Yes, I'm going on and on about the new small tank that I'm going to do...And you know what? It's making me take a very honest look at where I'm at as a hobbyist- and where I intend to go.
As you recall, I was debating about what size and configuration of aquarium systemI'm interested in...and I told you I'd probably go back and forth. Let me tell you where I'm at now...I'm completely comfortable with the idea of an AIO tank. Yeah, something "pret a porter" as they say in the fashion world. Ready to go.
In fact, I've decided I'm going "AIO", and I couldn't be happier with the decision.
The possibilities are amazing...
I'm very convinced that being open to new ideas is the best way to progress in this hobby. Now, you know I may act all crotchety about some stuff, but the reality is that it's important to be open minded and frank with yourself, just as with others...And frankly, I'm thinking that I'm just not feeling the concept of assembling a system entirely from scratch components and putting it all together. Yeah. I said it. Kind of a tough ego thing for a modern reefer to say, right?
I see no problem in using an all in one system as the "nucleus" of my new tank, for several reasons. The one I'm going to use - the Innovative Marine "Fusion Lagoon 50", has so many things going for it: A great profile, manageable size, well-thought-out integrated systems, and the ability to modify easily. Works for a basic hobbyist, or even an advanced nut job like me. These are all important factors which are pushing me towards utilizing this system. When we participated in the launch video shoot a few weeks back, I knew I was in love the minute I saw the tank. Yeah, a sexy black high gloss stand, open top...had it all. Perfect for me.
And quite frankly, I'm not in a mind space at the moment where I feel up to doing an entirely "custom" setup. I've done many of them in my hobby "career", and they are a lot of fun...but I'm just not wanting to do that now. This is a big thing for me...not feeling the need to "validate" or get "cred" by doing a monster custom build at the moment. It's important... It's weird how people seem to think that if you don't do something a certain way, you're not doing it the right way.
Crazy.
In talking to some people, I was getting feedback that counseled me against using an AIO because it would somehow "hurt my image..." Are you kidding me? Reefing for the fun of reefing...It feels right, and I'm disgusted that I ever thought there would be another reason to do a reef, like succumbing to peer pressure, others' expectations, etc. As if selecting an amazingly high quality, truly versatile product and ENJOYING it is a problem...
Doing a lousy reef of any kind would be far more "damaging" than using an off-the-shelf AIO type tank, in my opinion...It's about understanding that every reef is cool, and every reef can be whatever we want it to be.
I'm so excited to be working with a great aquarium that's right for me- as I think all reefers should be regardless of what tank they select to work with.
Now...time to select the theme, and the components to get the job done...Stay tuned!
And Stay Wet.
Scott Fellman
Unique Corals
As you recall, I was debating about what size and configuration of aquarium systemI'm interested in...and I told you I'd probably go back and forth. Let me tell you where I'm at now...I'm completely comfortable with the idea of an AIO tank. Yeah, something "pret a porter" as they say in the fashion world. Ready to go.
In fact, I've decided I'm going "AIO", and I couldn't be happier with the decision.
The possibilities are amazing...
I'm very convinced that being open to new ideas is the best way to progress in this hobby. Now, you know I may act all crotchety about some stuff, but the reality is that it's important to be open minded and frank with yourself, just as with others...And frankly, I'm thinking that I'm just not feeling the concept of assembling a system entirely from scratch components and putting it all together. Yeah. I said it. Kind of a tough ego thing for a modern reefer to say, right?
I see no problem in using an all in one system as the "nucleus" of my new tank, for several reasons. The one I'm going to use - the Innovative Marine "Fusion Lagoon 50", has so many things going for it: A great profile, manageable size, well-thought-out integrated systems, and the ability to modify easily. Works for a basic hobbyist, or even an advanced nut job like me. These are all important factors which are pushing me towards utilizing this system. When we participated in the launch video shoot a few weeks back, I knew I was in love the minute I saw the tank. Yeah, a sexy black high gloss stand, open top...had it all. Perfect for me.
And quite frankly, I'm not in a mind space at the moment where I feel up to doing an entirely "custom" setup. I've done many of them in my hobby "career", and they are a lot of fun...but I'm just not wanting to do that now. This is a big thing for me...not feeling the need to "validate" or get "cred" by doing a monster custom build at the moment. It's important... It's weird how people seem to think that if you don't do something a certain way, you're not doing it the right way.
Crazy.
In talking to some people, I was getting feedback that counseled me against using an AIO because it would somehow "hurt my image..." Are you kidding me? Reefing for the fun of reefing...It feels right, and I'm disgusted that I ever thought there would be another reason to do a reef, like succumbing to peer pressure, others' expectations, etc. As if selecting an amazingly high quality, truly versatile product and ENJOYING it is a problem...
Doing a lousy reef of any kind would be far more "damaging" than using an off-the-shelf AIO type tank, in my opinion...It's about understanding that every reef is cool, and every reef can be whatever we want it to be.
I'm so excited to be working with a great aquarium that's right for me- as I think all reefers should be regardless of what tank they select to work with.
Now...time to select the theme, and the components to get the job done...Stay tuned!
And Stay Wet.
Scott Fellman
Unique Corals