There was a time that when someone had a N issue, good old Nikki (linki)would just post a link to an article explaining the bio processes. That info in itself was pure science. It either got the person thinking or overwhelmed and someone like Mojo would step in and put it in simple english terms we could all understand.
Trust me, I've done plenty of those types of posts myself. I would spend a lot of time quoting and explaining and I always included a link. Then the persons next post was, "What should I do?"
They didn't want to understand the science. In fact, it was clear they didn't even read what I quoted nor the links I, Nikki, or others provided. Frankly, those responses take a lot of time to type out and research. It's frustrating when they are all ignored.
Great thread. It all started when nano's became popular imo. All in one, small, easy to do (LFS BS sales) reef aquariums. Next thing you know the forums are flooded with people wanting to know how many fish they can fit in there and why the sand bottom is covered in red slimy stuff.
I disagree Frankie. Do you know how many nano and pico tanks I've sold? Most of the picos were for offices as well as many of the nano tanks. However, I've sold many nano tanks for home too for various reasons. With that said, I had a trick up my sleeve. I would always ask, "If you could only have one fish, which one would it be?" Depending on their answer, I might say come back in a few months and get a tank that can support that animal or I might say, OK, I'll ring you out on this nano.
I don't know. What do you guys think about the industry as a whole? Do you think it has changed to accomodate folks that are looking for a quick fix? Do you think the industry is advancing for the better? Especially since it was pointed out about the nano systems. That was a good point - these are easy all-in-one units. Like the one infomercial says, "set it and forget it".
The industry hasn't changed at all. Just like any industry, it exists to makes money and they provide supplies and/or services to others and people have jobs as a result. Some companies choose to be moral or responsible, some do not, some LFS's are responsible, some are not. Even within certain companies, certain people are responsible and some or not. I could go on about this ad infinitum.
I don't have my big tanks anymore. Now all I have is a 28G HQI nano, a 12G nano, and a 9G nano. I don't run them as set up by the manufacturers because I understand the flaws in each of these tanks. They want to maximize profits and as a capitalist, that's what they SHOULD DO as long as it's done responsibly. With that said, I obviously don't have a problem with nano's.
Seen three times as many nanos crash than large tanks. Seen even more beginners lose hard corals they weren't ready for in any sized tank. The BIGGEST obstacle with maintaining nanos: stability.
EXACTLY! There is less margin for error so you need to keep on top of things. However, with that said, I can name a number of 11, 12, and 13 year olds who are successfully keeping nano tanks that I sold them (because that's all they can afford) and faithfully, they would come in with their parents with a water sample along with their log-book of prior readings and purchases (which I required). If pre-teens can do it successfully (with a little help), adults can do it too. After the first couple of times, I used to make them do the test themselves in front of me and then log the results.
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