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[block head]

it seems there is no shortage of people willing to help you get started in the hobby. many of the lfs are great at answering quick questions,or maintaining a system they have sold u . is it reasonable to think that you could hire a "personal trainer " to help you get through rough patches in the hobby. i understand all systems are unique. i'm unaware of anyone willing to troubleshoot a tank and give "expert" advice on a hourly,weekly, or monthly rate.

 

[Paradiddle7]

Call David Stanley at ARC. He'll probably be able to consult with you. He helped me do my in wall tank.

 

[jfl14609]

I thought you said this tank was a few years old? If I had known it was a new person that would be a different story.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

is it reasonable to think that you could hire a "personal trainer " to help you get through rough patches in the hobby. i understand all systems are unique. i'm unaware of anyone willing to troubleshoot a tank and give "expert" advice on a hourly,weekly, or monthly rate.

I've done this in the past and I'd consider it again. Take it to PM if anyone's interested.

 

[Srixon]

ABC Pets is another "personal trainer". G has helped me since I started my reef and he and his dad have helped with my Discus tank also.

 

[block head]

i'm not sure where this thread is going. i brought it up mainly because i have a friend who has been going through a few issues. i've had great support from locals willing to help as best they can. one thing i have seen over the last few years is people getting in trouble after being in the hobby for while. they have good general knowledge base,but are far from being a expert. i'd like to think myself and many other hobbiest fall into this catagory. i've approached a few lfs and have not had much luck. i'm not really sure if what i'm asking is reasonable. i'd like to think that a veteran reefer could look over a tank and make meaningful suggestions that could make noticable improvement. i'm not looking for a miracle cure, more of a tune up. i see many people put a lot of time and effort into a tank,only to see it fail.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I've seen it all.

Lady with FO has problem with aquarium... I made a house call to discover that a puffer chewed through electrical cord on powerhead causing a (potentially) very dangerous situation. (Husband was home and could care less what's going on.)

Person with reef aquarium has bacterial bloom and can't figure out what's happening. No skimmer. Wet/dry filter. Overfeeding. Bioload overload.

FWIW IMO the best aquarium caretaker is the tank's owner. I would prefer everyone educate themself about their animals but some people could care less. I don't know where this thread is headed either but (personally) I'd be a much happier person if everyone was a good steward to our planet but now we're going from the sublime to the ridiculous- the fact remains that aquariums mean different things to different people and some cannot possibly see them from an educational point of view.

 

[block head]

i agree with you gary. someone like yourself has thousands of hours invested and a vast amount of resources to draw upon. someone who wanted to learn ,could most likely spend an afternoon with you, and avoid countless hours of trial and error. i'm willing to bet spending x, and a afternoon could help avoid heartbreak for many people. i know there are plenty of people out there who would rather have a someone do all the work. for myself and many others it would be great to have the option to pay a pro to help.

 

[StashuDave]

There are definately Aquatic Professionals in the area.... if that is what you are looking for???? I'm a little confused if that is what you want, there are a ton of helpfull people here. If you are looking for system design and consultation, there are companies that specialize in that also, they can set people up with a stright forward system that they know will work and you can take it from there.

Dave

 

[block head]

an aquatic professional seems like what i'm looking for. someone to come and help when you don't have the knowledge or time to fix a problem. the boards are great but sometimes a housecall is needed or appreciated. i know i must sound like a nut , and i'm not being very clear.

 

[toddmh]

an aquatic professional seems like what i'm looking for. someone to come and help when you don't have the knowledge or time to fix a problem. the boards are great but sometimes a housecall is needed or appreciated. i know i must sound like a nut , and i'm not being very clear.

not a nut at all..I know right where you are coming from..We all put a amazing amount of cash into our tanks and to see things slide down hill and not have the answer,can be pretty harsh on the nerves..A fresh prospective can be in order to save the day..

Good luck..

 

[superkat]

There are at least 3 people in the Rochester area that I know of that would do this. Contact the LFS. I am sure someone can help you.

 

[johno4]

There are at least 3 people in the Rochester area that I know of that would do this. Contact the LFS. I am sure someone can help you.

I agree

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I've done this in the past and I'd consider it again. Take it to PM if anyone's interested.

FWIW:
I also "tank sit" on a per diem basis

 

[GMaquarium]

There are hobbyists who go the rout of private lessons and consultations to learn about the hobby and proper maintenance.