Are you a reef expert?

[bct15]

Many potential reef tank inhabitants are listed as expert only. The question is, when is an aquarist considered an expert or qualifies tue aquarist to care for these expert only inhabitants? Maybe experience, longevity in the hobby, a degree in marine biology, a friend or family member who knows everything, massive bank account, or whatever else...let me know what you think.

Also, what is it that makes these inhabitants listed as expert only? Specific diet, water chemistry, susceptible to disease, reason to raise cost, special needs, or whatever else...let me know what you think.

 

[soccerbag]

There was a thread a few weeks ago about this very thing. I will try to find it and link it here. Give me a few....

 

[soccerbag]

lol....it was your thread! lol. Is there anything in particular that you are looking for that wasn't covered in the last thread?

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/fish-discussion/76426-what-makes-achilles-tang-expert-only.html

 

[bct15]

Primarily everyones opinions on what specifically characterizes them as an expert or not an expert, not necessarily the care of the fish. The fish part was just added to be more general than the last thread...

 

[Gamble]

I am far from an expert and I have a few expert only fish that are doing well. To me, expert only means that you better be willing to cater your system to meet this type of fishes needs..... weather it be: multiple feedings a day, special foods, less light, cooler water temps, UV sterilizers to help prevent ick, or anything else.

 

[Hyprviperx]

i think its more of a "LOOK, THIS GUY HAS SPECIAL NEEDS AND YOU BETTER BE ABLE TO MEET THEM OR DONT BUY IT." i purchased a target mandarin as my second fish when i got started. it was in my 10 gal nano, he lived in there for about a year and now he lives in my 45g with his girlfriend and they are happy as can be, both are fat like little sausages. The oldest one is going on 2 years from when i bought him and i was an absolute beginner, but i research everything extensively. i think that is the key since i was so new and these fish had been a taboo for so long in a reef tank under 100 gal. thats my two cents and im no idiot but im no expert. i just do the homework

 

[Madreef]

If you wonder if your capable of taking care of the fish then you can wait a few months, or you can try. If your unsure prepare for failure, but hope for success.

 

[poolkeeper1]

I would say your an expert after you have found hundreds of ways to fail and now have the one way to make it all work! I know do you??
Bill

 

[Wy Renegade]

Personally, I always felt that the first sign someone isn't truly an expert is when they claim to be one .

I agree with the idea that "expert" in this case means the animal (or plant/algae) has special needs and cannot just be thrown into any aquarium and expected to survive. If you hope to keep it, you need to do your research and meet its needs. If you are not prepared to provide for those needs, then you need to pass on trying to keep that particular organism.

 

[Aquaph8]

It depends really. Some of it comes down to knowing the basics. The rest comes down to the individual fishes needs, your ability to diagnose and treat disease, and your knowledge of compatibility. Many fish IMO, aren't all that difficult but just need a certain level of willingness to meet their needs. Another thing I would consider before dubing someone an expert would be willingness to put the animals needs above there own desires. Experts know the environment certain fish should have whether it be colder water or size of tank. There's many different areas of expertise too.

 

[aquabull]

Neither fish or corals read books (or internet), nor do they care what we think. Realization of that is the first step to truly achieving knowledge.