Information sources...

nlreefguy · #1 07-01-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark

Or more people are just repeating what they read without any practical experience. For a reference I'd probably stay away from posts in a forum.

Another good book for the list is the Marine Atlas by Debelius/Baensch

In general I agree, but for something like "is this a good protein skimmer?", one can only rely on the experiences of others since there are no formal reviews or research on such things, in general. But yes, as far as advice on how to keep your reef, you're far better off going with a published and researched source.

mark · #2 07-01-2010, 05:18 PM

^ sure, I agree totally if you want an opinion or suggestion, forums are great. That why I'm here and on other sites. To be able to put up a post and get a reply from around the world, this internet thing is amazing.

Now for some things where the answer can have a big impact on a decision, like how big does that sweetlips grow, it's like asking the 16yr old at the LFS, not saying the answer is wrong but you take your chances. I'll look into a book or on-line reference.

lastlight · #3 07-01-2010, 05:40 PM

sweetlips max out at about 1-2". FACT.

I really like going to a massive user pool when it comes to finding equipment reviews. For cases where I have a question and don't want to be buried in posts within 5 min and want a longer-term conversation our forum is much better I think.

Wayne · #4 07-01-2010, 06:19 PM

Anyone like the Scott W. Michaels book?

whatcaneyedo · #5 07-01-2010, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne

Anyone like the Scott W. Michaels book?

I have the 500+ Marine Fishes book by him. Its pretty brief but if all you're looking for is some quick information on a common species its good one to own. If you want more information he has a series of several longer books but I've never bothered with them so I cant comment.

Wayne · #6 07-01-2010, 07:48 PM

Those were the ones I was considering for when I go to set up my next tank (in a year or so). Going to need to plan it out much better then I have with this one

I am really thinking 120G is the magic number. I just like the look of 4' tanks

I think I will have a look at some of these other books mentioned aswell though

mark · #7 07-01-2010, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastlight

sweetlips max out at about 1-2". FACT.

1-2", damn, the kid was right. Guess the fish would have been okay for the 20g.

Wayne · #8 07-01-2010, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark

1-2", damn, the kid was right. Guess the fish would have been okay for the 20g.

LOL that would be funny to see someone buy that and then figure out they get to 2'5"

DiverDude · #9 07-02-2010, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nlreefguy

In general I agree, but for something like "is this a good protein skimmer?", one can only rely on the experiences of others since there are no formal reviews or research on such things, in general.

Actually, while this seems to be a good question to ask, you have to realize that unless you are VERY specific as to your requirements and trust that the person(s) replying have carefully considered all your requirements (and have the expertise in the first place), then the quality of the information you get can be quite poor.

To use the skimmer example, you would need to describe your system in detail -system volume, reef/FOWLER, SPS or LPS dominated, fish type and quantity (today and where you expect to go with it in the future) etc. etc.

The person replying should have used a particular skimmer on a similar system and should point out any differences that may be a factor.

This rarely happens though so what you get is what was a good skimmer for THEM but may be less than ideal for you -because you have different needs. This is, in part, why books usually steer clear of that kind of information and stick with conceptual information, like how a skimmer works and the different types.

Take anything you read here (or on any forum) with a grain of (sea) salt. No one will intentionally steer you wrong but the information you get may not be best for you an your setup. Of course, you should never blindly follow what anyone suggests either -look for a consensus from a number of people before you act.

Wayne · #10 07-02-2010, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiverDude

Actually, while this seems to be a good question to ask, you have to realize that unless you are VERY specific as to your requirements and trust that the person(s) replying have carefully considered all your requirements (and have the expertise in the first place), then the quality of the information you get can be quite poor.

To use the skimmer example, you would need to describe your system in detail -system volume, reef/FOWLER, SPS or LPS dominated, fish type and quantity (today and where you expect to go with it in the future) etc. etc.

The person replying should have used a particular skimmer on a similar system and should point out any differences that may be a factor.

This rarely happens though so what you get is what was a good skimmer for THEM but may be less than ideal for you -because you have different needs. This is, in part, why books usually steer clear of that kind of information and stick with conceptual information, like how a skimmer works and the different types.

Take anything you read here (or on any forum) with a grain of (sea) salt. No one will intentionally steer you wrong but the information you get may not be best for you an your setup. Of course, you should never blindly follow what anyone suggests either -look for a consensus from a number of people before you act.

AMEN!!!

Everyones tank is so different! When I bought my Red Sea Prism Skimmer it saies right on the box the gallon rating for what you have in your tank. Minimal fish up to 100gallons to a max bio load with fish and corals to like 20gallons (just off the top of my head). Just goes to show that the skimmer has to be purposed specifically to each tank and its inhabitants.