If you guys have trouble getting the texts you can try Barnes and Noble. I bought Invertabrate Zoology used and it was here within ten days.

I'll warn all of you that this isn't grade 11 biology level material you'll be seeing in these courses. The vocabulary is second and third year university level. I've talked to a few of the people that actually finished Eric's last MACO course and even they were a little disappointed that it was as difficult as it was. Ron's course was over my head for the most part and although I learned some really fascinating information I could have spent the two hundred beans somewhere else.

No, it's not 11 grade biology, but if someone is looking for up to date reference material, this should be an excellent source for it. As for money better spent elsewhere, I am of the opinion that if you spend money now on educating yourself on your reef, it will help you look after your animals better so that you are not constantly buying new ones!...... :wink:

Mitch

I agree with this statement .,... the problem I have is I think this course is way overboard in the amount of information a hobbiest needs to take good care of his critters.. and I agree with Troy that the average person would be better off spending this money on a proper DSB or MH lighting, or a good skimmer, which would probably do them more good than the course.

Steve

But that's my point. Unless you educate yourself as much as you can, how do you know what MAKES a good DSB, or skimmer, or how the light spectrum affects corals?

Anyways, it doesn't really matter, it's our own choice.

Mitch :?

Mitch, I'm only giving people a heads up that the courses are extremely difficult. I spent more time in my dictionary than I did on my studies. I think that the information could be presented much better so that the average person could get more out of it. Everyone I talked to about Eric and Ron's course felt the same way I did.

There's some pretty simple and straight forward information out there to build a better DSB, some of it written by Ron, some by Rob Toonen. You don't need the course for that. I think the course I took had some really interesting material but in relation to our glass boxes...not so much. That's my opinion. I'll bet Borneman's course is fascinating but other than creating a bunch of know it alls on the BBs, I don't think it'll really help you guys keep your critters better. Most of you are already pretty advanced as it is. It doesn't really matter, it's your choice I just don't understand why you're so touchy about a bit of information or an opinion that differs from your own.

Hey Troy,

Some people just have to learn these things on their own. I for one totally believe that in a matter of time I will be swamped with latin names and such and probly be wondering why I sunk $250 in to this course instead of a better [insert everything related to my tank here]. Eric teaches university courses and no doubt I fully believe that this course will be taught at that level. Will it make me an expert on raising corals? Nah, somehow I doubt it, but it will be cool to know whats going on in there and at last I will hopefully be able to name a coral without reaching for my happy picture book of corals :P I guess its just the biologist in me. I really try to keep awake when someone is telling me about the importance of spectrum in lighting or how a 10000K bulb is better than the 6500K or how really easy it would be to build my own protein skimmer (shall I continue? :P ) but I would rather hear about the biology part of keeping a tank. I guess its because I have a better background in it and I've always been interested in it (and quite frankly I think I failed the electricity part of physics 11 :roll: ).

As for being a know it all, geez, I can't compete with you guys in the technological/electrical departments now but maybe you'll be impressed if I'm spouting off latin names of everything and telling you about the biological processes involved in waste excretion of Euphyllia divisia :roll: :wink:

Christy :)

Hey Christy, I'm sure you'll love the course. As I said, the only point to my first post was the courses are difficult and people should be aware. Borneman and Shimek are extremely knowledgable guys and have a lot to share, I just wish (for me) they provided the course in a Sesame Street version. I would take a course again and probably will if Scott Michael teaches one.

BTW, it's Euphyllia divisa ;) .

See? Thats why I need to take the course!! :shock: :roll: :lol:

Mitch,
Did you send that book back yet?? Mine are apparently backordered and are supposed to be sent somewhere between January 16 and February 5. I'm starting to get nervous about whether I'll actually get them by then or not.

Christy :)

You have PM, Christy. :)

Mitch