Basic reef care

I have been frustrated (before I joined this club) with trying to find out that kind of information.  When it comes to my tanks I am a tinkerer.  I love to try new things and see how it affects the tank.  Books like Sprung seemed a bit too technical for the beginner to learn about this that and the other when it comes to what lighting, filtration and additives.  Other books that I have, seem to be a bit to vaque only explaining that ph should be at such and such, and the temp should be (usually a frigid) 76 (in my opinion).

I have been toying with putting together a book.  I started out thinking it should start (each chapter) a bit light hearted for the beginner and gradually delve deeper into the science/technical aspects of the hobby.  Even with the understanding that even  within a small group of people there are many different ideas and understandings about the hows and whys, it has become amazingly clear that there are many right ways.  My frustrations started with not having a sure fire protocol for starting and maintaining a marine tank.

My idea has changed slightly by adding several tried and true methods.  For example: to raise the ph immediately you can add Kalk (pickling lime); to raise it gradually (over days) you can either leave your sump lights on for a longer period of time (my timer keeps getting stuck on and my ph climbs to 8.4 to 8.5 from 8.2 to 8.3) or raise your carbonate and calcium levels (if low) which (for me ) seem to stabilize around 8.2 to 8.3.

I have delayed my writings to absorb more from this club and posts and once I start up, want to get more technical input from the appropriate people.  Comparing to the other posts I have been a part of we have a unique group of people that makes us well rounded creating an ability to trouble shoot many (if not all) conditions.  Unfortunately, I don't have the time right now to help more with the club and visiting with people for the book but hopefully soon...

I love Jimy Buffet so if it goes that far "Confessions of a Salt Reefer" could be the title.

John

I think we will take about this more in-depth at our next presidency meeting.

jpiotrowski wrote: Right a quick reference guide would be great.  But what would Jon do if he didn't have to explain what alkalinity, ph and pickling lime were

The reference guide will just have to refer to your new book for further details.

Amie - I would use your guide if you have it written.  I think this is a great idea.  i'm still unsure about basics and I spend a ton of time working at it.  The generalities of what you are describing is great.  I would be willing to research threads on here from our experts (Mark, Jon, Jake etc.) and organize some of the posts by content.  I've done technical writing in the past and most of the content can already be found here.  I think some of you guys are getting stuck in wantiing to be right about the details.  Most of you when you answer our questions don't worry about being right you tell us what has worked in your expirience.

For example - The seastar had a great article in the archives about Kalk and how to use it.  That could be modified by some newer expirience and put together in a doc that could be allowed to be printed.

I don't know how many times I've seen people asking about diy skimmers.  There have been multiple posts and content relating to this very question.  It could easily be compilied into a format that makes for a thorough study of the subject.

Jody

I too was/am frustrated with there not being a 'right' way to do things.  I thought about a book/pamphlet to both keep things straight in my head and maybe help fellow hobbyists.  I have done tons of researching by internet, fish stores and text books and have concluded that even the authorities on the subject, cannot come to an agreement on alot of topics.  Even whether or not to even use a skimmer for example.

The idea to right the 'correct' way to build/run a marine system was based on the texts of J. Sprung, but as I read other authors I took totally different notes, thereby creating my own paradox.  The concept of my idea changed from the right way to do it to if you want to situationally based 'ideas' which would help people in the right direction.  Ex. if you want to just keep nice looking sps use 14K or higher bulbs.  But then you need to know wattage of MH's to use which depends on tank size and distance from the light source to the water surface and corals themselves.

In the last 4-5 years I have gone from a text book junkie (just the facts ma'am) to asking people how/why and what the outcome of their 'right' way.  This doesn't mean that someday there will be one way that significantly stands out but until then....I'm sticking to my own experiences.

Sorry, one more thing about compiling  is where do you start?  I have started several chapters dealing with (lets use kalk as an example).  First you need to start with a very detailed definition on what it is, does and it's affect on both ph and [Ca].  Then you can go into it's uses and how to add it to your system, which would include some sort of flow rate maybe as simple as 'use a drip system'.  Then you could talk about the types of sytems out there that would do this for you and maybe a forshadowing statement about how you would use a controler/measuring mechansim to adjust the flow rate (turn it on/off).  You could then go into DIY kalk reactor which would actually be a fairly large document well anything more than a couple of pages is long to me.

Blah blah blah.

I could go on with this but...

Don't get me wrong.  I think the original idea is great, but it would take alot of time an effort to put together (as I have found out).  Would be large.  And in my opinion there is no 'single' right way.  Things are too situational.  Take Marks tank.  It's beautiful and healthy, but doesn't really have any fancy cadgets and crap like mine does imagine that. 

My post isn't to discourage this idea as I would try to help with putting it together, it is only my thoughts and some of the issues that have delayed any seriousness on my part.

John