[pogodzib]

It that were the case, then most of us here would jump straight from beginner to expert. As a beginner, you learn not to buy anything without researching first and then you'd be an expert because you'd read up on what your fish and corals need to stay alive. I don't think that's the case though. I think to be an expert, you need to have vast knowledge amongst many areas of reef keeping, plus stay on top of things by continuing to learn things through research and experience, along with learning about the livestock that you are caring for.

[pogodzib]

Originally Posted by jimw369

If you read other forums and check out some of the tremendous tanks that get posted you will read many of them are collaborative efforts between several people. Sometimes the maintanence and costs are shared even though the tank can only be in one persons home or business. Reefers bring others into the project with specific skills and talents to make the tank more than the sum of its parts. Another one of lifes lessons.

Good point Jim. Many of the nicest looking tanks out there have people outside of the owner maintaining the tank, deciding on what equipment is the best, etc...so I think we agree that having the best looking tank doesn't make you an expert. Besides, it is amazing what simple camera tricks can do to make a tank look great.

[stacef]

Originally Posted by plecosword

Hmm This idea came from liveaquaria and other stores that place the care level, and then stace had told me that she was thinking of a purcupinefish and a boxfish, and they said expert only, but then she told me you just have to figure out why they are expert only. Then I thought if that would make her an Expert Hobbiest
Then I came to this, very confused lol

Great point Mario!!
Once looking into a fish, you find out typically why they call them "expert" level and what not. Becuase of their high maintenance feeding on the ones I was looking at. And to me.. that is not expert, that is.. having the resources to provide the food/needs that are needed by that particular animal. You raise a wonderful point though.. so by me keeping a porc puffer, would I be an expert? I do not believe so.. I believe and expert is somebody that have vast experience in this hobby and knows so much on several of the topics.

[Ganrin]

I voted myself intermediate and advanced, it lets you vote more than one, because 10 years ago I was definitely advanced, with 5yrs of fish keeping and exp in wholesale, and retail. Now however Im about 5 months into a tank that inspite of the occasional issue, is doing very well overall.

As an example last time I had a reef T5 lights werent an option for lighting, if that size flourescent existed they didnt exist in reef useable spectra.

[plecosword]

clears it up a bit, though that would make me lower than bigginer, I should have done something before beginer like loser, I fit perfectly there lol
jk

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I think judging ourselves has to have a taste of bias to it.I would much rather others judge me.That would include both those I have helped and those I have.......ummmmmm.....ag rivated.I am a big boy I can take it.

[rlcline76]

Originally Posted by NATIVEVAMAN

I think judging ourselves has to have a taste of bias to it.I would much rather others judge me.That would include both those I have helped and those I have.......ummmmmm.....ag rivated.I am a big boy I can take it.

I'll have to send you my response via PM so that I do not get in trouble. lol

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I am sure using all those 4 letter words would get you tos'd lol

[rlcline76]

Depending on the scenario, it could be worth it!

[thelastmucci]

Personally I see myself as a beginner I don't even have a tank yet for crying out loud. However I do read....allot and like Jim says I would like to be judged by a jury of my peers than just randomly saying "yea I'm expert...who's your (fish) daddy" I have allot of work to do as far as becoming an "expert" goes but with time like anything else it will come. BTW how do you get one of those nifty RB trusted tags?

[stephaniesquires]

I see myself as a beginner. I've read and researched, but putting all of that to use is another story. I think keeping a reef healthy and making it thrive is a long term commitment and it will take a long time to become an expert. (Although I am getting pretty 'darn' good at the plumbing stuff....)

[plecosword]

haha thats great to her! hmm that brings me to another question. What would the requirements be for an expert Hobbyist. Can you tells someones experience by looking at their tank?
This means In about one or 2 weeks ill be beginner! woa! my first baby step

[stephaniesquires]

Originally Posted by plecosword

haha thats great to her! hmm that brings me to another question. What would the requirements be for an expert Hobbyist. Can you tells someones experience by looking at their tank?
This means In about one or 2 weeks ill be beginner! woa! my first baby step

I think being an expert means you can set up and maintain a healthy thriving reef, you can prevent some problems by having good QT protocols, know what your livestock needs to thrive, and know how to handle the stuff that falls into the sh!t happens category. That would make you and expert on your own tank, but to be a real expert I think you also need to be able to help solve other peoples problems.
I think the people who do lots of research before jumping into this hobby are going to be more successful, it shows dedication and a willingness to put the time an effort into creating something rather than dumping water and fish into a tank...
I think there are a lot of people on this forum who are extremely knowledgeable. Some have expertise in a particular area, others have a broader base of knowledge, and many have a genuine desire to help others, that counts for a lot!!!

[pogodzib]

Originally Posted by thelastmucci

BTW how do you get one of those nifty RB trusted tags?

You need to have 500 posts and have your posts reviewed by RyanG. If he feels that your knowledge and opinions expressed in your posts are worth of a RB trusted tag, he's give you one. In order for Ryan to review your posts, either he can see your comments and send you a PM to ask you if you'd like your posts to be reviewed and you need to tell him yes, or you can send a PM to RyanG requesting him to review your posts for the RB trusted tag. He doesn't just give them out to anyone though so just because you (or anyone else) has 500 posts in no way means that your are or are not worth of the tag. I think he has the 500 post minimum so that he knows that you're here often and has enough posts to review to determine your reef keeping knowledge.

[plecosword]

Originally Posted by stephaniesquires

I think being an expert means you can set up and maintain a healthy thriving reef, you can prevent some problems by having good QT protocols, know what your livestock needs to thrive, and know how to handle the stuff that falls into the sh!t happens category. That would make you and expert on your own tank, but to be a real expert I think you also need to be able to help solve other peoples problems.
I think the people who do lots of research before jumping into this hobby are going to be more successful, it shows dedication and a willingness to put the time an effort into creating something rather than dumping water and fish into a tank...
I think there are a lot of people on this forum who are extremely knowledgeable. Some have expertise in a particular area, others have a broader base of knowledge, and many have a genuine desire to help others, that counts for a lot!!!

"willingness to put the time an effort into creating something rather than dumping water and fish into a tank..."
I really agree with that! And It really shows, i have met so many people that have givin up with fish.
I like when you said an expert helps other people with problems. I think thats what RB is about, to strengthen other peoples weakneses, make each other experts

[thelastmucci]

Thanks Brian....maybe when I hit 1000 posts I'll look into it more seriously...not that I'm not here for the long haul. Also it seems like a lotta work for Ryan and I"m sure he's busy busy busy.

[pogodzib]

Yah. I'm sure it was easier for Ryan to review posts when this site was smaller and didn't have nearly as many members or posts happening. As far as I know, he hasn't approved of any new RB trusted members lately, but I've seen a few people around here that he should maybe consider.

[plecosword]

Originally Posted by pogodzib

Yah. I'm sure it was easier for Ryan to review posts when this site was smaller and didn't have nearly as many members or posts happening. As far as I know, he hasn't approved of any new RB trusted members lately, but I've seen a few people around here that he should maybe consider.

Like me

[rlcline76]

It's just a tag.
Really, there are some people on here who I think should have it. But they are stubborn, like me, and will not ask for something like that.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I have a different take on the RB trusted thing.I think instead of asking for it it should be a type of award for helping people.I actually think its belittling to make someone ask for something they deserve.It becomes somewhat less of an honor if you have to ask for it.

[rlcline76]

Dale, you were the "stubborn" old coot I was thinking of!

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I understand old and stubborn but what the heck is a coot?

[e_baer]

I think I would have to consider myself Intermediate to advanced. In many, if not most, areas of reefkeeping I am intermediate, but there are a few areas that I feel I am advanced.

[rlcline76]

Originally Posted by NATIVEVAMAN

I understand old and stubborn but what the heck is a coot?

Mirriam Webster has it listed as some sort of bird. Illinois dialect...quite possible St. Clair County dialect probably means something else...wouldn't doubt if it was obscene. lol

[plecosword]

Originally Posted by e_baer

I think I would have to consider myself Intermediate to advanced. In many, if not most, areas of reefkeeping I am intermediate, but there are a few areas that I feel I am advanced.

hahah i just saw the results, you voted for all of em
Stace, can you get 75 voters to vote like before? lol your mad