Post by SYRG WYATT666 on Nov 12, 2011 23:32:09 GMT
Now these series or articles are going to cover or atleast try to cover things that help beginners start right and hopefully be succesful, now that does not mean these are going to be bibles to all that is right in reef keeping, which brings me very nicely on to my first point!
1) And In the Beginning There Was......
Information, that's right people starting a reef tank or any sort of salt water environment requires research, lots of research. In this day and age you have lots of information at your fingertips from the internet and smart phones to books.
What are the best sources of information you cry, simples! dedicated reef/salt water forums and websites are a good place to start they will be filled with people and information that are more than happy to talk your ear off about setting up your slice of the ocean, which then also leads you to reef groups (not unlike us at SYRG).
After that i would reccommend books, although some can be out of date (i have books with marine fish dating back to the mid 60's) stating how difficult it is to keep a stable environment these really show the progress (note there will be a recommended book list at the top of this).
Now comes LFS advice, which should come with a warning not all LFS give the best advice or even the right advice, they are there to sell and make money which any shop is but some will take you for a ride if you are new to the hobby, where as most LFS will give you some really good advice as they have been keeping these fish for years.
So any tips i can give you budding reef keepers? Yes! they are as follows:
1) Research is your friend, without it, failure will probably happen, unless you are very lucky.
2) internet, books, groups and LFS advice all has its merits all have its pitfalls, use one to back up the other, just because your LFS says you can keep that cowfish in your 30litre nano don't take this as true (that would also be a very bad LFS!).
3) Ask questions, dont be scared to ask what you should and shouldnt do in your tank, you will be given lots of differing opinions but have a look into all the types of advice you have been given (points back to point 2)
4) Not everyone knows everything, even the professional get it wrong sometimes in spectacular fashion, therefore what works for you wont always work for someone else and vice versa.
5) Have fun! this is all about enjoyment and learning and been part of a growing hobby filled with interesting fish and mind blowing corals, not to mention some fantastic shops and some brilliant people.
Stay tuned to Part 2 where i shall start discussing tanks: All In Ones Or Custom!
1) And In the Beginning There Was......
Information, that's right people starting a reef tank or any sort of salt water environment requires research, lots of research. In this day and age you have lots of information at your fingertips from the internet and smart phones to books.
What are the best sources of information you cry, simples! dedicated reef/salt water forums and websites are a good place to start they will be filled with people and information that are more than happy to talk your ear off about setting up your slice of the ocean, which then also leads you to reef groups (not unlike us at SYRG).
After that i would reccommend books, although some can be out of date (i have books with marine fish dating back to the mid 60's) stating how difficult it is to keep a stable environment these really show the progress (note there will be a recommended book list at the top of this).
Now comes LFS advice, which should come with a warning not all LFS give the best advice or even the right advice, they are there to sell and make money which any shop is but some will take you for a ride if you are new to the hobby, where as most LFS will give you some really good advice as they have been keeping these fish for years.
So any tips i can give you budding reef keepers? Yes! they are as follows:
1) Research is your friend, without it, failure will probably happen, unless you are very lucky.
2) internet, books, groups and LFS advice all has its merits all have its pitfalls, use one to back up the other, just because your LFS says you can keep that cowfish in your 30litre nano don't take this as true (that would also be a very bad LFS!).
3) Ask questions, dont be scared to ask what you should and shouldnt do in your tank, you will be given lots of differing opinions but have a look into all the types of advice you have been given (points back to point 2)
4) Not everyone knows everything, even the professional get it wrong sometimes in spectacular fashion, therefore what works for you wont always work for someone else and vice versa.
5) Have fun! this is all about enjoyment and learning and been part of a growing hobby filled with interesting fish and mind blowing corals, not to mention some fantastic shops and some brilliant people.
Stay tuned to Part 2 where i shall start discussing tanks: All In Ones Or Custom!
