So... as bonsai season winds down and the trees get prepped for overwintering I find myself in need of something to do during the winter. I've two options that are really appealing right now.
Option 1: Building a new computer.
I like this option because not only will I have a new computer, my good friend is also getting a new computer and playing SCII online will be gloriously smooth. However... for the setup I desire the price tag is a whopping $1200.00. This includes $500.00 for three 23" monitors, more on that at a different time. So I'm really a fan of this option especially since the friend is getting new equipment (now I'll be the slow one) but it really does set me back quite a bit of money (that should be going to bills).
Option 2: Start a saltwater tank.
Now... I've wanted to do this for many years but have never had an income to support this hobby. The entry into it is quite expensive and maintaining one requires constant attention. I think it would be an exciting challenge and the reward would be unmatched. Having my own mini reef inside my apartment would be amazing and I would love to do so. This requires a somewhat temporary setup where everything is movable and nothing is permanent. That poses some interesting obstacles but I think it can be done without causing any problems with the landlords. I think the number 1 issue is finding a suitable tank in this area. Since Idaho is nowhere near an ocean... stores tend not to have 125 gallon tanks lying around. (Saltwater aquariums tend to be more successful by leaps and bounds when having large aquariums.) So... in order to purchase a tank I could do so through a neat company I found while watching a YouTube series. But..that's about $400.00 just for the tank, then there's the sump... refugium... lighting... live rock... etc. Trust me it all adds up rather quickly.
As you can see there's the dilemma. I'd really enjoy both options and I know I would make the most of either... but I obviously cannot put money into both and expect to still live in an apartment and eat food. What to do...what to do...
