Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Hi Bob,
I have been in this hobby for almost a year and I seem to be picking marine life that is not all that suitable for the aquarium. Even though I try to do all the research I think is appropriate, I find that the books I read are still misleading (somewhat). I have "The Natural Reef Aquariums" by John H. Tullock -- "Marine Fishes" by Scott W. Michael and "Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook" by Dr. Robert J. Goldstein. I like them. I think they are very helpful book's, but, they do describe certain marine life that I find are not only very difficult to keep, but probably should never be kept! As you know it is a" learn as you go" type experience. Even though I do try to read up on what I want to buy I hate buying marine life and then finding out later that it is not really going to stay alive.
I buy the "marine life" based on the info in these books. I make my choices based on my system and what I think will be a good home for it's new inhabitant. Still, it would seem that I keep finding my way to the ones that just don't fit in very well or last very long. I should say that I am in no way upset at any info I have solicited from you. Nor am I unhappy with the 3 books I have read by you. It's just that if the species is too hard to keep alive, even by the most informed effort of the novice or the highest of skilled aquarist, then the books should say so! Only the most hardiest of marine life with the best captivity record should be written about and sold in the trade! I know that this sounds "black and white".
I know that the more experienced and skilled an aquarist becomes the higher the interest in the challenge to keep such "marine life". However, books should be written with much more of this importance in mind. I would like to see the "learn as you go" method done away with! The trade (books or otherwise) can still make money (and inform the customer properly) without sacrificing marine life for the sake of color, shape, or the diversity to choose from! Capitalizing on the trade this way only leaves the hobbyist to find out that "unfortunately they just waste away, despite every attempt otherwise"! It is cruel and destructive. Aware of this, I will make it more of my responsibility to dig deeper with my research and inform others.
John
p.s. --- any suggestions on other reading material would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi John,
Excellent letter and one that should also be sent to the editors of various aquarium magazines.
As for my booklets, they have been written with no product hype. Their cost has been kept as low as possible, and serve only as an educational tool. There's simply too much hype and pretty books out there that don't do the job you state in your letter. It's live and learn, and after being in the hobby for 57 years I can look back and hopefully try to impart my wisdom on those coming to or already in the hobby. Hopefully that in some small way will save many hobbyist downfalls and the waste of some animals.
As for a worthwhile books to read, get the Marine Aquarium Reference by Martin Moe, Jr. Its about $20 or less and can be considered a 'bible' of sorts. And also, The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Bob Fenner, as he is a standout among those who say it as you want!
Bob
