What do you think will be the next breakthrough in reef keeping?

[Tripod1404]

In the past we had certain breakthroughs that changed how and what we can keep. Examples include artificial salt mixes (probably around 30 years ago), protein skimmers (become widespread 20-15 years ago), improved lighting (last 10 years or so), better and more precise test kits and readers (last 10 years or so), reef aquarium consumables (5-10 years), captive grown corals (5-10 years).

So what do you think will be the next best thing. I try to look at public aquariums to determine these as all of these thing were being used in large public aquariums way before they became available for hobbyist use. One think that comes to my mind is automation. Like system that can measure and keep alk and other parameters at a specific level (so basically doing testing and dosing for you). Large public aquarium with corals do have these systems, but as far as I could learn they cost around 40-50k, so as of now they are only suitable for a vert very large tank.

 

[mcgyvr]

If I tell you/public that negates my ability to patent/profit from it..

The alk/cal,etc... "robots" are already here.. most still in development but already in process..

 

[Optionman]

Virtual reality reef tanks will replace the real things

 

[ca1ore]

Strikes me that we still are not able to accurately measure the depletion of various trace elements in an operating reef tank. Dosing of elements is generally frowned upon, though water changes are as equally imprecise. CaRx offers a reasonable proxy. So there is much room for testing improvements.

Many animals that we might like to keep cannot be properly fed. It's really only the fact that most corals photosynthesize that makes them mostly easy to keep. I would love to see even further improvements in small particulate feeding options.

I remain unconvinced that any of the lighting options do more than just a passing imitation of the sun. Better lights please.

 

[mcgyvr]

Strikes me that we still are not able to accurately measure the depletion of various trace elements in an operating reef tank. .

All it takes is for China to get their hands on the machine and out they would crank them at pennies on the dollar..

There is very little reason that the equipment can't be mass produced at a much lower price point..

I keep meaning to ask what specialized equipment one would really need..
I run into industrial auctions all the time and I can pick up thousands of dollar equipment for pennies..
It wouldn't be uncommon to find a like new mass spectrometer for a few hundred bucks if that..
So many companies go out of business with millions of dollars of equipment being sold at bottom dollar pricing..

 

[sde1500]

I think some people do use a mass spectrometer, I've seen some pics of Hach products being used. Wouldn't mind picking up one of those expensive bad boys for pennies on the dollar.

 

[solitude127]

I think the next big break thru will be more captive bred fish.

 

[RioReefr]

Amazon.com will have a plug-n-play "reef-in-a-box" delivered to your door same day (as long as you order by 9am). You just add tap water and connect to the internet. A monthly Reef Prime service will administer everything for you via the Cloud in a completely self-sustainable system. No test kits, no water changes, no feedings. Everything will be automated done using AI programs.

 

[rhymechizel]

Bleach

 

[Tripod1404]

Amazon.com will have a plug-n-play "reef-in-a-box" delivered to your door same day (as long as you order by 9am). You just add tap water and connect to the internet. A monthly Reef Prime service will administer everything for you via the Cloud in a completely self-sustainable system. No test kits, no water changes, no feedings. Everything will be automated done using AI programs.

Will it be a 4 sided screen?

 

[reefgeezer]

Amazon.com will have a plug-n-play "reef-in-a-box" delivered to your door same day (as long as you order by 9am). You just add tap water and connect to the internet. A monthly Reef Prime service will administer everything for you via the Cloud in a completely self-sustainable system. No test kits, no water changes, no feedings. Everything will be automated done using AI programs.

Delivered by a drone!

 

[shaginwagon13]

There is very little reason that the equipment can't be mass produced at a much lower price point..

Could not agree more.

 

[smatter]

The Jaubert Method.

 

[PMReefs]

Something that monitors everything so you never need to test again. Constantly testing calc, mag, all, phos, nitrate, nitrites, ammonia.. everything in one package. That’s would be amazing.

 

[NO3]

Robotic Animatronics fish that never eat and never die

:hmm4:

 

[rocsec1]

Dependable long life heaters

 

[AlSimmons]

Kiss!

 

[FullBoreReefer]

Remote control fish.

On a serious note, flying fish haha

Seriously though, a $5000 GSP colony, you know, like the crazy mushroom prices lol

Ok, under water oompa loompas that clean your tank

 

[Kevin Guthrie]

Examples include artificial salt mixes (probably around 30 years ago)

Hey, I saw my first bag of Instant Ocean back in the 60's.

From my perspective progress has been more a slow evolution of small improvements, not big breakthroughs. Even LED lighting has taken a long time to get to the point where it now competes with MH on both price and performance. And protein skimmers were de rigueur on reef tanks more than 25 years ago. But back then they were airstone-driven counter current towers, overtaken by downdraft, and now (and I won't say "finally") venturi dominates.

 

[Dmorty217]

I think some people do use a mass spectrometer, I've seen some pics of Hach products being used. Wouldn't mind picking up one of those expensive bad boys for pennies on the dollar.

+1 unfortunately high quality electronics like spectrometers rarely are found cheap. I hope the next break through will be in the disease field, some "reef safe" treatment that isn't snake oil and actually works