<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10331305#post10331305 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by paulhines
Most reef keepers and readers here, while not professionally trained scientists will start to think like a scientist when pushed. You should "argue" as one.
I am not very familiar with elegance corals and the problems associated with keeping them, but reading this thread is very intriging.
To reach and suggest your theory effectively to the largest audience, I would suggest being as scientific in your approach as you possibly can. I would do things in this order:
1. State your theory
2. Search the liturature for as much related information as you can find. Read, summarize each article and series of articles. Look for stuff that supports and opposes your theory.
3. With all this in mind, design an experiment that will test your theory. Spend a lot of time here, looking for ways to eliminate variables (someone suggested several already). Think about the biases you have and make sure they're dealt with. I'd approach a professional(s) for help at this point. Ask others to critique your thoughts now... as much as they can... and deal with it.
4. Define the exact things you want to measure and why. Run your test. Collect all the data you can, water parameters, origin and history of the corals, lighting type and intensity. Document everything (video included)
5. Collect and analyze and discuss your results. What went right, what suprised you, how you would do things differently next time.
6. Go back to your theory. Did your test support or oppose it. Do you want to alter it in any way? (that's okay). Discuss everything.
7. State a conclusion.
Science is done in layers. All this will take time. You have a noble purpose and a passion for these corals. I suggest you do this (or something similar) and make a contribution. If you do it well, others will hone the theory, repeat the tests, and eventually solve this problem.
I love this hobby!