Coral from public aquarium

[Formulator]

I saw this today at a public aquarium. What is this? There is a chance it is fake…

 

[Chrisv.]

It's fake

 

[Formulator]

It's fake

Thought it might be. Too bad. They did have another tank with some real coral, but I wasn’t impressed. I’ve seen much better in hobbyist tanks. I suppose the cost of maintaining a living reef is not practical for most large public aquariums and they focus on fish.

 

[Chrisv.]

Thought it might be. Too bad. They did have another tank with some real coral, but I wasn’t impressed. I’ve seen much better in hobbyist tanks. I suppose the cost of maintaining a living reef is not practical for most large public aquariums and they focus on fish.

The (funny?) thing is that public aquaria can hardly ever keep up with high end hobby tanks. They are all non profits that operate on a cost recovery basis. There is just no way that they have the budget for the kinds of high end corals that are available in the hobby. There are still some incredible displays out there with living coral, but very few hold a candle to high end hobby tanks.

If you're not a member of a local reef club, join one and go see the insane tanks in your area. I'm constantly humbled by the skill and investments of the reefing community in my area. (If you happen to be from Boston, come join the Boston Reefers!)

 

[Formulator]

The (funny?) thing is that public aquaria can hardly ever keep up with high end hobby tanks. They are all non profits that operate on a cost recovery basis. There is just no way that they have the budget for the kinds of high end corals that are available in the hobby. There are still some incredible displays out there with living coral, but very few hold a candle to high end hobby tanks.

If you're not a member of a local reef club, join one and go see the insane tanks in your area. I'm constantly humbled by the skill and investments of the reefing community in my area. (If you happen to be from Boston, come join the Boston Reefers!)

That makes sense. I’m surprised they can’t find a volunteer to sponsor an eye-popping reef. Heck, I’d maintain and even pitch in to buy corals just to have access to the infrastructure and tank that large! Or it would be a fun activity for one of those reef clubs you mentioned! I do need to check one out. I know there is a large reefing community here in St. Louis (somewhat surprisingly).

 

[Chrisv.]

That makes sense. I’m surprised they can’t find a volunteer to sponsor an eye-popping reef. Heck, I’d maintain and even pitch in to buy corals just to have access to the infrastructure and tank that large! Or it would be a fun activity for one of those reef clubs you mentioned! I do need to check one out. I know there is a large reefing community here in St. Louis (somewhat surprisingly).

Reef clubs are a lot of fun. You get to meet people and swap frags, and buy frags for cheap from local folks. Really can't imagine the hobby without them tbh.