Responsible Reef Keeping

Hi guys,
Recently, I posted an ID thread about a snail I cought while diving. As I couldn't get a positive Id, I posted a thread on the marinedepot's forum. Dr Ron Shimek kindly answered my question, and also kindly remembered me of what "responsibility" is. I wanted to share a fragment of the conversation which I believe is very true.

"... No Conus will ever have the "bumps" and "ridges" inside the aperture that this animal. So, you don't have to worry about getting stung.

And, of course, it will die of starvation in captivity as Cypraecassis are typically predatory upon sea urchins and sea stars.

Finally, this thread brings to mind the question, "Why on Earth, collect an animal, if you don't know what it is, or how to care for it?" Such an action is the height of irresponsibility. "

"... When somebody collects an animal with no understanding of its care and with no purpose other than to put it in a glass box, I consider that irresponsible. This same judgment falls on many aquarists who have, and take no steps to remedy, no understanding of the proper way to care for the animals in their care.

Coral reefs are "on their way out" in every reef habitat in the world. We need to make the effort to preserve, enhance or protect what have left. The indiscriminate collection for the hobby is something I think is wrong. Most reef animals die well before they reach our tanks, and most put into our tanks die a premature death. People should endeavor to provide the best care possible for any animal in their system, and that means learning as much as one can about the animals before you collect or purchase them. If that means that you do not collect a strange animal you see or purchase something you don't know about, so be it."

Sorry about thew long post, but I believe it's worth remembering this...

AR

 

Hey, you found a rare snail species and put it back. I dont find that being irresponsible, considering you are doing what is best for its preservation. Many animals are taken from their homes illegaly and immorally, and if they are not what the company is looking for, they are "disposed of". I feel that by returning this creature, you have deemed yourself a responsible reefkeeper of sorts, IMO.

But i do have to agree with Dr. Shimek, i you are gonna take something, take it if you know what it is and how to take care of it. But if you didnt take that snail, would you have ever caught a rare snail?

 

I certinly think Dr Ron Shimek hit the nail on the head.
I bet you felt like a naughty school boy after that "BURN'

 

That is very true. Most people will just go to the LFS and buy on impulse and bring home a fish they know nothing about or have an aquarium suitable for it. :-/

 

I agree 100%. However I get this feelign while readign the post that he is sayign nobody shoudl take anything from the reef system and we should protect the reef system and leave it untouched. Maybe it is just me missreading and miss-taking his true thoughts. Either way I agree with the thought but at the same tiem nobody would have any corals or fish in this hobbie if nothing was taken from the ocean....

I think we should limt what we take and only those that are authorized and knwo what they are doign should be able to collect from the wild.

 

Yep, and hence the need for "Responsible ReefKeeping"...

 

Artrichter. Thanks for the post. I'm with aquaboy on this one.

 

Thanks for sharing.
I agree with the sentiment and concern.

I wrote something on this a few years back that goes into some of the things the hobbyist can do:
3reef.com - Forums for coral reef aquariums, salt water fish, corals, inverts, protein skimmers, aquarium lighting and more! - 3reef Articles - Reef Aquarium Articles and How To's - Low Impact Aquariums

 

Ready For departure!!
Ok guys, tomorrow I will take my car and drive 3 hours to the spot where I collected the snail. He seems to be fine and soon will be better. I will drop him off in the exact same spot where I collected him. I have scuba gear ready waiting for me. Not a bad ending after all, both for the snail returning home, and for me having a pretext for a beach-scuba-piñas coladas day. I'll let you know how this comes up. Thanks for the thoughts, for sure, I consider myself a better aquarist now. Cheers.

BTW, great article Matt.

AR

 

LFS Completely irresponsible.

I have made my last trip to a new lfs that opened about 6 months ago near where I live. In comes the shipment bang starts the abuse and RTN by incompetence. You know it really hacks me off to see such beautiful creatures just wasted. The manager of this place is so arrogant and incompetent I cannot believe it. No attempt is made to even try to improve the status. I can only take solice in the idea that they will likely fold or have to discontinue keeping coral and SW fish. As I see it my part is to stop buying from such an irresponsible vendor.