The hobby as a whole needs to push more basic science in the learning stages of the hobby. I'm just stating a fact.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.:rolleye1:
This hobby is science heavy in its structure, and in order to keep folks in it for the long term we must limit the massive attrition rate that it currently has.
Honestly, how could any one of us even begin to hope to instill in any anonymous individual (on this forum, for example) the importance- hell, the necessity- of doing their homework? Especially with the internet at their disposal?
I'm sure that if there was some sort of way to track the success/ longevity of saltwater aquarists, the majority of those that have stuck around have had either one of two things- long term, (although probably at best, an apathetic) exposure to someone's saltwater aquarium (i.e., parent/sibling). Or a friend/ family member who took on the role of mentor. Took the time to explain to Grasshopper what they needed to know when they needed to know it. Was at most a phone call away to answer the questions, or stop over to see what exactly was going on and what actions, if any, were needed to correct it. I think THIS is what is needed most for newcomers to have a chance at success. And, I think this is honestly the most ingenious part of Pizza Nights. Beginners have an open invitation to get to see the tank/setup someone else in the area. They can spend an entire evening picking someone's brain (or multiple brains more likely) for the answers, without wondering in the back of their mind if the end game of the conversation is to try to get them to buy something.
Beginners now have ample equipment selection for the most part, the fail point is the free science they didn't pick up from school. The basic physics and chemistry create a steep learning curve not new comer friendly in the least.
While I would agree with this, I don't feel it is necessarily a deal breaker. What they need to learn they can pick up and retain... as long as they are interested in doing so.
A lack of understanding leads a lot of new hobbyists heads spiraling about a tiny box that they pour money into with little to no gain and they find another interest.
I think the lack of understanding is is representative of the myopic mindset that seems to permeate today's culture. Most don't WANT to understand. They'd be more than happy to fork out for "Instant Success". Just pour it in the tank and walk away. Healthy, thriving reef overnight. Stop by the tank once or twice a day for a minute or two and see exactly what they see when the search the web for pics of perfect tanks.
We need to do away with terms like LPS and SPS. They apply to the hobby, but not science. Corals species should be accurately identified with scientific names followed by the color and given. Not "Jedi mind trick", it's really hard to speak credibly or sight another's work when it's named "pink boobies"
Oh boy.:facepalm:
Now you've kicked it up a notch and put the successful aquarists in the crosshairs. :lolspin:
I think the terms SPS and LPS still have a place, although it may indeed be in a very ambiguous sense. For example, if someone says they have an SPS or LPS dominant tank, I immediately have a vague picture of what their tank may possibly look like.
With the exception of a few of the older "named" corals (when it seemed like they at least tried to make an effort to include the species name like Oregon Tort, Hawkin's Echinata, Tri Colored Valida, Upscales Microclados off the top of my head), I fear those days are long gone. Sure, sellers will throw the species on what appears to be obvious- stag, milli, tort, efflo, etc. But for the other more obscure species that they have no clue about, "acro" seems to be the catch-all.
Add to the confusion that there is probably more than one instance out there where the exact same coral has more than one name. I don't pretend to have a clue as to how the coral trade works. But I could see Collector A removing multiple branches from a given coral colony. Two different buyers purchase said removed branches. Buyer 1 sells it as Buyer1's "X"acro and buyer 2 sells it as Buyer2's "Y"acro. Sold as two different named corals. And yet, neither the collector or either of the buyers know the species.:wildone:
Just venting.
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