Curious?

[C-Russ]

how do you define RESPONSIBLE REEFKEEPING?

 

[returnofsid]

Robert M. Fenner, in his book, "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist," has about the best definition I've ever read. I think that book should be required reading for all hobbyists.

 

[JHemdal]

Hmmm,

Good question. How about - Start with "legal" - always meet the minimum standards in that regard, and then try to improve from that point?

I would say that it is irresponsible to buy illegal wildlife (as per CITES and the Lacy Act). Then, be sure that you meet all local laws (e.g. no piranha in New York, Snakeheads in the U.S., pelagic sharks in Cali, etc.)

Next, you develop your own solid ethics system, and operate your hobby to meet those requirements. This includes maximizing your husbandry knowledge so that you don't need to keep replacing animals, educating others about the hobby, etc. You could also support in-situ conservation efforts.


Jay

 

[h2oimports]

my idea of responsible is to not kill what i buy. so far i have only have 1 episode of a green bali slimer rtn in my tank . and its running great

 

[Steveb]

Buy captive bread, aqua cultured whenever possible... Research your purchases to make sure you can provide the necessary environment for success.

 

[Canoe1]

Buy captive bread, aqua cultured whenever possible... Research your purchases to make sure you can provide the necessary environment for success.

Excellant and I totally agree....I want it all and in the same tank mentally has to change with some of the people i know..

 

[joeshmo]

I can be responsible by learning as much as possible before purchases to have as much knowledge as I can. Then acting on that knowledge in order to provide an environment in which the reef corals/fish/inverts can thrive and live long lives with the ultimate goal of captive breeding and propagation to limit my effect on the natural reef.

 

[ctenophors rule]

I dont think that one can say that they were an irresponible reefer because something dies. expert reefers that provide perfect care for inhabitants can experience total tank die offs for various reasons, a faulty piece of equipment, etc.

I would say that an irresponsible aquarist would be one who buys for the hobby without prior research, doesn't meet the demands of his animals (if done knowingly even worse), and fails to aknowledge his faults and learn from them.

as such a ressponsible aquarist is one who does research, adequately cares for the animals that he buys (which would only ever be ones within his capabilities), and is able to learn from his mistakes.

 

[DeepSeaHunter]

I agree with these posts, i try to make sure everything is compatible in my tank, and know that it will thrive before i go ahead and purchase it. I will also pay a few dollars more for aqua cultured items.

 

[Dustin1300]

I would say taking care of what you purchase and ensuring your system is prepared to keep it happy to thrive so you can someday frag and provide for others to start colonies.

Also, in the beginning I often bought decent sized corals that I did not know much about history. Now I stick to frags as I've learned this hobby is not meant for the inpatient indivual.

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