I too have been "in" the hobby since '04 and my tanks have had their ups and downs. I have been through some horrible health issues which have led to some periods of neglect for my tank but it is still going. I'm currently working at reviving it to its previous state.
I could have very ealsily just packed it up and given up on this hobby but it is far too rewarding to do that.
Three suggestiions to anyone starting out would be to go SLOW, read lots (there is sooo much information out there), and most of all, enjoy your reef !!
