nm reef
Active Member
Seruiously I wanted to title this thread BB_BS...but I thought maybe a few members would not be able to figure out what BB & BS stood for...I'm guessing that most members will know what the BB & BS stands for by the time I post the first pic below.
But first let be ramble about a few things:
I in no way consider myself to be an experienced reef keeper. I started in this hobby just over 3 years ago with absolutely zero previous knowledge about keeping a marine aquarium.I knew I wanted to establish a reef aquarium though and thats what I set out to do. My starting point was written reference guides and published books by individuals that had experience in this hobby...and I sought forums such as this one(which by the way was the very first saltwater related forum I visited). As I read and asked questions I began to understand that this hobby is extremely diverse in its methods and applications...there are numerous ways to attempt to establish and maintain a marine system. But as I continued to assemble information certain aspects of this hobby seemed to be more successful. I began my journey by deciding to establish a DSB of arogonite based sand with a decent amount of quality LR and a skimmer as my primary means of filtration. In addition I accepted the experience of others that a quality water source was vital and that a brisk current and/or circulation would help the system flourish. In addition I considered all the available lighting options and origionally decided on a combination of PC & VHO lighting.
To cut a long story short I looked at all the experiences and references I could find and based on the information gathered I choose a system or method that seemed highly regarded and widely used(and I might mention...widely accepted). In time the combination of methods and means allowed me to develop what I still consider to be a very nice little 55 gal reef.
The second part of my ramble is that I am no way a technical expert...some aspects of this hobby just escape me. For instance lighting spectrum...well I can in no way explain or define the types of lighting and the available spectrums but I have come to accept the knowledge of people that do have that knowledge...same with the filtration bebefits of using a well established DSB and quality LR...I can't explain the technical side of the processes...but I have come to accept the knowledge and experiences of other hobbyists that know what they speak of. Still to this day I ask questions and gain knowledge in the same manner. For me it is a constant learning experience and I still enjoy it.
My last ramble is the out of step processes and sort of quirks along the way...like water changes not being needed...sure there are examples of systems doing well without water changes...I can accept that...but its not the norm and information indicates that it can cause problems...based on a wide source of reference/information/experiences I've decided to maintain small percentage water changes. Same can be said for use of a quality water source...lots of folks use plain old tap water...but the vast majority of the information I've seen indicates that there are far better choices...so I use RO water exclusively. There are tons of other examples that could be used...but I think most of you get my point.
Which brings me to my final point...my last ramble!!!
But first let be ramble about a few things:
I in no way consider myself to be an experienced reef keeper. I started in this hobby just over 3 years ago with absolutely zero previous knowledge about keeping a marine aquarium.I knew I wanted to establish a reef aquarium though and thats what I set out to do. My starting point was written reference guides and published books by individuals that had experience in this hobby...and I sought forums such as this one(which by the way was the very first saltwater related forum I visited). As I read and asked questions I began to understand that this hobby is extremely diverse in its methods and applications...there are numerous ways to attempt to establish and maintain a marine system. But as I continued to assemble information certain aspects of this hobby seemed to be more successful. I began my journey by deciding to establish a DSB of arogonite based sand with a decent amount of quality LR and a skimmer as my primary means of filtration. In addition I accepted the experience of others that a quality water source was vital and that a brisk current and/or circulation would help the system flourish. In addition I considered all the available lighting options and origionally decided on a combination of PC & VHO lighting.
To cut a long story short I looked at all the experiences and references I could find and based on the information gathered I choose a system or method that seemed highly regarded and widely used(and I might mention...widely accepted). In time the combination of methods and means allowed me to develop what I still consider to be a very nice little 55 gal reef.
The second part of my ramble is that I am no way a technical expert...some aspects of this hobby just escape me. For instance lighting spectrum...well I can in no way explain or define the types of lighting and the available spectrums but I have come to accept the knowledge of people that do have that knowledge...same with the filtration bebefits of using a well established DSB and quality LR...I can't explain the technical side of the processes...but I have come to accept the knowledge and experiences of other hobbyists that know what they speak of. Still to this day I ask questions and gain knowledge in the same manner. For me it is a constant learning experience and I still enjoy it.
My last ramble is the out of step processes and sort of quirks along the way...like water changes not being needed...sure there are examples of systems doing well without water changes...I can accept that...but its not the norm and information indicates that it can cause problems...based on a wide source of reference/information/experiences I've decided to maintain small percentage water changes. Same can be said for use of a quality water source...lots of folks use plain old tap water...but the vast majority of the information I've seen indicates that there are far better choices...so I use RO water exclusively. There are tons of other examples that could be used...but I think most of you get my point.
Which brings me to my final point...my last ramble!!!
