Times Article

[aquadonkey]

Thought this was interesting.....
Anyone here sunk $200,000 into their tanks???

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/19/garden/19aqua.html?emc=eta1

 

[dreaminmel]

drool...

 

[Johnny C]

Meh, I've seen aquariums here in URS that could rival any of the ones pictured in that article!

 

[aww_419]

wheres a good pic or vid of the genetically altered color changing koi that you can control? Thats the most interesting thing in the article and you cant even see it?

 

[superkat]

wheres a good pic or vid of the genetically altered color changing koi that you can control? Thats the most interesting thing in the article and you cant even see it?

that's what i was gonna say.....
and Johnny, I agree with ya....I've seen better rock stacks locally...heck...in my own livingroom.

but it is a beautiful piece of art, nonetheless.

 

[EllieSuz]

Imagine how many fish have died so these jerks could have their designer aquariums. The mind set is so different than those of us that take this hobby seriously.

 

[dreaminmel]

I used to feel the same way but just can't hate on them anymore (as long as they're paying someone with knowledge to maintain the tank). The more people that are exposed to the hobby, the more numbers will hopefully grow when it comes to those who care about the ocean.

 

[Ishmael's Dad]

I personally liked the tank suspended from the ceiling.

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

I worked on billionaires homes; one's building cost was $45mil, and its amazing seeing what people who can get ANYTHING they want get.

 

[toddmh]

"decorate — a showpiece aquarium has become a must-have piece of décor."

here we go..every snooty banker will have to have this "decor" now.. *sigh*

 

[superkat]

true..but i'm sure along with their maids and drivers and garden keepers...they'll have the money to make sure someone walks their dogs...AND THEIR FISH...lol.

we may all wish we the talent and ability to be that person. sounds like a lucrative future for anyone with the courage to try.

what concerns me, is what happens when they get bored with it, or it stops being "trendy".

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

I'm with Mel. Since most of these people are hiring high-end aquarium shops and sparing no expense, their livestock is probably well cared for - or at least no worse off than an average hobbyist. And maybe we resent their approach, but to each his own - growth in the "top" of the hobby market means trickle-down for us "normal" hobbyists in the future. Take the average reef controller for example - they would not have been commonplace today if rich people hadn't bought them 10 years ago and funded the R&D.

 

[boosted chemist]

The only thing is they paid to have it all done, so it lacks that creativity and reflection of yourself we all bring to our personal tanks. I respect it, but at the same time they prob lack any of the appreciation it takes to evolve an empty glass tank to a reef.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

I really don't want to sound rude or start an argument, but it strikes me that none of us are really in a position to judge the creativity, dedication, or appreciation of another aquarium owner based on a shallow newspaper article that mentions how much their tank cost.

 

[aww_419]

You have to understand that this is our hobby not theirs. Our tanks and bought tanks are all works of art and show pieces. Is it wrong for someone for spending $200k on a Picasso if they are not an artist themselves? To us its a passion, to them its a showpiece. I dont see anything wrong with someone paying an artist to make them a sculpture or a reef tank

 

[boosted chemist]

I really don't want to sound rude or start an argument, but it strikes me that none of us are really in a position to judge the creativity, dedication, or appreciation of another aquarium owner based on a shallow newspaper article that mentions how much their tank cost.

True, but it just feels to me like they just swiped a card or wrote a check, but you may be 100% correct. And the main focus of the article's title does stress the price not the size or time.

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

First thing, the kind of people who are spending that kind of money w/o getting their own hands dirty will be no means put up with anything besides a perfect totm quality tank. So you think you want to be responsible for keeping it; I wonder what kind of insurance you would have to carry. On the flip side, think of all the fun it would be building a system with money as no object. Not to mention the holiday bonus

 

[DEEP BLUE SIX]

I appreciate all the art, dedication and passion that all of you have and many here on reef central that are true hobbyists.

But I must admit, if money was no object for me and I could have all I wanted to as well-
I would probably do much the same. Not that I wouldn't still have a passion for this hobby. But I couldn't take care of ALL that I wanted to have!
So, it would not only be easier. But actually would make sense to pay for care by professionals if I were in that situation. I would have huge custom tanks and many of them.

What little time I'd have, I'd rather enjoy them! Instead of worry about how I'm going to cure that in tank #4 that is 2000 gallons. I hire the best staff available for that if I had that situation.

Why worry about it all when I go on my diving vacations?!

 

[dreaminmel]

Completely agree with that sentiment. :thumbsup:

 

[superkat]

As I tell Dan and a few others all the time....your tank is ART. Art has many mediums. Water included.