cparka23 I agree with everything you said with one addition -- you missed the most significant investment of all ---- TIME ---- it's like running a business -- dont matter if you are busy or sick or just want to be doing something else that particular day -- you have to put in the time -- time for observation and time for maintenance. That is something they learn by having a f/w tank -- not that I think guppies have less right to live than a goby -- but best to learn that you cant make the time with a few mollies than with a few $100 worth of frags and snails.