[quote=“Jcling, post:33, topic:2865”]
Forgetting about stuff in general is going to create issues in your tanks, but as long as you keep up on them there is no big deal.[/quote]
Very much agree with this. Those that keep up with stuff on a regular basis are usually the most successful. That being said MOST people at some point get sick or go on vacation, or have drama going on in their life that interferes at some point or another. Life finds a way. If the system is set up to require regular maintenance it is usually just a matter of time.
[quote=“Jcling, post:33, topic:2865”]
stuff like a simple 200 micron bag that collects all our crap sounds much better than a HOB filter on 24/7, just my opinion.[/quote]
The wattage of a little tiny pump located inside of an HOB filter cannot compare to what a clothes washer or drier will use in water and electricity. Maybe someone can crunch the numbers and convince me otherwise, but I would say this is debatable.
[quote=“Jcling, post:33, topic:2865”]
Those 4 things are enough for our oceans, so I figure it should probably be good enough for us if properly cared for :)[/quote]
I am all for going as natural as possible with keeping our tanks in balance however it is usually not practical, and sometimes not even possible, to use all natural methods to obtain natural chemical conditions that these corals have evolved in for thousands of years.
Fact is our tanks usually have grossly elevated nutrient levels in compared to coral reefs which can be compared to terrestrial deserts as far as nutrients go. Our tanks also typically contain a massively large variety of coral species in a tight area which you would not see 99-100% of the time in the wild. We throw animals together that would never encounter each other in the wild ever and they do battle with each other whether we can see it directly, like with “sweeper tentaclesâ€ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ, or not. Chemical warfare is not something you can usually test for, but I can guarantee it is harming your inhabitants to some degree, especially if you are running a smaller mixed reef tank without running activated carbon.
Elevated nutrient levels slow the growth of animals, can lead to long term deformities, grow bacteria and algae the corals are forced to compete with, and leave the animals more open for disease and infection. They can also significantly decrease the clarity of the water which will decrees the amount of PAR, photosynthetic active radiation, reaching your corals.(we spend how much on prefect reflectors, prefect color spectrum bulbs, and high end ballasts and if a $3 bag of carbon can get 10% more of that light to the corals….)
If your methods maintain both 0 detectable Nitrates and Phosphates on your system and keep your animals happy that is great, but keep in mind every tank and every hobbyist is unique.(I would also ask what instruments you are using and say you like do not have 0 phosphates) Some people are happy if their corals are growing even it if it is at a greatly reduced rate to what is found in the wild. Heck I have met some people in the last year that were even satisfied if only half their corals are “ticked offâ€ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ, sick, not growing, or on their way out. In the past people were psyched when corals lasted 6 months in captivity before they need to be replaced with new live stock. I hope that the overall attitude of the industry and hobbyist is far behind this.
This is not directed towards anyone in particular, just venting in a way and sharing my opinions. Not saying anyone is wrong either.
BTW, typed this when I didn’t have internent. I agree with Shawn each person has to find their own way.