[reeferaddict]

I think you hit the nail right on the head Steve.. This hobby is so vast with respect to the ranges of expertise that the hobbyist might explore, which is why these boards can be an excellent source of information. We are all here discussing our individual observations and circumstances, asking questions, researching and responding to questions.

I would consider a "newbie" to be someone fresh into the SALTwater hobby. Once that person has a firm grasp of the knowledge they must acquire to be successful in this hobby, then I think they can then explore the nuances and corners of the hobby. All will have successes and failures through trial and error but it is recognition and learning from these that I think separates one from being a "newbie".

I think one of the fascinating things about this hobby are all the little intricacies that attract different people. There is almost TOO MUCH to know in some regards, as I have seen some of the most spectacular systems with the simplest designs. The one thing they have in common is attentive, responsible hobbyists that maintain them, no matter how they're set up.