Agree with this fullheartedly. This hobby isn't about getting views and having people like you while you keep incredibly complex ecosystems, its about appreciating the smallest snail and algae, all the way up to a majestic tang, even sharks. We "steal" the lives of these animals, we keep them in created ecosystems, so it is our duty to provide them with absolutely everything they need. *IMO, I always treat animals as equals to us, because all animals are highly complex. sure not all have opposable thumbs, but when was the last time you saw a human change its skin??(octopus)Definitely not a good example. I hate it when people hold fish out of the water for any amount of time that’s unnecessary. If you want to film a fish, get a 5 gallon drip acclimation/photography tank and take pics of it there. It’s safer for the fish, you’ll get better photos, and you can drip acclimate with style.
I watched one of his videos, his lack of compassion towards his livestock is terrifying. There’s so much outside that could harm a reef or saltwater ecosystem, pesticides, rainwater, bugs, smoke, plastic, pollution, etc etc the list goes on. I can’t imagine trying to hold a temperature out there either without massive dedication and effort, especially in Florida summer.
I view his videos and practices as harmful to the hobby, and as you said, young viewers are probably heavily influenced by the people they watch on YouTube and he is not a good example. Allowing the death of dozens of fish, improper care, not caring at all, and picking out living creatures from the shop tanks like they’re nothing sickens me. The way he houses and cares for his livestock is unacceptable to me, and probably a lot of people in the hobby.
Treating living creatures like they’re disposable is completely against all of my morals and to me, my tanks and everything calling them home are precious and I dedicate many many hours a week to their happiness. If a fish dies, I take it personally. I cry, figure out the cause, bury them with respects, it really hurts me when an animal becomes sick or dies in my care because I’m responsible for them and their well being, they rely on me to provide for them and I do not take that responsibility lightly.
I don’t like him, I don’t like his videos, and the way he treats his animals makes my guts twist in disgust. He shouldn’t be keeping animals, and he definitely shouldn’t be posting it on YouTube where it could lead others to believe that his practices are even close to acceptable