Weekly Discussion - Cutting edge or the sky is falling

[Anonymous]

Weekly Discussion - Cutting edge or the sky is falling

It seems that every week there is some new discovery that will save your reef if you don't use it, or if you don't stop using it. Does this happen more in reefing than in other hobbies? How do you handle the conflicting information regarding such discoveries? How do you decide when to change your methodologies?

About the RDO Weekly Discussion:
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[Anonymous]

I think it happens more in reefing than in other hobbies - at least the band wagon jumping happens more. I think it is because there are so many varibles in our systems that the promise of a 'cure' is just too tempting to pass up.
I handle the conflicting info by letting the band wagon jumpers jump and see what happens.
When Flatworm Exit came out I was skeptical, many weren't and dosed right away. Some had success and lots of people jumped on the band wagon - 'FE is the best'. Then came the reports of FE nuking tanks - 'FE is the devil'. Then came people that took their time and were methodical on they way they went about using the product. Now, there is an understand of how to use the product, and it is pretty safe if you are careful.
I guess I change my methodologies by waiting for the band wagon jumpers to jump and see where they land.

 

[investigator1]

I think that a lack of severe scientfic publications in regards to reef tank chemistry and instructions are the reason why the hobby is like this. I also believe that LFS's, Importers, etc. do not facilitate this kind of concrete knowledge because it would hurt thier business. Think about how many sales are generated because of improper knowledge and the death of corals and inverts. Our hobby is something that is just hodgepodged together via natural selection/ trial and error. Sad but true.

 

[Anonymous]

I think that a lot of people jump on the band wagon with out understanding the product or process. Personally I am leary of anything new and like to wieght to see the results of those brave enough to give it a try.

 

[Anonymous]

I think most scientific type hobbies are like this. We can't wait to try the next chemical and we shudder at using the wrong ones.

I'm a bit more skeptical than most though. I'm new to THIS hobby, but I apply what I know from other hobbies regarding new fads. I use the cheapest method that gives decent results.

I don't buy rid-this or cure-that. I read what the "big boys" are using and not what one or two individuals have been successful with in their one tank one time.

I'm so damn scared of nuking my tank that I underdose everything and use only the time tested stuff.

Working so far.

 

[fishfanatic2]

"A regular maintenance schedule and slow process does wonders more than a fistful of chemicals every day."-Me, Myself, and I.

I agree that the rush to try a new product that will fix-all is rather prominent in reefing, especially in the new people( not to dis you). The fact that 10 different people will usually give 15 different opinions does not help. :wink:

 

[o2manyfish]

I think you have to look at other hobbies, besides fish I am into high end stereo systems and home automation. Given the greater popularity of those hobbies, the "advancements" that hit the market are much greater and more frequent.

In this hobby, I don't think there is that much advancement. My reef tank is 15 years old - I have had halides for 15 years, the bulbs have gotten brighter, and more expensive. Now there are more manufacturers, but in reality given the billion dollar hobby, the number of companies that manufacture bulbs can be counted on most reefers hands.

The pump technology has not advanced much, same pumps by the same manufacturers. But as far as innovative -- Sure the Tunze stream is cool, but it's not something that turned the industry on it's ear.

The biggest problem is this a hobby based on a live commodity. Two identical systems with identical conditions and identical livestock - You add the brand spanking new "widgit" to tank A, and you wake up tomorrow morning and both tanks have animals that died ? For every opinion, there is someone who has had success doing it differently.

Unfortunately the internet gives everyone regardless of experience, and more importantly success the opportunity to speak up.

I have several tanks in excess of 8 years old, with some livestock up to 14 years old. Is a new skimmer, a new additive, or a new trace element going to change their lives dramatically? Do you think a 14 year old Mandarin Goby cares about the fact he has bio-balls in his filter ?

In relation to other hobbies, I don't think there is really that much advancement. I have been to the same wholesale fish suppliers for over 10 years, the majority of their inventory is the same now as it was then.

Just one persons opinion.

Dave B