University of Florida marine aquarium hobby survey

[ReefMon]

February 18, 2004

 

The University of Florida (UF) is conducting a study about the  during the next two weeks. We are inviting ALL those who maintain saltwater tanks or who are planning on becoming involved to participate.

 

Our objective is to determine whether saltwater aquarium enthusiasts like yourself consider the source of supply (wild versus tank), “reef safe” assurances, and “arrive alive, stay alive” guarantees when deciding what fish to buy. We also want to know how you feel about different reasons for purchasing tank-bred and reef safe fish and production practices that are used to produce unique species.

 

Because you are a member of this discussion list, we feel you are uniquely qualified to answer these questions. Please consider sharing your time to help us determine how hobbyists feel about these issues. We need a large response to improve statistical accuracy.

 

According to UF rules, we must tell you that participation is only allowed for those over 18 years of age. By completing this survey you are agreeing to voluntarily participate in this research project. We will not be asking for your name, address, telephone number or email address so your responses will be anonymous. During pretesting the survey took from 7 to 16 minutes to complete. You will not receive any monetary compensation and there are no direct risks to you for participating in this study, however, you will be able to obtain a copy of the final report at this website approximately 90 days following the completion of the survey. For additional questions about your rights as a survey participant, please contact the University of Florida's Institutional Review Board (Email: irb2@ufl.edu; Telephone: 352/392-0433), reference project UFIRB#2004-U-95.

 

Sincerely,

 

Sherry Larkin

Assistant Professor, FRE/IFAS

University of Florida

 

P.S. Results will be presented at the upcoming Marine Ornamentals ’04 conference and will be available on the survey site when completed.

 

 

 

Saltwater Aquarium Hobby Survey

[Sph2sail]

I just participated in the survey and recommend we all do it.

 

Steve

[michaelg]

While people should reply to the survey- it seems pointless to me in some regards.  Just another MAC "lets collect data" thing- and IMO they haven't done sh*$&t in the last 5 years to improve thing.  While the ideals are noble, doesn't seem like they are making anything happen.  Just my opinion of course.

 

PS. Nathan, please enable the block for cussing on the board.  I had to edit this one myself.

[Aquariareview]

I will go fix the F@%$^&* thing

Its done, post the word H-E-L-L for a laugh.

[OUsnakebyte]

Hmm... I am doing the survey right now, but what do you think they mean by. "Have you ever done research on the specimens you keep in your tank?"  Do they mean academic research in a lab setting or looking $h!& up on the internet?  (Looks like that block works...  )

 

Also, what about "Have any species reproduced in your tank?"  I assume they mean sexual reproduction and/or asexual reproduction (like the splitting of a bta or a shroom...  what about xenia) right?  Not me breaking off a piece of sps and gluing it to a rock and producing a new colony...?

 

Anyway, just wondering...

[michaelg]

Research I would take as you at least had some knowledge prior to purchase.  Reproduction is grey- sexual reproduction is rare, and no one to my knowlege has achieved settlement of stoney corals.  Asexual reproduction either from fragmentation or release of propagules is not that uncommon or as you mention division of anenomes of any of the soft corals (I think my lithophyton has dropped over 300 buds at this point).