OnlyGenusCaps
Fish Crazy
Hello. I am new here. This seems like the place to announce that.
I've been around aquaria for years. Worked in an LFS in the past. Currently, I am an ecologist/botanist. I have had aquariums on and off for much of my life, but the most recent effort has only been about 3 years. Loads has changed making me feel new to it all again. I'm still in the overthinking everything stage, where I research things believing that will guarantee success, and then realize pitfalls I'd not anticipated. I feel like this is a stage with any hobby.
I have a 42gal with a quite oversized wet/dry sump. It contains n-class Endler's and cherry shrimp, among many plants, some rocks, and a bit of bogwood. I only reworked it this summer after a plumbing issue (lesson learned: doesn't pay to balance the overflow and the return pump precisely when designing the system because when you need a new pump it won't push exactly the same amount of water, even if it is the same brand). However, I'm already thinking of how I'd like to change it to have a bit of a different community.
I'm also planning on doing a bit of a larger tank. About 250-300gal. For a few mbuna. I've always liked them, but never had the space to devote to them in a way that I felt was appropriate. I'd feel good about a tank that size for them. I'm sure I'll learn some hard lessons on that tank too. But that is why I wanted to join a forum. Post plans and perhaps get useful input before I flood the house.
I came here in part because there is a science discussion board, and I liked that this places allowed the "Unpopular Opinions" thread (I may head over there next), which remained civil. Makes the place seem like it has space for rigor and viewpoint diversity while remaining cordial. Few places can make that claim these days. I look forward to my interactions here.
I've been around aquaria for years. Worked in an LFS in the past. Currently, I am an ecologist/botanist. I have had aquariums on and off for much of my life, but the most recent effort has only been about 3 years. Loads has changed making me feel new to it all again. I'm still in the overthinking everything stage, where I research things believing that will guarantee success, and then realize pitfalls I'd not anticipated. I feel like this is a stage with any hobby.
I have a 42gal with a quite oversized wet/dry sump. It contains n-class Endler's and cherry shrimp, among many plants, some rocks, and a bit of bogwood. I only reworked it this summer after a plumbing issue (lesson learned: doesn't pay to balance the overflow and the return pump precisely when designing the system because when you need a new pump it won't push exactly the same amount of water, even if it is the same brand). However, I'm already thinking of how I'd like to change it to have a bit of a different community.
I'm also planning on doing a bit of a larger tank. About 250-300gal. For a few mbuna. I've always liked them, but never had the space to devote to them in a way that I felt was appropriate. I'd feel good about a tank that size for them. I'm sure I'll learn some hard lessons on that tank too. But that is why I wanted to join a forum. Post plans and perhaps get useful input before I flood the house.
I came here in part because there is a science discussion board, and I liked that this places allowed the "Unpopular Opinions" thread (I may head over there next), which remained civil. Makes the place seem like it has space for rigor and viewpoint diversity while remaining cordial. Few places can make that claim these days. I look forward to my interactions here.
