Why so many build threads in the SPS forum?

[rmalone]

I agree there are too many stickies at the top of the page. And probably a few too many build threads also, but so what, I have much better things to gripe about.

Such as why do people feel the need to create 3 threads per month asking what the proper parameters should be for an sps tank? There is a SEARCH function. Similarly why does every single person with red bugs need to start a thread and ask what to do about it?

Bottom line is half the threads would get pulled by the mods if you were to get ultra strict about what constitutes a proper thread for the forum. Yank peoples threads often enough and they will just leave the forum for other pastures, that wouldn't be good either. I would imagine the sponsors expect a certain number of posts to justify paying to advertise. If were only left with a handful of "old timers" and nobody new the whole forum will dry up in no time.

So pretty much I think you'll just have to live with the irritation. Sad but true.

 

[sahin]

SPS build threads have a purpose here. The reasons have already been mentioned by others after the poster who brought this thread back to life.

I would LOVE to see an SPS build thread from 250G. MOST of my time spent in the SPS forum is to discover SPS build threads. So much can be learnt from these threads.

So, SPS builds stay here! :rollface:

As for stickies, yeah sure, they can be reduced in number. Not too bothered really.

 

[fcmatt]

if it wasn't for the build threads this forum would be at snails pace.. sps forum has slowed down a fair bit lately.

I wonder what the reason is? Perhaps many previous users just got tired of
all the clutter and went to a different area of the forum? Seasonal issue where
summer is always slow for our hobby/LFS? The hobby has become more of a
cookie cutter type situation where the things you can buy have become boring
leaving an individual who wishes to do something different with SPS out in the
cold?

I am not sure. Myself? I just pop in from time to time and rarely feel the need
to post. When I do post I normally do for a couple of months then fade away
and lurk again. Repeat...

I also think I am now in the minority when it comes to this area of the forum.
It seems many people are happy with this little area as a hang out for almost
any type of post.

 

[Fsurocks99]

Is this really that big of a deal? Just so I'm clear, What you are saying is a thread shouldn't incorporate how the person set up the tank? Meaning no info on aquascaping, equipment, etc.? Okay so say we don't do that. What will end up happening is everyone will start asking, through pm or posting directly on the thread, how the person acquired their results, thus, causing the thread starter to pm/post their tank and equipment specs, etc. anyways.

I understand those who have a problem with scrolling through page after page of how the person set-up the tank. It does get annoying, but not that big of a deal to start a new forum. I learn more through build threads than anything else on this website. And for those that don't touch the build threads because of their content, keep it up! There are plenty of others that do view them. Watching how a system matures from start to finish is one of the most enjoyable things to do on this website, imo.

 

[sahin]

I generally agree with the above.

The SPS forum is generally described as "A forum for people who are obsessed with keeping SPS corals." To me, that encompasses all aspects of SPS corals. The equipment, the knowledge, the experiance etc etc.

I love build threads. Particulary from those whom I know have had beautiful reef tanks in the past. Such build threads allow me to see how one comes to achieve such beautiful and healthy systems. The planning, setting up, equipment and final execution of the whole system provides this info. Yes, its good to see the end result (a beautiful photo of an SPS reef), but I want to see all the ALL aspects of the SPS OBSESSION.

And that leads to such build threads location...its fine being here in the SPS forum. For me the SPS forum would be dead and boring if it were not for the build threads.

Look at it this way; when someone posts a thread showing a beautiful SPS reef tank on the SPS forum, I'm sure most poeple ask questions such as:

1. What lighting do you use?
2. Tube tubes/bulb do you use?
3. What skimmer do you have?
4. Can you please show me a photo of your sump?
5. How do you have this and that setup?
.
.
101...ETC

A build thread usually has most of that info. A build thread for an SPS based reef system has its place here in the SPS forum. Technology is always changing, and it is good to see the what goes behind all those colourful and healthy SPS corals in that persons tank.

Yes, build threads can go elsewhere, but I'd like it here where I can click on a thread and know that on the whole I get to see another persons equipment and effort in putting together an SPS reef.

I've been a member here since 2002 and have seen the site evolve and grow to what it is today. I dont object to build threads being here as long as the system is dedicated to a mainly SPS reef system. Nothing wrong with that. :thumbsup:

Jack, I stated more or less what you said on page 2 of this thread thread a year ago. Build threads in the SPS forum are fine, and it should stay that way due to the reasons I stated above, and others have stated along the way.

 

[Fsurocks99]

Interesting timing for this thread indeed.... almost exactly one year has elapsed, and I see this thread has resurrected :lmao:
I have read this thread, post by post, and I would have to agree with... EVERYBODY. I see the good, and the bad, thus leading me to an understanding of both. I believe EVERYBODY has a valid point here. In my opinion, I firmly believe that MY frustration does not stem from wading through " build threads" , but rather... "bad threads" in general. I think we are all capable of deciding which ones these are. I think we have ALL seen them, and others, that make us hit the "back" button quickly, and wish we could be compensated for our lost time. But not quality "build threads". No. I enjoy the experience, the excitement, and look forward to seeing, and building vicariously through quality build threads to share the excitement, and the dreams through the builder, of trial and error to soak in as much knowledge as I possibly can. I thought that this was the core belief in this forum, further backed by people of similar thoughts and obsession. I then have to conclude, that then all threads, be it "build threads" or simple "good" questions in relation or showing correlation to SPS for the love of these beautiful, delicious sticks, belong here. THIS amazing forum is where I come to learn, and soak in valuable information from veterans, to perhaps a relatively new hobbyist who has stumbled into a new finding which I would have never known. YES, there are bad threads. However, I find it difficult to pinpoint, or point the finger at those who share their quality story of trial and error, and their joy and obsession- but rather to those who do not make use of the "search" button and ask a question asked a day or two prior. Or those who do not properly research and expect answers handed to them. Why are my sps brown when I use tapwater, and what do you mean I have to check my alk. and calcium threads are the culprit of our lost time, and valuable forum space, in my opinion. NOT, the build threads expressing the individual masterpiece of their vision, sweat and labor,sharing new ideas and findings as we walk and learn with them in their journey.
Sigh..... sorry all, for my pointless rants n rambles. Cheers.

I wish I had read this before I posted my comment. I agree 1000% with you defchild84!

Jack, I stated more or less what you said on page 2 of this thread thread a year ago. Build threads in the SPS forum are fine, and it should stay that way due to the reasons I stated above, and others have stated along the way.

I figured there would be others that shared similar thoughts, but to be honest, I read the first post, skipped the rest, and posted my opinion.

 

[acroholicreefer]

SPS only systems have different equipment requirements that others systems do not. It is important that somebody who is looking to do a tank upgrade for an sps only system plans ahead of time to take into consideration these extra pieces of equipment. The easiest way is to look at somebody else's sps system build thread.

 

[Baros]

SPS only systems have different equipment requirements that others systems do not. It is important that somebody who is looking to do a tank upgrade for an sps only system plans ahead of time to take into consideration these extra pieces of equipment. The easiest way is to look at somebody else's sps system build thread.

I disagree, Acropora's can thrive in very simple/basic setups with no special/fancy equipment.

 

[Tony B (UK)]

I host my build thread on this sps forum.

Reading other people's build threads, looking at their pictures and having the opportunity to engage in conversation, exchanging information is what advances the hobby.

The build threads add to the richness of this forum, I love seeing them here and, I enjoy closely following a few.

Tony

 

[fcmatt]

I host my build thread on this sps forum.

Reading other people's build threads, looking at their pictures and having the opportunity to engage in conversation, exchanging information is what advances the hobby.

The build threads add to the richness of this forum, I love seeing them here and, I enjoy closely following a few.

Tony

Which could easily be done in another forum where they would probably get
a larger audience and be more appropriately placed.

I also agree SPS tank setups are really nothing special compared to a mixed tank.
The equipment we use is no longer some voodoo magic like it was 10 years ago
for many of us.

----

But in summary, I have a feeling nothing is going to change here so I might
as well stop posting about it. At a certain point in time I will just have to join
everyone else instead of fighting an uphill battle.

 

[MammothReefer]

Am I the only one that finds it ironic that a thread about inappropriate usages of the SPS forums is taking place in the SPS forum when it should be taking place in the Feedback forum - http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=74

This thread has nothing to do with SPS, and has everything to do with ReefCentral forum structure and usage.

 

[Tony B (UK)]

Which could easily be done in another forum where they would probably get
a larger audience and be more appropriately placed.

I also agree SPS tank setups are really nothing special compared to a mixed tank.
The equipment we use is no longer some voodoo magic like it was 10 years ago
for many of us.

----

But in summary, I have a feeling nothing is going to change here so I might
as well stop posting about it. At a certain point in time I will just have to join
everyone else instead of fighting an uphill battle.

If its not appropriate then the mods should move all tank threads to the appropriate sub forum.

Where is the other more appropriate forum you elude to?

Tony

 

[defchild84]

Am I the only one that finds it ironic that a thread about inappropriate usages of the SPS forums is taking place in the SPS forum when it should be taking place in the Feedback forum - http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=74

This thread has nothing to do with SPS, and has everything to do with ReefCentral forum structure and usage.

amen.

 

[defchild84]

Am I the only one that finds it ironic that a thread about inappropriate usages of the SPS forums is taking place in the SPS forum when it should be taking place in the Feedback forum - http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=74

This thread has nothing to do with SPS, and has everything to do with ReefCentral forum structure and usage.

Well put.

 

[sahin]

Am I the only one that finds it ironic that a thread about inappropriate usages of the SPS forums is taking place in the SPS forum when it should be taking place in the Feedback forum - http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=74

This thread has nothing to do with SPS, and has everything to do with ReefCentral forum structure and usage.

Haha, so true! :lolspin:

 

[fcmatt]

Am I the only one that finds it ironic that a thread about inappropriate usages of the SPS forums is taking place in the SPS forum when it should be taking place in the Feedback forum - http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=74

This thread has nothing to do with SPS, and has everything to do with ReefCentral forum structure and usage.

It would have been more ironic if you did not participate in the thread before
stating the above. It appears the thread was started to ask participants here
before going to the mods with an actual complaint.

But it is a good idea to ask the mods about it in that area since they are the
ones who have the power to do something or nothing about the question.

"Where is the other more appropriate forum you elude to?"

Special Interest Group (SIG) Forums
Either Large Reef Tanks or Nano Tanks depending on the size.

They both get a large amount of viewers. It seems like tanks in the mid-range
go in reef discussion as they are not really small or really big. That is the
generic place for such things in my experience.


But once again, based on how the majority feels and how the mods currently
handle things i am just going to go with the flow. If people want to talk about
everything and anything here, even when SPS are barely related, so be it. I would
rather have us users come to a consensus then go running to the moderators with
a complaint that most users disagree with anyway.

 

[MammothReefer]

Not sure how my participation changes the irony of the situation now if you said I was being a little hypocritical in pointing out the irony ok fine I could see that. Either way it's a forum, it's here for discussion, and it's a forum about a hobby which we do for fun and leisure. I see no reason to regulate anything outside of common civilities... ...but that's just my 2cents.

 

[Bigmike]

Is it possible that a single thread could quite possibly fit into any number of forums... ie. 'an owner of a 500 gal SPS reef asking a question about what skimmer or lighting would work best'... I could see a thread like that in at least 4 different forums.

Quit splitting hairs