Uneducated and ignorant people giving advice

[BBN]

I mentioned this in the FW forum and thought I'd bring it here. When you were about to embark on your SW aquarium did you have people advising you not to do it because it's too dificult to manage? When I was talking about starting a SW I had many people warning me not to do so. They claimed that the tank would be too dificult to deal with. All of these people had never even had one before. Many of them had ever even kept a goldfish in their life for that matter. Don't you get sick of of ignorant(not meant as an insult) or unknowing people giving you advice knowing full well they're wrong? I can't stand hearing these things from people "who've heard" instead of who have dealt with. That's why I come here. At least I know many of you know what you're talking about.

[Boogiechillin]

Well, two sides to this one from my perspective. I think it's unfortunate that people perceive SW as being impossible - yes, it's harder; yes, it's definitely more expensive; but that doesn't mean that it's something that the average person can't master with some practice and patience. So, from that perspective, I do dislike seeing those without first-hand experience discouraging others before they try.

However, I DO like to see inexperienced folks trying to help, because that's honestly the best way to learn. It wasn't too many years ago that Reefscape and FishWhisperer were cleaning up my occasional well-meant, but inaccurate post, and I still remember most of those mistakes that I made. I also find that newbies are sometimes better at explaining things to each other because experienced fishkeepers sometimes slip into lingo or assume that a beginner is familiar with a given book, writer, organism, etc etc.

So, while I generally agree with you, I do want to encourage beginners to chime in with their questions and advice...that's why we're here! :D

[OrionGirl]

I think the gist of BBN's post was that people who have never had a SW tank advise people to avoid them, since they are so hard. And that's true--heck, my mom totally freaked out when we told her we were setting up a SW tank. Told us it would be a nightmare, and we'd hate it and the money we wasted. Now, she's first in line to check out the tank when she comes up to visit, and adores our lion fish. :D I think some of the problem is that it used to be a big pain having a SW tank, because pre-mix salts weren't available. You needed calcium, well, try adding some crushed coral. A lot of the trace elements and supplements were just guess work. You needed to be a chemist in addition to a fish keeper.

I tend to go the other way--once the tank is setup, SW is easier than planted FW tanks, IMO. Cost is the great divide--there aren't any SW priced like neons or common guppies, and that scares off more people than anything else.

[superjohnny]

Lionfish? Got pics?

[g. mcclean]

I agree in part with the post regarding info from people who have never ventured into sw. However, I think as a novice (I am definitely one), that you have to be careful and sort out info. I also suggest obtaining a mentor. We deal with a very reputable sw dealer and he has been most helpful. I was concerned when I read on this sight or the marine site that uncured live rock was recommended. (perhaps I misunderstood this advise). Both my dealer and an article in a book by John Tullock strongly discourage the use of uncured rock. We are thoroughly enjoying our new experience. We have 46 gallon tank, have added approx 30lbs of live rock with the intention of getting more this weekend. We have 3 green chromis, a blue striped sebau clown, a flame angel, and a royal gramma. We also have 5 turbo snails, 10 nassarius snails, 6 blue legged hermit crabs and a red serpent brittle starfish. The activity in the aquarium is facinating. Good luck to all!!

[BBN]

One girl warned us about the problems of a SW tank. She actually had one and said she gave up because she had them all die. After more poking and prodding for answers I found out that they stocked their tank w/ rock and fish the same day they filled it up w/ water. When I said that she should have cycled her tank first her answer was "what do you mean by cycled?" Before people buy into SW or give advice they need to educate themselves. I bought 3 books and read them each at least 2 times over the last year before trying out the SW world. Keeeping freshwater fish successfully over the last year has helped me in learning the hobby too.

[votek]

Yea I would have to agree. I mean, I like asking for advice most of the time, not because I don't know, but because I want some more opinions on if it is neccisarily the best thing to do. When people ask what size my tanks are, and I respond with 10 and 20g, usualy you can guess what they tell me. Tanks are too small, really hard to do that, get a larger tank.

However, I have been running my 10 for almost 3 months now. Right now it has...

2 - 3 striped damsels.
1 - Coral Banded Shrimp.
3 - Blue Leg Hermits.
1 - Red Hermit.
8#'s of LR.

Nitrite - 0
Amonia - 0
Nitrate - about 3

The tank has been threatened by cyano, it developed and spread quickly, but the blue legs took care of it almost over night. I have Diatom waves once in a while, and the crushed coral base couldn't look cleaner.

I say, if you think you can do it, then do it. But usualy you cant lie to yourself and say "i think i'll just get a nurse shark today".

:)

[BrianH]

G mcclean,

I think your post is a good example. Both cured and uncured live rock have positives and negatives. It is up to you to decide, after researching, what choice would be best for you. Just remember that the lfs pays about the same or less for uncured LR as you would if ordering online.

Brian

[OrionGirl]

http://fromtheuppershelf.com.futuresite.register.com/db4/00370/fromtheuppershelf.com/_uimages/LeoSitting1202.jpg

Here's Leo, the Lionfish.

[inxs]

I've been in the process of talking about , thinking about , wondering about probably maybe kindof trying out SW.

It's a different world. I understand all the issues BBN is mentioning. SW is more complicated with calcium levels, salt levels , iodine, silica etc and the need of proteinskimmers, calciumreactors, automatic topof systems, chillers, fuges, DSBs, wavemakers, phleniums, MH lights , etc..
You get the picture.
And as a newbie it is hard to figure out what you need and don't need.
You can easily put together a system for 5000-10 000 dollars just getting the "nessecary" stuff.

So not only is it hard but how do you know what you need?

As far as newbies giving advice, I think it's a good idea as a lot of them are running into the same problems you are , starting out, and the reaserch and info is fresh in their head.

I have also figured out why there is a lot of problems in SW.
I just bought a drilled 90 used to set up a reef, the guy gave me all his stuff with it including some books (tank has been down for 10 years). These books are only 10-15 years old but even I noticed how grossly outdated they are!

IMO the saltwater and reef hobby has and still is making the biggest advances which may be why there is so much confusing info and advice out there.