Responsible reef-keeping

[Dak]

My son is currently in Kwajalein (Marshall Islands) with some good friends of ours that work there. He got invited to go "netting" with one of their co-workers and netted a small tang and a damselfish. Co-worker got a butterfly fish.

When they returned to place them in his 40 gallon tank, my son started asking him about his tank maintenance. The guy has a undergravel filter and some sort of Penquin canister filter going. Has never changed the water or used an gravel cleaner. My son found a nitrite tester and found his nitrite levels were very high, turns out this guy has never tested his water. Said the tests were too complicated.

My son has tried to convince him to let him do a water change, but his attitude is that his tank is working for him (though all the pretty fish die in about a month). They actually have a salt-water "tap" a block away. My son is really bummed that he helped him net at this point, but called me to look up reasons why to moniter the water.

It seems like this guy picks fish out of the ocean the way I pick flowers from my garden, nice for a few days then they die.

Could you help me articulate responsible reef-keeping? Granted, my son may never be able to change this guys mind, but maybe he can plant some seeds.

[Doug1]

Dak, thats a real shame. Especially to hear this from someone I assume is a native of the area. I guess the garden analogy works for him too, It died oh well there are plenty of fish in the sea, whats a few here or there.
Its in the best interest of the locals to protect and nurture the reef treasure, in most places its more than a livelyhood its part of the life culture. Its really frustrating to spend day after day here trying to educate and make a difference while being lumped into the category of selfish indulgent american, while this attitude prevails elsewhere. At least you have planted the seed in your son and have gotten him looking beyond the immediate gratification thing. Hopefully he change change their minds cause its the right thing to do and all will benefit in the long run. Tho I would be leary of SW from a tap, its beeter than no water changes, like a gallon or two a day is a big chore. be grateful he cares enough to try

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Hi DAK! I am glad you posted this. It is so hard to believe people that have such access to a variety of reef fish and show no passion for them.
It reminds me of my growing up in New England(Vermont) and not appreciating the fall foilage until I went away and came back home. I hope that person can appreciate what he has in his own front yard before it is too late. Johnny

[Dak]

Unfortunately, this guy is from the states. More for the ugly american stereotype.

My son is just turning 12, he called me looking for a convincing, logical arguement to turn this guy around.

We talked about how much toxic waste must be in this tank, how the nitrogen cycle works, how fish need more than just water and food. How a responsible reef-keeper tries to imitate the ocean.

He wants more to convince this guy! Please share any ideas you might have, I'm sure you long-timers have more ideas on this than me.
Thanks.

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Need to stop this person from what he is doing!!
Tell this person to put in plenty of LR that is required, a deep sand bed, a good skimmer(don't pull the filter off until the skimmer is broke in) and good water circulation.
At least give his inhabitants a chance for survival. Sorry this makes me sweat a little. Johnny