, a South American tank, aCemtral American tank, a guppy tank and a community tank. These keep me happy and engaged in the hobby without burnout. Good luck

I really work at NOT adding more tanks. I like to be able to take time to just watch my fish for awhile each day. I like to prune the live plants and do maintenance as needed. I keep my tanks as natural as possible with plants, snails and fish so the balances are good. I don't like feeling overwhelmed so I work at the enjoyment part. I choose my fish tank enjoyment over yardwork. The fish are inside and I enjoy them all year long. I also only keep fish that I really enjoy.

This relates to houseplants too!! I went for zero to 86 plants during Covid first year lol. Loved them, had to get every "rare" etc. Watering 86 plants is a lot of work if done properly, to the sink, good thorough water, let drain. Trimming dead leaves, repotting. So much work! I'm down to 16 plants now and 6 nice fake plants/trees to fill in lol

I have 9 tanks (two 29g, two 20H, four 10g, one 8g) and that's as many as I can live with comfortably. I'm one who builds stable tanks and leaves them running for years, with little mucking about in them, so my time commitment is not great. Plus four tanks are several sorts of neocaridina shrimp, which are largely self-sustaining the way I do it. Biggest problem I have is dealing with overpopulation due to endless baby production, particularly Endlers and shrimp.

This was the best video I have ever watched. So enlightening about overwhelming yourself with something you enjoy. There are a few hobbies I can cut back on so I can enjoy them again! Thank you so much!

I haven't found my sweet spot because I'm new to planted tanks. I kept fish 18 years ago and my mother made me dump them in our yard. I quit after that. I just got into it again and I've got a 2.5 for plant quarantine and/or fish medical treatment, a 5 gallon snail tank, a 10 gallon, and a 20 long I'm working on scaping for a single betta. I'm sticking with this for now. The 5 gallon is doing great with ramshorns and 1 female assassin snail, Derps(she was a hitchhiker and I re-homed 5 babies). The 10 gal is cycling after some new tank syndrome and I'm not sure what I'll put in it. I'm waiting for it to grow in and stabilize. This video is beautifully honest and encouraging. It reminds people it is ok to downsize or upsize as long as the mental/emotional/physical benefit outweighs the cost in work. Thanks for making this.

It takes so much honesty, wisdom and humility to come to this realization. The enjoyment from each additional tank can provide diminishing returns. Cheers, bro!

Excellent video. Already forwarded this to my son.

One of the many reasons why I've always respected and valued Cory's opinion. He has a plethora of knowledge and doesn't hesitate to share it. That and he's not afraid to say the things other people hesitate to say. You can tell he's not only a true aquarist but and trustworthy business man. Hence the aquarium co-op products are actually great products. I felt like this for a while now and this video really reinforced my decision to downsize my aquariums from 30 to 20. Like he said, there's nothing wrong with taking a setback and reevaluating what you've been doing! Phenomenal video!

Needed this thankyou Cory, it's so easy to think more is Better but not necessarily ay! Thanks Aaron

What a reflective and compassionate discussion. How the hobby has evolved! As mine matured, I lost my taste for keeping a big tank and for keeping large fish. I now have 3 nano tanks (which is enough) and am happily intrigued with finding ways to make them varied and to seem as natural as possible for their inhabitants. Still learning and evolving and Aquarium Co-op is helping. Thanks!

Cory, you are 100% right. I think I've been battling with this for a while. I downsized from 4 tanks to 2...but I'm not done yet. I want to RIGHT SIZE. The demands of our lives change, and the ways we are willing to give up our time change. (I've been through the mowing acreage, having 3 dogs, etc. things too. lol). I am trying now to Right Size everything! Heading toward one fish tank, and one turtle tank. We'll see if thats the sweet spot. Thank you for giving us this video!

You are absolutely correct Cory. I recently went through a very similar process with my aquariums. When I got into the hobby 4 years, I planned to have 3 125 gallon tanks, one for discus, one for cichlids and one as a general community tank. I ended up with just a 150 gallon and a 25 gallon and has been contemplating on getting rid of my 25 gallon. I enjoy watching fish but not so much excessive amount of maintenance and due to family circumstances often has only a hour or two to spend with my fish on the weekend. These days, I enjoy my discus but most of all plecos which is a major contributed to me getting rid of the 25 gallon as I don't really enjoy fish small enough to fit into it. I am also currently going through a burn out phase with both my discus and my plecos. I used to go, ohh a type of discus I don't have, got to get it, oohh, this plecos is extremely rare, only 1-2 are imported per month. Then all of sudden, I just stop, I was blowing through more cash than I like, my 150 gallon was getting too crowded with multiple plecos that get 50-60 cm and 20 discus. One day, it was like a string that snap, I just went full stop and said, wait a second, what is the point of all this? what is the point of getting all these species of plecos that I was going to get? Honestly, like you said the thing that finally did it for me was my love for my fish, I realized that I can't keep all of the fish that I got and are planning to get all the way through to adulthood. Not without doing something drastic like two water changes per week, which I refused to do. I went through my list and shorten it, from now on, every fish I get would be because I really really want it, not because of the I want to catch them all mentality I was having. Sometimes, we just got to stop and think carefully about what you are doing with the hobby, it helps put things into perspective. Honestly, as funny as it sounds, my perfect number of aquarium might just be one, I enjoy the fish I have and provide them with the best, within reason, care I have and my undivided attention. Occasionally in life, simple might be the best thing for you

Many thanks!!!!! It is import subject pics that need to be addressed. 😊. Keep going you are worth gold!!!! Ann Marie from Sweden

I haven't had any tanks set up for about a year and a half until about a week ago I set one up and now waiting on my guppies and shrimp to arrive. Guppies were my first fish back in 2016 but I've never kept fresh water shrimp so I can't wait for that. It's nice to see a different perspective and I loved the tank size video too it's given me a whole new outlook. I will now keep a small tank and see how it goes for me as in the past I got into too much at once and took away the fun.

Imposition and humbleness are underestimated virtues today. Hopefully that was translated correctly. Thanks for upholding them and best wishes from Germany.

Great insight Cory, I look at this hobby as a marathon, not a sprint. One 75gal and 4-5 smaller tanks are enough for me. Lots of plants, limited stocking and basic filtration keeps maintenance low, I think I do about one hour per week as long as nothing goes seriously wrong.

I have 16 tanks. Breeding 5 species. I spend 6 to 10 hours a week. I would love to add another 12 grow out tanks. Tanks are on the stand plumbed in. But I don't think I have the time to properly take care of them. I use to run 150 tanks 25 years ago. That took 30+ hours a week.

This one video has helped me so much and it isn’t even over yet. Thank you buddy.

You'll figure it all out Colby. I love you man and everything you do and have done for this hobby. Hell my fish are still alive all because of you. Keep up the good work.

The dog analogy is so accurate for me. We had 2, then I rescued a smaller dog. It was definitely a big change but not too bad. Then we ended up with a pregnant dog that my mom found dumped in a ditch and ended up keeping the mom and one puppy (didn’t originally plan on the puppy). The jump from 3 to 5 was bonkers. Care wise it doesn’t take much longer to feed 5 than 3, but attention wise it went up exponentially. I had 4 tanks at one point and ended up completely downsizing all my animals except the dogs. A year later I wanted another tank but I’m sticking with one larger tank and only the fish that I really enjoyed from the first time around

i recently moved up to 10 tanks, was at 7 for a while, and i finally feel like my fish room is complete, i dont feel like i need more, im happy with all my equipment, for what i want to do the fish i like and am interested it i have all my needs met

From having 20 tropical power filtered and heated tanks.I now have 5 planted tanks. I keep sub tropicals with 4" deep substrate, No electric filters or heaters, just an Led light on each tank. Feed minimal, maybe 3 part water changes a year.

Really enjoyed this video and thank you.

Sounds like a great plan! Look forward to seeing you progress 😊

the Number depensds on the moment i am living..so right now it is 6-7 .

I’m a newbie with a 15g tank with ember tetras, green neons, dwarf anchor catfish, pygmy loaches, pygmy corys, and shrimp. It has been so much work I can’t fathom how people can do it with lots of tanks. The biggest pain was having to catch fish out of the back compartment. The Pygmy loaches especially. Every time I put the fish guard over the intake slots the flow slows down too much and the water gets too cloudy and full of particles. Plus the pygmy loaches were still weaseIing their way through the fish guard! 🤦🏻‍♀️ I finally figured out to put a piece of black sponge on top of that back compartment to make it dark and uninviting and they stopped going back there. Phew! 😅 Then another thing I learned was that you don’t add 8 green neons and 3 pygmy corys, and then 2 days later change the filter sock to a fresh clean one, because it removes a lot of the good bacteria you had going in your newish tank. I had to do daily water changes for a while to get the nitrates and nitrites back down. Thankfully I didn’t get an ammonia spike. But there has been so much to learn and I don’t know where I’d be without KZfaq. I think if I do another tank I’d like to have a small tank with 3 pea puffers or a tank with some shell dwellers.

Very helpful content, thanks! Right now I am trying to decide how many tanks I want, I still am not entirely sure what I want but I will apply these principles when making the decision!

Great video with much wisdom, especially about splitting the joy between tanks and spreading yourself too thin. 👍 I do have a suggestion about the grass in your yard! Why don't you dedicate some to let grow wild? That way you'll find native wildflowers, which will attract native pollinators and, for me, that's added a lot of enjoyment to my back garden/yard. It's a win-win, and you'll still have a good stretch of grassy lawn, but also a sort of miniature meadow! I've randomly found a lot of forget-me-nots in amongst my flowerbed, alongside bluebells and other wildflowers in places I never expected. It's so lovely. Well done for your courage speaking about too many tanks, when you're in the business of selling them. We all appreciate the honesty. 👏👏👏

When I bought my house my interest in aquariums died down quite a bit. Not my interest in my fish, I think I have grown a greater appreciation for the fish I still have. I have my 6 year old Oscars in a 120 gallon, and 8 assorted goldfish (mostly shubunkins) out in my pond and I absolutely love them all! When I bought my house I started gardening and now I have a mass amount of plants to take care of. I feel the wisdom you are preaching, and I will continue to learn and love fish keeping.

It's always good when an experienced hobbyist talks about some of the pitfalls of keeping aquariums. I'm 62 years old. I purchased my first tank at 16. Like Cory, I've had ups and downs, and even had some down years with no tanks at all. But there are a few things I've learned about how to stay engaged, and to avoid burnout. For me, I always take care to place aquariums where I spend the bulk of my time. I always try to place tanks next to seating areas, and even next to my bed on a nightstand. This keeps you focused on the tanks since you are constantly near them, and can't help but look into them, even if only for a few moments. Having a dedicated fish room didn't work out as well for me, since it was easy for me to neglect visiting the room, and when I did, it was only when I had to. It became more of a chore. Now others will find that not to be so, but it was for me. What works for me is what I stick with. But to be honest, I still try new places to setup a tank. I now have 8 tank setups, and will be removing two, as those were placed in areas that just don't get much attention. I also try to keep learning about other unknown (to me) fish species. I recently joined NANFA. And my future setups will include some native fish species too. I see a tank with Longear Sunfish, and another tank with some darters and daces in my future. There is always something to look forward to, yet another example on how I keep interested in the hobby. That's what works for me. And as Cory said, find what works best for you. That's advice we all can follow.

At the start of my Aquarium journey back in the late 70s, I started with a fish bowl, that led to a 10g tank, then added a 20g saltwater tank, and that was enough. I left the hobby for many years. Came back about 7 years ago to a 29g community tank. My hillstream loaches are breeding a lot, so I can't really add anything else to the 29g with all the babies growing out. Once I sell those babies, will buy a 40G breeder to use as my main. The 29g is very well seasoned, and think I will serve well as a grow out tank for the hillstreams. I don't think I will go beyond that. Retired and have lots of time, but I just don't think I would enjoy having so many tanks to maintain. I do have other hobbies.

Great perspective!

So refreshing and healthy, thanks for this video, I love it! I think my number would be 1 or 2, for now I have 1 and only occasionally crave for more.

This video just landed at the right time. Thanks 🙏

I think I really needed this video. I've been in burnout mode for almost a year now - my 9 tanks are down to just 3, but VERY poorly maintained (not even any fish currently just a lot of plants!) But hearing someone say it's okay, makes it easier to swallow that I'm not the only going through a "this is just too much right now" phase.

It was probably taking my aquariums to college that solidified my desire to not have more than 4 aquariums and/or terrariums at a time (4th if it's necessary or essentially a vase). I just graduated and now I have two tanks running and stocked with one set up as a peninsula, something ive been wanted for ever. I have a 3rd that is a plant nursery essentially that I MIGHT stock. But I already can't think of having anything in there other than maybe some weird shrimp or crabs that are basically 0 maintenance. Can't even wrap my head around having a 4th unless I decide I dont want to travel ever lol.

It's cool Cory, when you try something or change your mind about what you are doing it's all interesting and educational for us and most importantly, all you have to do is take your fish to the store and sell them, no harm done! It's all good 😊

I needed to hear this. I had a 55 gallon tank with crayfish, and they were fun at first, but I gradually became tired of them, since they'd eat any plants I'd put in with them (including plastic!) and eat any fish as well. (It was a great way to dispose of dead fish from my other tank). Now that my last crayfish has gone under that great rock in the sky, I shut down my other, smaller tank and turn the 55 into a planted community tank like I wanted. It's not downsizing, it's RIGHT-sizing!

Good content- 10 years ago I have that same problem. To may tanks and not enough time. I think I found my sweet spot but at time I still have to take a step back to re-examine my situation.

The timing here is naturally accurate for me. I like to have my one or two little tanks done exactly how I like them and they are flourishing and I can sit and enjoy that and stay on top of my little maintenance and it really works for me. The yard analogy was absolutely perfect.

I love your videos and wisdom. I recently scaled down from two aquariums to one - I could not be happier. I love this one, can dedicate to it all the time it needs and IO do note need to split my time when i want to enjoy it. No regrets

Resonates with me! I've got 6, and I'm moving towards 3. Tanks I want to keep - 1 26g reef at home, 1 75g high tech planted at home, and 1 15g high tech planted at my office. The 15g at my office is by far the one I enjoy the most, yet I only spend about 30 minutes a week maintaining it besides daily feeding, and it always looks immaculate.

The one thing I've learnt over the last 20 years of keeping fish Corey is that there is a definite Distinction between hobby and side Hustle once you can be honest with yourself and make that distinction you already be heading in the general direction that you want to go but the biggest problem I've found in the hobby is people being honest with themselves a man's got to know his limitations lol P's sending all of our love and well wishes to you guys from Australia love your work and really appreciate everything you do Corey in some ways you saved my mental health by getting me back into the hobby that I'd walked away from for so long

Mr. Amano's nature aquariums got me into the hobby. I only have one tank. I have no job, I have no hobbies, I don't go out, I haven't even seen the sun in years but even I feel burnt out. Maintaining an aquarium is no joke. I cannot fathom having two or more tanks at once.

THANK YOU! I’ve watched you for years now your wisdom has gotten through me this silly hobby (my $31 feeder goldfish is now almost 5”long!

I remember your multi-row cinderblock setup. I was always confounded at how you would bring in fish, stock a tank with them, and it would seem as if half of your tanks were still sitting empty. Personally, if I have to use more than 2 5-gallon buckets for a water change, I tend to burn out fast. Maintenance feels like a massive burden to start and to clean up after. For freshwater, a 20-gallon long balances joy and burden. For saltwater, nothing larger than a 5-gallon tank, with 2.5 gallon being the sweet spot. I was keeping pico tanks back when having a tank smaller than a 75gallon would've gotten you crucified. Back in high school, I could do it all. 20 10-gallon tanks and climbing. If there was an empty tank, it'll get filled with water and fish. Then the burden of keeping all those tanks became too much.

Thanks for this, Cory. As a lifelong fish keeper, I can definitely relate. A couple of years ago I decided I wanted to scale down to three tanks. That plan has taken longer than anticipated, but it the meantime I’m still enjoying most of my tanks. I currently have five that are still bringing me joy. You’re right though, it’s best to define what you want to do with your tanks, whether it’s breeding or aquascaping or community tanks or species only or whatever.

I think you nailed it when you asked us to not view the hobby as something to be conquered. There will always be competitive people, but it’s liberating to check one’s ego, and focus on the well being of the fish you have (and your own in the process).

Great show, spot on!

I’ve been thinking of going from a 40 gallon to a 20 gallon long for a while now so I appreciate this video!! Thanks

I've had aquariums off and on since I I was a kid. I like having one tank and a second as a holding tank for new fish to be sure they are safe and healthy. I also play folk music, and try to stay in shape, cook from scratch, so I am too busy for more. I have a degree in biology so in a way with the tank I am still connected.

Nailed it! Thank you I never actually thought about that way I’m actually at burnout and it’s just to much so instead of getting out I can downsize and still enjoy keeping aquariums just not as many and I can focus on what I really like to do with Aquariums instead of just getting rid of everything

Hoping for the best, on a side note, would love to see Alex from fishstory maybe do some videos with you guys

I have 3 20 gallon tanks in my home office and 1 40 gallon breeder in my living room. I find that's a good number for me with working full-time and still having time to care for my other hobbies like plant's and gardening. I have a small 10 gallon patio pond but it's in my screen porch with guppies..zero maintenance..4 tanks I little pond..perfect for me

You might consider replacing the double stack of acrylic aquariums with a second wall of 40 breeders. That would be more symmetric, be a reduction in total tanks, and still allow for a variety of tanks.

I'm very impressed with your covering this topic,! Thank you for being courageous enough be honest - it helps me be grounded as I often take on too much and fizzle. No one needs more failures and this should help me a great deal after being out of the hobby around 25 year - and feel good about my limits 🙂

Great advice!