PPal - I have downsized my aquariums a LOT in the past year.. I've gone from 14 down to 5 and I'll be tearing one down & selling it probably this week or next weekend. At one time, I had:
1 125gal freshwater African Cichlid
1 75gal Saltwater FOWLR Aggressive
1 72gal bowfront freshwater African Cichlid
1 65gal reef
1 55gal SE. Asian Fresh
1 55gal S. American catfish
1 46gal w/1 fish (Vampire Tetra)
2 29gal reefs
2 29gal fresh
1 16gal guppy
1 12gal saltwater reef
1 5gal fresh
1 5gal reef
I'm down to the 72 African, 65 (being torn down this week, currently freshwater), 46 fresh, a 40gal salt, 29 goldfish, and 16gal guppy. I'll be moving the 46 in the 65's spot and maybe breaking down the 29 and the 16. Not sure yet. But, got tired of how expensive fish are getting, and, when the gas prices shot up like a rocket a couple of years ago, the price of fish tripled (they're flown in from SE Asian/various South Seas islands). When a yellow tang goes from $16.99 to $41.99, I have to figure what is best, especially when the quality went down. That's why I switched to roses.. at least they're easier to take care of.
As far as being back on track, there's not any rose that I wouldn't recommend, other than the bodybag roses. I personally love my hybrid teas, my climbers, everything. I wish that Austrian Copper didn't smell like a dead skunk that's been sitting in the road for a few days, but you can't have everything. I also don't care too much for the bloodthirsty roses, but, I guess that is something that all rose people have to deal with.
What I DON'T recommend is planting roses right next to the road. Especially when salt is being used for de-icing. But, mainly, to keep people from picking all your roses off. And if you have neighbors with small children, explain to them that you don't appreciate the children taking home self-picked bouquets. If they want a bouquet, just ask. Don't yank my roses off, thank you very much.
