Returning to the Sea

MTV · 10/02/2018, 09:59 PM

Hi there!

Marine aquaria and the saltwater world used to be one of my greatest passions, but university, lack of money, a major tank malfunction and life in general got in the way. ReefCentral tells me the last time I logged on was 09/06/2008! Ten years ago! But now, with my circumstances changed and more reliable income, I'd love to get back into it all.

So here's my question:
In the last ten years, what, if any, would you say the most significant advance or change in thinking occurred within this field?

I realise that this could be a massive question, so even just a pointer in the right direction to start me off would be a great help. Is there some piece of equipment that nobody can live without these days? Perhaps a better understanding of some macro or micro element or water chemistry?

Anemone · 10/02/2018, 11:29 PM

Lighting. LEDs have taken over - lower wattage and less heat. Other than that, the arguments are all the same.

Kevin

tjm9331 · 10/03/2018, 06:22 AM

Skimmers have made some great advances as well

Bpb · 10/03/2018, 07:06 AM

You can still keep a tank just as happy as anyone running it exactly like you did 10 years ago. Not all advances have made the hobby cheaper or easier. I’d say automation and web integrated controllers, LEDs, and ICP testing (mail in testing for a full elemental profile of your water) are the 3 biggest changes.

If you were to look at my tank though you’d think it is from 10 years ago. Not everyone has stayed on the bleeding edge.

Halides and t5ho are still very good options for lighting. Calcium reactors and water changes are still wonderfully effective options for parameter maintenance

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

sacremon · 10/03/2018, 08:01 AM

Hawaii all but banned collection of fish from their waters, which is making what Hawaiian endemics are available very pricey.

Fleece rollers are a recent phenomenon as an 'automated filtersock' solution that is still in its infancy but looks very promising.

More species can be bred in captivity, but still not a broad representation of the families of fish that are often kept.

MTV · 10/14/2018, 08:38 PM

Thanks everyone for your replies! You've all provided me with some very interesting insight and I can't wait to get back into it all.

10/02/2018, 09:59 PM	#1
MTV Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 19	Returning to the Sea Hi there! Marine aquaria and the saltwater world used to be one of my greatest passions, but university, lack of money, a major tank malfunction and life in general got in the way. ReefCentral tells me the last time I logged on was 09/06/2008! Ten years ago! But now, with my circumstances changed and more reliable income, I'd love to get back into it all. So here's my question: In the last ten years, what, if any, would you say the most significant advance or change in thinking occurred within this field? I realise that this could be a massive question, so even just a pointer in the right direction to start me off would be a great help. Is there some piece of equipment that nobody can live without these days? Perhaps a better understanding of some macro or micro element or water chemistry?

10/02/2018, 11:29 PM	#2
Anemone Cloning Around Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Valencia, California Posts: 25,267	Lighting. LEDs have taken over - lower wattage and less heat. Other than that, the arguments are all the same. Kevin __________________ Back in the pool, swimming with the sharks... Current Tank Info: Red Sea 425XL w/Kessil AP700, Vertex 180i Skimmer, 2 x Vortech MP40s

10/03/2018, 08:01 AM	#5
sacremon Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 446 Blog Entries: 29	Hawaii all but banned collection of fish from their waters, which is making what Hawaiian endemics are available very pricey. Fleece rollers are a recent phenomenon as an 'automated filtersock' solution that is still in its infancy but looks very promising. More species can be bred in captivity, but still not a broad representation of the families of fish that are often kept. __________________ 300DD, MRC MR-3 skimmer with dual Becketts, two Reefbreeders.com value LED fixtures, MRC fluidized reactor with GFO & GAC.

10/03/2018, 06:22 AM	#3
tjm9331 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 340	Skimmers have made some great advances as well

10/03/2018, 07:06 AM	#4
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	You can still keep a tank just as happy as anyone running it exactly like you did 10 years ago. Not all advances have made the hobby cheaper or easier. I’d say automation and web integrated controllers, LEDs, and ICP testing (mail in testing for a full elemental profile of your water) are the 3 biggest changes. If you were to look at my tank though you’d think it is from 10 years ago. Not everyone has stayed on the bleeding edge. Halides and t5ho are still very good options for lighting. Calcium reactors and water changes are still wonderfully effective options for parameter maintenance Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

10/14/2018, 08:38 PM	#6
MTV Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 19	Thanks everyone for your replies! You've all provided me with some very interesting insight and I can't wait to get back into it all.