Changes to the hobby

[seamuskrat]

Once upon a time I was an avid reefkeeper. It was not only my hobby, but my job. Over the years, the job changed, life changed and I closed down my last reef system about 5 years ago. After a few moves, children a bit more respectful of water, electrical outlets and dangerous chemicals, I am prepping to set up an old 300 gallon acrylic tank.

In my brief survey of the information available today, I have noticed a few things very different from 'the day' when I was into reefs. So I have a few questions.

It seems wild live rock is passe and an environmental faux pas. Is this a general consensus or a vocal minority? Does the aquacultured and Human-made variety have the similar levels of diversity rock once did? I am not into raping and pillaging the Earth for a new tank, yet I am also a firm believer in the complete eco-aquarium. So I want/desire/need rock with a plentiful flora of microbes, plants and animals.

Corals themselves. Again I notice a (nice and welcome) trend towards all aqua-cultured corals and limited wild caught/imported specimens in the area LFS and online. Am I just lucky or has the hobby as a whole gone in this direction?

How about eco-pumps and lights? I once had a $2500+ monthly power bills. Lights and pumps were not designed for efficiency. Are there hobby focused vendors that cater to those of us with preserving the world for future generations and minimizing a carbon footprint? Specifically, I am seeking efficient pumps to drive the main water flow and my recirc systems for my tank and more efficient ballasts for my lighting (to be decided).

How about the fish? Sadly it does not seem as many of those come from farms. What is the newest trends with marine fish these days?

My goals are to build my reef in an eco-friendly fashion in both its design and stocking. I run mostly solar power at home, so I do hope to balance the need for watts in my lights and HP in my pumps with more efficient bang for my buck so to speak.

That about sums this up for now. I am sure to be back with more questions.

- Jonathan

 

[mcliffy2]

So in answer to a few of your questions, I don't think the man-made rock is nearly as prevelant as aquacultured coral. Some of my rock was acquired from an LFS (wild), some man-made and maricultured (walt smith), and some from other reefers breaking down their tank. Almost all my corals are aquacultured, tank-raised, etc. At least with SPS, I see no reason to buy wild-caught (unless you come across some awesome piece that no one else has, but that is very rare these days).

For equipment, the efficiency has improved dramatically. With T5s and individual reflectors, you can throw the 5w/gallon rule out the door. I'm powering my 238g with 650w of T5s (12x54w) and my SPS are doing great. Then there are LEDs, but IMO they aren't there yet...I've yet to see a tank that makes my jaw drop being powered by LEDs. Vortechs and Tunzes for circulation are very efficient. Skimmers also have improved dramatically, compared to the 200-300w you'd need for the old Beckett skimmers, you can get a Bubble King needlewheel that will outskim any Beckett off 40-60w. As for fish, I'd love to see more tank-raised, but sadly its mainly clowns, Bengaii cardinals, and a few others.