man, this hobby is hard on the back

Did a major water change and clean today. Up and down the step ladder, bending stooping - my knees ache and my back - arrghhh......just thought I'd whine lol

 

I say that every sunday!! Lol. Although I don't need a ladder and I only carry buckets a few feet it still hurts

 

Ten gallons at a time up the stairs and (usually) 8 out of 10 times I do it without spilling! However, when I get to changing the water, I get lazy and use a MJ hooked up to a hose.

 

Love the reward we get out of doing all this the husbandry and the late nights and early mornings checking to make sure everything is okay. Backbreaking work at times but when my grandkids bring their friends over and they spend a lot of time racing from the family room to the hallway to see all the fish makes me smile and forget about it all. Being out of the hobby for 10 years drove me crazy, I missed spending more time in front of my tank than I did in front of the TV. I've already made a deal/demand on my 14yo that he can't move out or has to move back in when I get to old to maintain my system.

 

I was beat up pretty good cleaning out my sump the other day. It's a DIY and has sharp edges where I cut the front part so I could "squeeze" in there for maintenance. Makes everything awkward down there.

 

I dont have the grandkids, but do know what you are talking about. It is very rewarding. OFK - I am with you on the back breaking!!! I have been using my RO water for my African tank - so it is 8-10 buckets upstairs as well. Yes I spill some. I do need to find a better way for that tank!

 

This hobby has been great for my back. Any strain my wallet was causing my poor back is gone, Gone!

 

I am getting older and moving water isn't that much fun. When I built my fish room, I set it up with a waste line out and fresh RO-DI in. I can pump to waste, or pump in newly mixed water from one of 2 holding tanks.

 

This is one of my upcoming upgrades!!