Does maintaining tank stability become a "trap" for reefers?

[A_Blind_Reefer]

I think often people try to control too much with all the tech and bottled miracles and additives available, especially on new tanks. People don't seem want to wait for a tank to reach a state of normalcy without intervention which for me is the first step to stability.

 

[commod0re]

What’s the difference between stability and predictability in the context you’re describing and what problem does replacing one with the other solve?

You have reframed every response.

This is the fourth consecutive reframe.

That was clearly and directly addressed in my original post.
The distinction, context and the reason for it are all there.

The user you’re responding to here has done nothing but make controversial posts designed to achieve the maximum possible amount of arguments with other users in at least the last several weeks (i.e. they’re an old fashioned forum troll) and I would stop giving them the attention they crave

 

[CHSUB]

Would you consider a water change a sign of instability or an aid to stability? A water change intentionally changes nutrient, trace elements and other parameters in a similar way to the article yiu linked.

I view stability only important how it occurs in ocean reefs. I do my best to imitate the ocean as best as possible in all measurable and meaningful ways. Corals may or may not be very tolerant of instability in some parameters. Alkalinity seems to be an often quoted parameter that requires stability, I’m not sure how important that is? This article seems to debunk a similar stability claim about po4.
WC imo is an aid to stability, however I don’t believe the word “stability” has much meaning.

 

[sixty_reefer]

The user you’re responding to here has done nothing but make controversial posts designed to achieve the maximum possible amount of arguments with other users in at least the last several weeks (i.e. they’re an old fashioned forum troll) and I would stop giving them the attention they crave

Are you directing that comment at me or @BeanAnimal? I’m just confused because, from my perspective, I’ve been discussing topics that interest me, while the other person has show up in all my threads primarily to argue.

 

[commod0re]

I agree with @BeanAnimal that "stability" isn't really the right word to describe this goal but I can do him one better and propose a more appropriate replacement: homeostasis

the goal is really not to lock every parameter down to a constant value, but to achieve a "steady state" that exists within a band of normalcy

A system that needs to be watched and worried over constantly and tweaked regularly, is not in homeostasis

 

[sixty_reefer]

I agree with @BeanAnimal that "stability" isn't really the right word to describe this goal but I can do him one better and propose a more appropriate replacement: homeostasis

the goal is really not to lock every parameter down to a constant value, but to achieve a "steady state" that exists within a band of normalcy

A system that needs to be watched and worried over constantly and tweaked regularly, is not in homeostasis

Isn’t "a steady state that exists within a band of normalcy” basically what aquarists have meant by stability all along?

It just sounds like a posh way of saying stability.

 

[Head-High and Glassy]

I'm waiting for the moment in this romcom where you two realize that everything you ever wanted was right before your eyes this whole time, and all you had to do was reach out and grab it. And then walk hand-in-hand into the sunset to live happily ever after.

 

[Dan_P]

One thing we all strive for is having a stable tank. A tank where corals are growing, fish are getting along, and we aren't dealing with algae outbreaks. Even though a stable tank is something we all strive to have, it can become a trap. A trap of constantly testing parameters to make sure everything is perfect. A trap to make sure every coral is trimmed just right. A trap that leaving your tank even for a day can mean disaster for your tank. Does having a perfectly stable tank become more of a burden/trap than one that is not perfect? Curious to hear what everyone thinks!

The “stable tank” is probably a myth and the term likely misapplied. What is describe as stable is actually a changing system, mostly observed as increasing biomass. The lack of algae growth may or may not be aptly described as a sign of stability.

The “trap” is actually responsible aquarium care given that no aquarium is really stable but a system headed for overstocking as a result of growth. Stability is an illusion created by anecdotal data and the relatively short duration of the average aquarium in this hobby.

Aquarium stability is probably best thought of as a junk term unless used to describe short term measured physical, chemical and biological parameters.

 

[X-37B]

Stability to me is just the range we keep our parameters at. Having a "plan" to keep them in range from day one is my definition of reef stability.
Without a plan it can easily become a trap.