Fish Werx
Active Member
So, just food for thought.....
I have been part of reef tank forums for quite some time, this particular one just recently and loving it! But I have noticed a long standing trend/problem/newbie mistake? Not sure what to call it..... But it does follow on all forums I have been part of.
When it comes to my tank parameters I can rattle them off without event thinking for the most part. At least the biggies that I test for. SG, ammonia, NO3, PO4, calcium, mag, Alk etc.... I try to test often, weekly on some, daily on others when I am having issues or trying to change something in the tank. If someone asks for numbers while helping me I can and do a full gamut of tests right then to get the immediate picture to try to get the most precise info possible. Overkill? Maybe....
Here is the thing. Whenever someone asks for help on forums with an issue, whether it be fish, coral, water, whatever. The first thing most ask for are the system parameters, right?
Well, the trend it seems to me is a large percentage of people (mostly newer reefers from what Ive seen) answer with something very vague like "all in order" or "they look good" or something like that...
For the most part, I figure this means that either they dont test, havnt tested in a long time or just plain dont understand how important good testing and tracking of these parameters is for the health of our systems we take care of. Or maybe they are embarrassed because something is out of whack? We have all been there, so no need for any embarrassment....
I have found that when asking for help, extreme transparency with husbandry and parameters is very valuable to those asked to help!
What do you guys and gals think? Have you noticed the same thing? And how do we best stress the importance of those little numbers when talking to/ trying to help individuals with their issues? Without seeming rude or anything in the process of course!
I have been part of reef tank forums for quite some time, this particular one just recently and loving it! But I have noticed a long standing trend/problem/newbie mistake? Not sure what to call it..... But it does follow on all forums I have been part of.
When it comes to my tank parameters I can rattle them off without event thinking for the most part. At least the biggies that I test for. SG, ammonia, NO3, PO4, calcium, mag, Alk etc.... I try to test often, weekly on some, daily on others when I am having issues or trying to change something in the tank. If someone asks for numbers while helping me I can and do a full gamut of tests right then to get the immediate picture to try to get the most precise info possible. Overkill? Maybe....
Here is the thing. Whenever someone asks for help on forums with an issue, whether it be fish, coral, water, whatever. The first thing most ask for are the system parameters, right?
Well, the trend it seems to me is a large percentage of people (mostly newer reefers from what Ive seen) answer with something very vague like "all in order" or "they look good" or something like that...
For the most part, I figure this means that either they dont test, havnt tested in a long time or just plain dont understand how important good testing and tracking of these parameters is for the health of our systems we take care of. Or maybe they are embarrassed because something is out of whack? We have all been there, so no need for any embarrassment....
I have found that when asking for help, extreme transparency with husbandry and parameters is very valuable to those asked to help!
What do you guys and gals think? Have you noticed the same thing? And how do we best stress the importance of those little numbers when talking to/ trying to help individuals with their issues? Without seeming rude or anything in the process of course!
