Hello,
In reading the op original post, this is how I would view it. Now I’m not up to par on all the fish stuff I know that but don’t claim to, (well I have expressed opinions on things I have used in our research lab etc) anyway back on topic lol.
The op original post I see as this, medical doctor prescribe medications, not always based on experience but based on research and signs and symptoms. It’s also known that medical doctors always say do not self medicate and or change the dosage with out talking to us first. This is the whole reason why doctors call this practicing medicine. They may or may not have the experience, if they have the know the signs and symptoms and basic research. (Yes it’s more complex than what I have written, but to the sake of cheese puffs I’m cutting it short).
Even though the medical doctor may be correct the patient has the option to follow or not follow said information. Our hobby is the art of practicing man made reefs, we may never know who is write and wrong. In the same sense as medication signs and symptoms are different for, every human, and some meds will and will not work for one person or another. Why would reefing be any different, they are live ecosystems, and every tank is actually different. Yes they all have water, yes they have living things in them, well every human has a brain, most every one has a heart or type of heart (if they have an artificial one). But they in reality are different, emotionally, physically, and mentally. Some meds that a friend says worked great for them aka aspirin, may not work on their friend they may need Something much stronger such as norco for their severe migraines. Do they both have headaches yes, do the same meds always work no.
The whole point of being a community and friends and just have the openness to listen is the fun part. Just because you don’t agree doesn’t mean you can’t learn something new by the others idea or reason behind it. I will always listen to those who have ideas, regardless of my views or opinions, because of two reasons, 1.) it’s what a good person and friend does, 2.) I may just learn something new, and I for something I love as this, yes I want to learn as much as possible. Another example is I had to to take differential equations in my undergrad courses, why? I haven’t used them since I have graduated my post graduate. But lol I still know how to do them, (still hate them), I learned vectors in class also, super neat subject and fun, still haven’t used them in real life but I learned something new, I grew my knowledge base. One should never be afraid to learn something new and or even conduct their own research on the subject matter.