I am not arguing with anyone, I am having a discussion on a reefkeeping message board. Please understand that whatever conversation you are having with anyone else in this thread they are not me, so please keep emotions directed at the appropriate person.
There was a misunderstanding about a tank I keep, so I cleared that up. I have also commented on the problems between high pH and high Alk because I think it is important for anyone reading to understand that focusing on high alk during high pH emergent situation can mean death to animals.
Its all very interesting to me, and by the responses, others as well.
I disagree Thales, ignoring ALK and letting that swing around WILL lead to death. PH is a good indicator of your other parameters. You aren't going to have PH threw the roof is something else isn't off, and if you fix the something else your PH will fall back in line. That has always been my experience and has worked out very well for me.
I don't agree that your 500 gallon something system is in away comparable to a 20l with 2 piece of tonga branch. I was simply trying to convey that sentiment. I ran systems of comparable size, both on the small and the big size for MANY years.
But you are right maybe argue wasn't the best choice of words, however it's difficult to have similar but slightly different conversations with 2 people at once when one of those persons is twisting things around, and not having a linear conversation while throwing in underhanded remarks and overt insults in the mix.
Colleague, friend or otherwise the manner which Chris conducts himself both openly on the forum (and privately) in pm. Comes off rude, condescending, and overly defensive. At no point is he open to thoughts, opinions, or suggestions of others. Maybe he is like this in real life, maybe he doesn't translate well online. Either way it's no skin off my back. I would be more then happy to continue on open dialogue on the subject of practical application of PH & Alkalinity in the home aquarium but I would rather not do so with Chris's involvement as I feel he is unable to leave behind his emotions nor is he interested in debate and discussion, only lecture.
I may not know the "fundamentals of carbonate chemistry", but nor do I need to. Let somebody else figure out the algorithm, I'm happy to just play around with the variables. However if I were to feel the need I have no doubt I or any member of this forum could be as well versed as we desired.
Either way my previous offer still stands if ever given the chance.(drinks on me, but I make no promises to not giving him a nickname of something along "the brain" if I do find myself intoxicated) I never take ones conduct behind a computer to be a judge of ones true character.
I do however feel that there is often a large communication gap between "professionals" and hobbyists "experts" in a given field often have a very hard time communicating in a manor that is accessible to the majority of us, and don't quite grasp our desires to enjoy and run our tanks not as some grandiose experiment but as relaxing hobby. This is especially true for those whom are still cutting there teeth. I often find myself doing the same thing when discussing my profession it's a trap we all fall into.
-B
