Artificial reef and corals?

[whatcaneyedo]

Theres a 14 page thread about that show here: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...ht=show+tanked
and another 2 page thread here:
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...ht=tanked+show

I personally don't like the fake liverock and coral look. Most look about as real as those fake plastic plants people put in their freshwater tanks. But I suppose its better for clueless and unmotivated people to use those rather than killing real wild collected pieces.

[Murminator]

I watch Tanked and Fish Tank Kings .....I went to living colors website and looked at their coral inserts would be cheaper to have live coral
http://www.livingcolor.com/store/?sl...roducts_id=164

[btymens]

Originally Posted by Murminator

I watch Tanked and Fish Tank Kings .....I went to living colors website and looked at their coral inserts would be cheaper to have live coral
http://www.livingcolor.com/store/?sl...roducts_id=164

I'm curious about the survival rate of the fish that they add to the tank immediately and also about the maintenance of the tanks afterwards

[Reef_Geek]

These artificial reefs are pretty common for large displays. There's lots of challenges to doing a large real reef tank, such as fish disease management, coral chemical warfare, coral health and lighting needs, reef compatible fish etc.

This is the way to go for large displays... you see these at Rainforest Cafe, casinos, hotels, public aquarium/zoos.

I spent some time volunteering at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa as a volunteer diver. Basically, scrubbing algae off these artificial reefs and cleaning windows in their 27 foot deep main reef tank and shark tank.

[Madreefer]

Originally Posted by whatcaneyedo

Theres a 14 page thread about that show here: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...ht=show+tanked
and another 2 page thread here:
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...ht=tanked+show
t
I personally don't like the fake liverock and coral look. Most look about as real as those fake plastic plants people put in their freshwater tanks. But I suppose its better for clueless and unmotivated people to use those rather than killing real wild collected pieces.

Very well put. And Myka I'm going to strongly disagree IMO that those guys are a joke and am surprised you of all people think different. Maybe read in to their methods cuz it's pretty much everything you say not to do. They're all about the money. Never any mention at all about the health of the fish or survival rate.

[Reef_Geek]

I think the salient point to these fake reefs is that they are typically displays is that are built for people that aren't really hobbyists. These are folks or businesses that want a large display for the sake of having the display, and want a cost effective maintenance contract.

[zum14]

I have a hard time dealing with the script these guys blab out. I think they actually feel there funny and doing a good job but it is kind of amusing watching them turn there face before something is turned on or putting there heads in the spray when it misses them. Also im sorry but if I ever got my wife wet in a water fight at work looking like his wife does id be picking my stuff up off the lawn. Some of there ideas are rediculous as well but it is kind of neat to see some of the acrylic manufacturing. I also wonder how much some of these tanks cost when they talk about single panels of tanks being 10k$ and also with them flying to LA to hand pick the fish. I know they probably do multiple orders and dont fly as often as they portray but still that cant be a cheap buisness expense. Also I just watched an episode where they were flown in a private jet to visit a buisness to quote and plan a job. That must of been an expensive build. Itll be around simply because there really isnt anything better on tv. (only reason id watch it) Wow totally off topic there when I re-read the original post. Haha. I dont like the plastic look as well. I wouldnt be concerned of cleaning as all the paints and materials they use seem to be reef safe. Also if its only a little more for the real rock why not get the real thing and get the benifits from it. Coral on the other hand if I could find one that looked a little close to real I may be able to overlook it as they can be a real pain to upkeep and deal with nipping and pests.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Madreefer

And Myka I'm going to strongly disagree IMO that those guys are a joke and am surprised you of all people think different. Maybe read in to their methods cuz it's pretty much everything you say not to do. They're all about the money. Never any mention at all about the health of the fish or survival rate.

They are bringing attention to the hobby, and that is a good thing. They are bringing in new people, and new money. The bigger and stronger the marine economy is the better for us hobbyists. I met them briefly at MACNA, and know several people that have spent some time with them (dinners and such) and I think they are quite humble people. They are certainly very friendly, and willing to talk about their business and show. I don't think they are "all about the money". They have families, they are real people too.

There is more than one way to skin a cat, and what they do works or they wouldn't be in business. If all their fish died and the setups failed they wouldn't be in business. People pay a small fortune for the tanks ATM sets up, and the owners would not put up with a bunch of dead fish. Think about it.

Is it my taste? If money wasn't a factor, I would LOVE an ATM FO tank! I wouldn't put so many fish in though simply because I wouldn't want to do the maintenance involved with such high bioload. I think the artificial reef structures are often distracting from the fish because the structures are so colorful and busy, but something simpler would look quite nice I think. FOWLR tanks with bare live rock aren't overly attractive imo.

[daniella3d]

I do have a few artificial sponges because it is nearly impossible to keep those alive in the aquarium, so I get them fake.

They will need regular cleaning and brushing, like once a month or more if your system does not generate too much algae and if they are in a shaded area.

I think that fake corals look very fake, but artificial sponges look quite convincing. Everybody who come to my place, every single person, have always thought they were real.

Both orange sponges here are artificial. It is easy to get them for quite cheap on ebay, just do a search for artificial sponge coral.

[Reef_Geek]

Originally Posted by daniella3d

I do have a few artificial sponges because it is nearly impossible to keep those alive in the aquarium, so I get them fake.

As I'm sure mrhasan can tell you, those real miniature ruins are pretty near impossible to grow as well, that's why he goes with a fake one