Do your research before buying....

[trockafella]

Please do research on your livestock before making purchases... I am not trying to call anyone out, or point a finger. This is just a friendly reminder.. I am in the process of a new tank myself, and with it comes planning out what livestock we want. Which is always fun. But often times we make impulse decisions bc the fish is pretty, rare etc.. We often forget to take into consideration the creatures well being, which is unfortunate for both them and us. They die and we lose money and were sad. I know we all break some rules from time to time, but for there well being we should really try to be much more educated consumers.. Dont just take your LFS word for it, do your own research. Pick up a book at the store and read, ask them to pull up info on the computer, places live Liveaquaria.com are great resources.. There are many factors to take into consideration.. I will just name a few, but others should feel free to contribute to this. Again, im not aiming this at anyone, but after doing a lot of research for my new tank I think it will make for a better end result... Thanks for reading and happy reefing..

 

 

Here are a few things to consider, and again please add more to it, help out other fellow reefers with your wealth of knowledge..

 

 

- Fish size in comparison to the tank

- Fish that are jumpers need lids

- Expert only REALLY means expert only

- Aggressive fish dont belong in your peaceful tank

- Notorious picky eaters -- Special feeding requirements are not solved by a bottle of "special" food

- Sand dwelling fish/inverts dont belong in Barebottom tanks

- Only one specimen per tank, really does mean only one, sorry..

 

** Again please add to this, comment, critique or whatever you want...**

[CaptainRon]

Live Aquaria is a great resource as is their fish compatibility chart.

[BowieReefer84]

Good post.

Edited November 9, 2011 by BowieReefer84

[mogurnda]

Dont just take your LFS word for it, do your own research. Pick up a book at the store and read, ask them to pull up info on the computer, places live Liveaquaria.com are great resources..

Overall, I totally agree. I would just add that it's even better when the research is done before you walk in the door.

[Chad]

Good post, Travis!

 

A few thoughts to add:

 

For me, the research and learning is more than half the fun!! It forces you to slow down and make thoughtful, deliberate decisions. Books are great (I have most saltwater hobby books printed in the last 20 years) but also get opinions from those who have kept whatever it is you are looking for, sometimes there are behaviors/interactions that you wouldn't necessarily expect after reading the book.

 

Set criteria on what you are looking for before heading out: I will buy only fish X or fish Y, and only if it meets certain criteria (i.e., sized between A and B, eating, healthy, others within the same tank/system look healthy, one of my choices, etc.).

 

From experience I can say that doing this will cause you to walk out of an LFS empty handed more often than not... that is ok. Getting out, looking, talking, and sticking to your plan helps make your reef that much more successful and your plan that much more satisfying when you achieve it.

 

Finally, experts become experts not only by reading but by doing. IF you have done all of your research, have the proper setup, proper tankmates, talked to those who know, are aware of the risks, etc., don't be afraid of extending your own skillset by trying out something new. You may not be the expert now, but you could be if you put in the work and run time to become one.

 

 

[YBeNormal]

Just like puppies:

- Consider what the fish will look like when it matures, not just what it looks like as a juvenile. This can work both ways. Some fish aren't real pretty when they are young, but color up as they grow older. Others have colors that begin to darken, mottle or fade with age and may not be as pretty as they were when they were young.

- Consider how long the fish can be expected to live and make sure you are committed for the long haul.

[trockafella]

Chad, very well said. You solitified what Dave said. With this new tank I have become very picky on what I will stock. Basing it all around one "focal point" fish. I have been to the LFS' about 6 times in the last 2 weeks and havent bought anything yet. I did see what I wanted, but I wasnt pleased with its health, and that the LFS was selling a fish with ick (very knowingly none the less).. Instead I went to another local vendor and asked him to order me that specific fish and the specific size. It hasnt been available for him in a few weeks, amd I am ok with that. This hobby takes LOTS of patience, and I am willing to wait to get exactly what I want, and what I can accomodate.

 

I really hope people read this post and understand it. Its nice to get some support from the "old school" guys.. These are the people who have lived and learned the hobby.. I personally feel Ive become a better reefer because of some of these great people in this club. This club has a great wealth of resources, members and vendors, all willing to share there experience and expertise. Ive reaped those benefits and hope others will too. It makes me so much more excited about stocking my tank, knowing I have the right plan, and a reasonable wish list that can all thrive together and create as my GF's family calls it (there from Spain) my own "Ecosystem".. Building, planning and stocking are a lot of fun, but watching it grow and thrive is truly the reward..

[SunWyrm]

For those of us that are impulse shoppers Live Aquaria has a free search app - my reef buddy. Enables you to research from their site while you're ogling that pretty fishy at the lfs...

[treesprite]

My thought over the last couple of months, has been that I should not go livestock shopping without my laptop handy.