College and Reef Maintenance

I'm starting college in the fall and also have a 40g breeder reef. I want to know if there are any others who are also in college that have a reef or was a college student and took care of their reef. Good thing for me, university is only 25mins away from home and I will be living at home my first year. How do you guys keep up with your maintenance while hitting the books? I hear all these student reefers breaking down their systems because of school, but I wouldn't want that.

 

I graduated last year, but I ran one while in college. The biggest obstacle for me was money. I actually found that I had expendable time while in college. 12 credit hours is spread out to a few hours a day. Outside of class, you're not studying 24/7 (I wasn't anyways). Take a break from studying and do a 5 minute water change once a week.

Besides you weekly water changes, there isn't much to do. I had more time for my reef while in college than I do now working full time. I have more money to spend now, however.

 

I worked full time took 22 credits and still had alot of time for partying and tank maintenance.

 

I found that I had plenty of time to run my reef tank and a planted freshwater while I was in college. Just have a set maitenance schedule worked into your class schedule and you will be fine. Good luck in school!

 

That's awesome! Appreciate all the advice! I was a bit worried but now I'm a bit relieved.