I saw the thread the other from the other night and I feel there is a lot to think about from it.
2 sides, on somewhat opposite poles, vented.
First- Amy is right to "give up" for now- she obviously doesn't have the time for it, and I don't understand why she should be derailed for this- there is no point in keeping animals that one can not take care of.....
Second. I feel very strongly about this matter- as all my past and current activities in coral reef conservation should attest to.....
I do not consider ANY life taken from the ocean as disposable. Even a plant taken has some amount of impact on the reef (not the plant itself as much as the collection) If we take them home the we are RESPONSIBLE for their livelihood. If we can't provide it- then we shouldn't do it. If someone feels they can't provide what is needed, then they should only be supported in finding homes for what would inevitably die in their custody. Anyone want to go to my home country of Jamaica to go diving? Well you won't see much as one of the world's most beautiful and abundant reefs has been destroyed by human irresponsibility.
Yes there is a learning curve, but it should be a slow one with lessons learned along the way. There are many animals I just won't keep- and it is strictly because I know I shouldn't and or can't provide what is needed for them.....
If anyone has questions about this, I'll be happy to talk to you about it and give both my experience and collective knowledge... Are there exceptions- sure, but some things are just best left alone.
Reef aquaria can be looked at as a decoration, or a learning experience- and myself this learning experience has done nothing but strengthen my resolve to support efforts to change both.
For some general guidelines I suggest the following materials as resources beyond what you read in these forums ( which in many cases make this whole endeavor seem simple or more confusing).....
Fish- Scott Michael's pocket hand book. Good general info on fish.
Reef Protection International's guide. sound advice for both beginners as well as getting "experienced" people to question purchasing descions.
Corals- Eric Borneman's "Aquarium Corals". Flat out one of the most in depth coverage of most coral species.
General Husbandry- All the Sprung and Delbeek books along with the Nielson and Fossa books. Some good info can be found in Mike Palleta's most recent book as well, though I feel that he is a bit over "technical" in his approaches....
Lighting- All the articles written by Sanjay Joshi and JB from NY (he is an islander).
Chemistry- Randy Holmes Farley has really stepped up to the plate on this- though there are a lot of good articles from Craig Bingman from a few years back.
Coral Propagation- Anthony Calfo's "Coral Propagation" book.
That said, the net can be a great resource- when there is some information as a baseline to make judgements from.... Don't look to RC as a "what should I do" resource..... take YOURSELF to school- not only will it help you, but you will come to a more complete understanding of the biology of these glass boxes.
The above books should be read by anyone here... and if you aren't willing to spend $50 tops on a book, but willing to spend $600 on a light fixture, then there isn't much I can help you with...
2 sides, on somewhat opposite poles, vented.
First- Amy is right to "give up" for now- she obviously doesn't have the time for it, and I don't understand why she should be derailed for this- there is no point in keeping animals that one can not take care of.....
Second. I feel very strongly about this matter- as all my past and current activities in coral reef conservation should attest to.....
I do not consider ANY life taken from the ocean as disposable. Even a plant taken has some amount of impact on the reef (not the plant itself as much as the collection) If we take them home the we are RESPONSIBLE for their livelihood. If we can't provide it- then we shouldn't do it. If someone feels they can't provide what is needed, then they should only be supported in finding homes for what would inevitably die in their custody. Anyone want to go to my home country of Jamaica to go diving? Well you won't see much as one of the world's most beautiful and abundant reefs has been destroyed by human irresponsibility.
Yes there is a learning curve, but it should be a slow one with lessons learned along the way. There are many animals I just won't keep- and it is strictly because I know I shouldn't and or can't provide what is needed for them.....
If anyone has questions about this, I'll be happy to talk to you about it and give both my experience and collective knowledge... Are there exceptions- sure, but some things are just best left alone.
Reef aquaria can be looked at as a decoration, or a learning experience- and myself this learning experience has done nothing but strengthen my resolve to support efforts to change both.
For some general guidelines I suggest the following materials as resources beyond what you read in these forums ( which in many cases make this whole endeavor seem simple or more confusing).....
Fish- Scott Michael's pocket hand book. Good general info on fish.
Reef Protection International's guide. sound advice for both beginners as well as getting "experienced" people to question purchasing descions.
Corals- Eric Borneman's "Aquarium Corals". Flat out one of the most in depth coverage of most coral species.
General Husbandry- All the Sprung and Delbeek books along with the Nielson and Fossa books. Some good info can be found in Mike Palleta's most recent book as well, though I feel that he is a bit over "technical" in his approaches....
Lighting- All the articles written by Sanjay Joshi and JB from NY (he is an islander).
Chemistry- Randy Holmes Farley has really stepped up to the plate on this- though there are a lot of good articles from Craig Bingman from a few years back.
Coral Propagation- Anthony Calfo's "Coral Propagation" book.
That said, the net can be a great resource- when there is some information as a baseline to make judgements from.... Don't look to RC as a "what should I do" resource..... take YOURSELF to school- not only will it help you, but you will come to a more complete understanding of the biology of these glass boxes.
The above books should be read by anyone here... and if you aren't willing to spend $50 tops on a book, but willing to spend $600 on a light fixture, then there isn't much I can help you with...
