Rant... I hate the direction the hobby has gone

[B.Olson85]

Not even sure what this means? Tanks don’t cycle? 0 n and p discussions is imo a hobbyist that doesn’t understand reef mechanics or biology and simply parroting of some “new” found “Ross” information that is misunderstood. I would guess even the Egyptians 5000 years ago had some understanding that growth on earth requires some kind of nutrients besides their “gods” will.

I understand plenty about keeping reef tanks sir………I shouldn’t have to explain to someone with time in the hobby that 0 on both nitrates and phosphates was regularly recommended and that now days it’s recommended for coral health that you have them in the tank. To your cycling question………the idea that cycling tanks takes months is just wrong, now days can be done in less than a month.

 

[CHSUB]

I shouldn’t have to explain to someone with time in the hobby that 0 on both nitrates and phosphates was regularly recommended and that now days it’s recommended for coral health that you have them in the tank

If speaking about actual 0 n and p, it was never recommended that one run a sterile tank with true 0. When using low resolution hobby test kits in a reef tank with fed fish, it is perfectly acceptable to have undetectable n and p. Very little in the hobby has changed since the mid 90’s only the availability of information maybe, but unfortunately some of the information is misunderstood: nutrients being a prime example.

 

[Louis Z]

Well to get young kids in the hobby . One has to display and educate in areas where kids are. I have no aq at my house . I maintain Aq at a school where my kids attend . There is always a science room and a teacher that would love a maintained aquarium . Some kids pay attention and others do not . It’s a lot of work to maintain a system away from home . I am there every day to feed or maintain . But that was my contribution to help increase the science awareness at the school . Kids are not interested in science from how it is taught in the school system . If I only read about it in books I would never be in this hobby . Seeing and explaining what they are seeing is key to getting them interested . Maybe pair up with fellow hobbyists to maintain a system in a school and share responsibilities of maintaining the system . Teachers don’t have the time to do so . Schools don’t have the funds . Some schools want outside speakers . I have lectured not just on the reef inhabitants .but reptiles also . Show and tell is always a kids highlight especially with some one that has knowledge to share . Yes this sounds very altruistic but the world reef systems are in dire straits . If more are educated on them and care about them then maybe there will be a change .

 

[shnapper20]

well I've been keeping fish and coral for probably over 30yrs , sure there is a lot of noise out there with heaps of experts who really haven't got any experience. When I first started all my info came from books, with the development of the internet and forums the hobby has jumped ahead. I have always found the hobby rewarding and challenging, that's what's kept me in it. The equipment, the techniques have all improved so much, I believe all for the better, it's incredible that we can talk to like minded people from all around the world. There is still so much to learn and its way more easier to have a beautiful marine tank in your home than it ever was.