Information sources...

mark · #1 07-01-2010, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nlreefguy

Oh yes, one caveat though - a lot of what you read on any forum website is just an individual's personal opinion or experience and must be taken with a grain of salt. But the more people you get saying the same thing, the more likely it is to be true, I guess.

Or more people are just repeating what they read without any practical experience. For a reference I'd probably stay away from posts in a forum.

Another good book for the list is the Marine Atlas by Debelius/Baensch

whatcaneyedo · #2 07-01-2010, 04:04 PM

I prefer a good book (I have 16... not all good) over most websites and certainly over the opinions of the majority of people on forums.

If you have any water chemisty questions these articles by Randy Holmes Farley are unbeatable http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=102605

For overal tank setup and management I'm a big fan of the Reef Aquarium Vol 3 by Delbeek and Sprung as well.

For coral care I dont generally look at websites either. Borneman's Aquarium Corals is also my favorite.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/subject/index.php has some more really good in-depth articles on various subjects and its easy to find them on this index page.

nlreefguy · #3 07-01-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark

Or more people are just repeating what they read without any practical experience. For a reference I'd probably stay away from posts in a forum.

Another good book for the list is the Marine Atlas by Debelius/Baensch

In general I agree, but for something like "is this a good protein skimmer?", one can only rely on the experiences of others since there are no formal reviews or research on such things, in general. But yes, as far as advice on how to keep your reef, you're far better off going with a published and researched source.

mark · #4 07-01-2010, 05:18 PM

^ sure, I agree totally if you want an opinion or suggestion, forums are great. That why I'm here and on other sites. To be able to put up a post and get a reply from around the world, this internet thing is amazing.

Now for some things where the answer can have a big impact on a decision, like how big does that sweetlips grow, it's like asking the 16yr old at the LFS, not saying the answer is wrong but you take your chances. I'll look into a book or on-line reference.

lastlight · #5 07-01-2010, 05:40 PM

sweetlips max out at about 1-2". FACT.

I really like going to a massive user pool when it comes to finding equipment reviews. For cases where I have a question and don't want to be buried in posts within 5 min and want a longer-term conversation our forum is much better I think.

Wayne · #6 07-01-2010, 06:19 PM

Anyone like the Scott W. Michaels book?

whatcaneyedo · #7 07-01-2010, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne

Anyone like the Scott W. Michaels book?

I have the 500+ Marine Fishes book by him. Its pretty brief but if all you're looking for is some quick information on a common species its good one to own. If you want more information he has a series of several longer books but I've never bothered with them so I cant comment.

Wayne · #8 07-01-2010, 07:48 PM

Those were the ones I was considering for when I go to set up my next tank (in a year or so). Going to need to plan it out much better then I have with this one

I am really thinking 120G is the magic number. I just like the look of 4' tanks

I think I will have a look at some of these other books mentioned aswell though

mark · #9 07-01-2010, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastlight

sweetlips max out at about 1-2". FACT.

1-2", damn, the kid was right. Guess the fish would have been okay for the 20g.

Wayne · #10 07-01-2010, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark

1-2", damn, the kid was right. Guess the fish would have been okay for the 20g.

LOL that would be funny to see someone buy that and then figure out they get to 2'5"