Facebook groups have truly opened my eyes

Up2no6ood · Jun 3, 2015

To how many uneducated reefers there are out there! When R2R went down for the update I turned to finding some facebook reef groups to fill the void. Since day 1 I have been completely amazed by the people who own aquariums and have no clue, or have a clue but just don't give a darn. Examples would be an photo of an aquarium only 3/4 full of water. When asked why it's not full, the owner responded "when I fill it all the way up and stick my hand in I get shocked" this was a better solution than fixing the $10 faulty heater. When explaining to him that it wasn't worth dying over he got all defensive and pulled the post. Or another who had a sick fish "possibly uronema" this is the stock list they gave for their 29 gallon biocube

I don't think I would have all of those in a 120 at least she was aware of the problem and says "i will get a new tank when they get bigger ;) " Anyways, moral of the story? I am so glad that r2r exists and wanted to thank all of its members for being the coolest group in the hobby! I am so proud to be a part of it. Oh and please don't shut the site down again, I don't think I could take another day away from home.

steve&mari · Jun 4, 2015

Wow that's a crazy list for that tank talk about not caring about your fish. No way could they be happy even small. Agree the shut downs are a bummer. :mad: lol

prsnlty · Jun 4, 2015

Unfortunately there are many people on FB groups that think those groups are forums and utilize them due to convenience since they are already connected to Facebook. There are also many truly experienced reefers there as well, many of which are members also of R2R and RC as well as other forums. The problem is who's who and as for newbies they don't know this either and listen to others who are misinformed reefers (also newbies). Then you have the "experienced" reefer with an attitude (love this guy) He is mean, rude, insulting and condescending to the newbie that asks simple (to him) questions. Then you have the few nice guys who do the right thing and answer the question kindly then point them to a forum that will teach them something (but this guy is getting scarce because he is sick of the know it all, my way is the only right way, attitude guys) And it goes round and round - sadly. Reef2Reef has always been a great forum of which I have been a member of for more than 4 years. Rev and the mods are good, well experienced and patient people who truly care about your reef in a box as well as the natural reefs. Helping everyone learn how to care for them also helps to preserve the natural reefs of the world. :D

maroun.c · Jun 4, 2015

I find Whatsapp groups even worse!!!
Still as said there are pros and cons to any of above methods...
Nothing beats the classification you get on forums, and the ability to search for old threads describing the questions you have now or following build threads...

reefwiser · Jun 4, 2015

Many people don't even know about forums. Or are too intimated by the thought of even asking a question. By club has here forum as well as on our site and I try to get people to post but they use Facebook more. Recently Facebook brought out a Groups app for mobile. While at present it is just a copy of what is on their Facebook app. I could see them getting into group forum software it would be a no brainier really. The problem I have seen is that anyone can start a group and their is no understanding of moderation of post's. Running a forum takes a lot of behind the curtain work by a lot of people to make it seem smooth.