I’ve been in the hobby for nearly 15 years. I’m an expert in making mistakes. The only advice I can give others is what I’ve experienced and what worked for me.
24:36 this is the definition of the Dunning-Kreuger effect! The more you learn about a subject, the less confident you become because you realize how much more there is to know
As I listen to the discussion I dawned on me that the logics of this discussion/tank is applicable in all sphere of life, who are and why are the experts in any thing that you do, great great subject
Well, I had to take several breaks due to work but that was very good. I enjoyed it and agree with both of you. Like you, John. I will quickly go a different way if you're the type of person who comes off as a smug, arrogant, know-it-all. Or, if you're the type of person that feels they need to tear everyone else down around you so that you stand out. I have ZERO time for you. In fact, while I won't use the word hate here because I reserve that for people who truly deserve it, let's just say, I STRONGLY dislike those types of people and I won't hear what you have to say.
Good Morning! Gentlemen, I have learned soo much from both of you. I love to watch and listen. I appreciate all your knowledge and the support you give the fish keeping community! Thank You both soo much!
I migrated to Canada in 85 got my first tank, 1990 a 40 gallon community tank I had a 217 Ehiem Filter, that I scoured every Sunday in the Kitchen Sink of my apt. Of course I lost fish but in general fish and plants flourished, without issues. The only unsuccessful fish I tried keeping was Discus, in 2016, I was introduced to TH-cam and went to FX6’s and the fact that scouring your filter was the wrong way to go about it, however I still wash the sponges in tap water, however I have learned it’s better to wash the media in tank water. In this hobby expertise subject as you both have explained, I think you both are experts in the environment within which you operate, keep on teaching fellow 🙏🏿🙏🏿
Degree or not I've learned a lot about fish keeping from both of you. I don't have a big fish room, just a few tanks around the house and my fish are doing really good. Thanks to both John and Jason!
This topic spoke to me as a high school librarian! 📚 Much of my job is trying to teach my students how to navigate online information. 3 years ago, when my son asked for an aquarium and I knew nothing about fishkeeping, I felt so lost! All the online opinions were SO different. It was a frustrating first few months. But, no joke, things changed for me when I found Prime Time Aquatics. Jason and Joanna (and later John and Lisa once I found your channel!) are probably the reason why I stuck with it. You guys helped me cut through the noise. Now, I actually know enough to offer beginner advice here and there. But like others have said, I think it’s important to qualify any advice with “in my experience” and then state what that experience is. Then your listener can better decide what to do with that info. I don’t really trust info I get without knowing what that experience (whether it be hands-on or read from a book) is. Thank you both for inspiring me to stay in this wonderful hobby!
I asked John that very question a couple months ago, Jason. I asked, how do you research the research you're researching? I struggle with that hard! If I'm told or reading something and it's presented to me with confidence - and it's not completely out of left field - I'm likely going to believe it.
"The more you learn, the less you know." Truer words were never spoken. I get my information from all over the place, from fish keepers to aquascapists, and whatever sticks, I add to my personal experience. Great podcast. 👍
I really enjoy this pod cast! My two favorites coming together and having refreshing discussions on topics that I as a novice find extremely valuable. Thank you guys and keep it coming!
Probably the best episode y’all have done so far. Just like your frustration with people watching Father Fish’s videos and thinking that they don’t have to do water changes on their Oscar tanks with no plants, people would see my videos and think they can throw 10 rainbow sharks/redtail sharks in their 30 gallon tank. That’s not the case. In my experience and based on how I’ve seen other people’s setups, it takes 1) at least a 6 foot tank 125 gallons or bigger, 2) lots of caves and hiding places, 3) tall plants real or fake doesn’t matter, and 4) keep them in a group of 5 or more to disperse aggression, to keep multiple red tail sharks or rainbow sharks together successfully long-term without hyper-aggression. No matter how many times I explain that to people whether it’s comments or my videos, people would only take PARTIAL advice and throw 8 of them into a 40 breeder. Sometimes, people would put a rainbow shark and a redtail shark in with 3 bala sharks and call that their “group of 5” after I explained that the bala sharks don’t count as part of that group and that the “group of 5” rule only includes redtail sharks and rainbow sharks which are from that “labeo” family. Due to people ignoring one or two of those key points, I just stopped trying to teach people how to do it and just started saying “one per tank” like everyone else says. I don’t even keep them together anymore myself because people would see my videos, try to copy me, do it wrong, and fail. Even with my setup, yes there were still short scuffles and minor chases in short bursts when I had 6 or 7 of them in my 6 foot tank, but when there’s only 2 or 3 in a smaller tank, the chasing and the fights are almost endless 24/7
I love this! I'm that kid who kept saying I wanted to be a marine biologist and kept saying it until I went back at almost 40 to school. I've learned more fishkeeping than I did in almost 4 years of formal schooling. (An accident knocked me out of ever finishing) Even mechanics have this same conversation. All the paper degree did was open the door to get your feet in. You have to have that hands on as well before you can get ASE certs. You need book knowledge and hands on knowledge.
This was a great podcast guys, very informative. But hey its awesome we have the internet and books to get info unlike it was when I was a kid and after this podcast the biggest things we can teach is to slow down and be patient and learn what is going to work for you. I am from the same area as Jason and one of my LFS still pushes the use of undergravel filters.
I consider you two my "go-to" experts in fish keeping. Degree PLUS experience is vital! My degree would have been completely useless to me had I not pursued the practical experience to make it work
As the master Yoda of fish keeping and an expert horticulturalist..I got to say U guys are a decent source of information 😂 But for real your 2 channels have helped me expediently in my fish keeping journey! Thanks 🤘
Jason- when you were talking about your 125 with all the fish you “should keep”. Reminded me of the time when I was a little kid and my dad had a Piranha and he was going to put in a tank with Central American cichlid and a Redtail Shark. Well, I believe that Piranha knew that these other fish were there first and left them all alone. Now, if you put something in there,it would destroy it because it knew that was food. That was cool to see.
Loved the Podcast. I'm one of those folks that went out and got an Oscar, and housed him with my peacocks after seeing your set up. The oscar is still about 3 inches, and the peacocks are either around the same size or bigger. I'm keeping a close eye, but the combo is stunning. Im putting it in writing that its not your fault if it goes wrong..haha
Wow what a great pod cast! You kept my attention the whole time. I totally agree with you all 100%. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. I’m a hands on learner as well and am always looking for someone to share their knowledge. Thanks!
A lesson I learned early in life is "A jack of all trades is a master of none (and this is where most people stop with the quote), but oftentimes times is better than a master of one." When I give advice, I always use the cavet that this is what has worked for me, or this is why I personally like this. I also like to link videos that help explain my perspective in more details because I tend to get lost in the details when I might know something, yet have a hard time putting it to words. I really dislike anyone who gives absolutes in the hobby. Dipping my toes into the FB fish groups is a nightmare to me. I swear people who dont even keep gish go in them and just throw out false information to mess with people. I about passed out when I read someone say the blue night time light blinds fish 😮😂
Thanks you two! That was more fun and in-depth than I expected. I would consider you both to be fantastic science communicators, thank you so much for your humble and fun approach to explaining the science involved with the hobby. I am a bit biased as someone with a background in biology/ecology (my profile picture is a fresh water ciliate) but I absolutely love the idea of experts including "number of ecosystems" that they have kept. I am actually considering shell dwellers(Multis) because Jason said it was possible to grow plants with these cichids (when almost nobody does this). I sincerely appreciate it when tanks are approached from an ecosystem and community assembly perspective because it serves as an excellent mid ground between extreme approachs like biotopes or tanks that are purely for aethetics. I really enjoy the science and would love to continue to hear about nitty gritties like bacterial growth dynamics in sponge filters because I want to know the details that "experts" are thinking about. I am new to the hobby (4-5 years) and just built my first fish rack, I hope to keep on watching these conversations so I can use it to inform my growing number of ecosystems!
I been in the hobby since I was young lad 1970s , and I am still learning new things.I learned mainly from my parents and an old couple who had a Ma and Pa small tropical fish store. My first aquarium was a metal frame and slate bottom.
This shows so much as soon as you try to find information about some kind of fish that's not one of the most common. One person says one thing, another person says something else. One say that one size of aquarium is needed for that fish, another says it needs at least double! And so on. Of course that's because of different experiences. But without some own experience, it can be impossible to know who to trust. As it is now, I've started thinking: "Well, the truth is probably something in between" 😅 And, then there's another problem, not related to fish keeping though. Where I live, it's extremely difficult to get any kind of job without an education where you have someone putting on paper that you've done it. Well. I never did well in school. Not at all. But I've learnt a lot(!) afterwards, just because I'm curious and now have a lot better health compared to when I was younger. So I might have the knowledge and experience needed for a specific job. I just can't say "I have this high grade education". And then no one wants to hire me. I hate that.
Exactly! You have to have the formal education just to get the door open. Even with a degree unless you have the practical experience you still don't get anywhere. Been in this spot first hand with my husband. Don't give up! We had to send him to school to get the paper and then he had to start at the bottom with the job. Eventually though he then had the paper and the hands on experience which meant people actively started pursuing him for those same jobs they had turned him down for.
I believe I may be quoting you John if not paraphrasing, it’s a mistake to know anything about this hobby, and then go judge someone else’s tank. Sometimes it’s best to watch and learn, if you can slip in suggestions, but that’s someone’s best friend, their beloved work, a safe place to be. This being said if you got 9 dorado in a 40 breeder, that’s ridiculous and it should be easy to see if care is taken, degree or not, we learn or we lose interest because it’s a hobby that require sacrifice for grace. Loved this episode! Stay happy and healthy 😊&❤️
Example: been said over and over that you MUST drink 8 glasses of water/day. It’s been said so long and loud that nearly everyone believes it. Not backed by scientific evidence. I trust my thirst. Common beliefs should be questioned
Hello Jason, Hello John, I personally can not thank you enough for all the podcast that you are doing so far. Its very useful, refreshing and good in all ways possible. Regarding cleaning oft the sponge filter (I am not an expert or breeder, just someone that love aquarium fish as a hobby), I use in so far both methods. The easiest way is to use the sink. The downside of rinsing sponge filter in the tank water, could (not must) be the following: spreading unwanted bacteria from one tank to the other (I did not mention diseases because of a good reason). It depends on how many tanks you have, if there is one single filtration system for all the thanks etc. For someone who have a single tank, that fine, no danger there. If someone have fish tanks all connected to the same filtration system, that's perfect ok. But when there are several tanks with individual filtration system, it could happen, that there are different bacteria culture in each tank, to whom the fish are used to. When you use for rinsing the same aquarium water from where de sponge filter come in a unique bucket, it's ok. When the rinsing are done in a mixed water/bucket, there can be problems. Not must, it can. I think of the problem with especially guppy where the fish are accommodated to one specific bacterial load and then come in a different bacteria culture in the water column. Disaster can happen. Again, it is not a must, but occurs often. Regarding rinsing the sponge filter in a sink, its depend on the water quality of the sink water. In general, there is no issue, but sometimes the sink water can be a little bit dangerous. If you squeeze the sponge filter very good and let it a little dry out, that's fine and better as when the sponge filter is squeeze less (with a lot of water rest in it). But, again, depends on a lot of the circumstances and water quality. I wish, I can find a really good information about the bacteria population in freshwater aquarium. I mean, a little more insight of the bacteria cycle in a tank, in a filter etc. Everybody speak about beneficial bacteria and „bad” bacteria. I wish, I could have information about the needs of bacteria in order to balance an aquarium, what they need, how to proved sufficient oxygen and food, what kind of food and so on. As an example, the best way so far to make a „new” aquarium good for adding fish, as I experience, is to use some filter material (such a ceramic rings or balls or simple a sponge) that are sitting for a sufficient long time in a healthy aquarium. The one question that I have is, as an example: when using ceramic rings or filter ceramic balls in a pot inside the aquarium (it increases the surface for the bacteria to expand - when not wrong in this matter), become the bacteria sufficient oxygen to grow the population, make it sense or not? I think, You both can make a podcast about the bacteria in aquariums with more information as usual, regarding appearance, development, needs, time to grown. When there are more than two tanks, how to make it possible, that all tanks have the same bacterial load (each tank with their own water filter, regardless is a sponge filter, back on filter or something else). I think, the most common problems that we, the hobbyist in freshwater fish keeping have, are with the introduction of new fish in an established tank. Even when we use a quarantine tank before that. As an example, like I said, I like guppies. From time to time, in order to have a healthy population, it is a must to use „fresh blood” into the existing strain. The new fish are quarantined and after some time, problems occurs. With all the resources that I use (fish from very different sources). In 90% of the cases, I lost the new fish before transfer them to the guppy tank. Can not buy new fish from a local breeder and I bet, there will be no issue with that kind of fish. It is very tricky, especial with guppies. The new fish can look perfect ok in all sense. Same water parameter as they are acclimated in the shop. The transport from local store to the quarantine tank less than one hour. Quarantine tank fish ready, water parameter balanced, as in the rest of the tanks at my home. After 1 to 30 days, the new fish in the quarantine tank get sick and did not survive. I had once a batch of new guppies that give birth in the quarantine tank. The male, then the females past away. It remains only the fry. Suddenly there was an external parasite on the fry. The adult did not have it, by the way. I treat that tank with meds, but all the fry died after a week or so. Another example: new gourami, medium size. Quarantined over 1 month. After 1 month, suddenly a red spot on the body, under the head. I tough, it could be injured because that fish was easy to scare. After days, the red spot grows and disappears, but the surface looks like it was bite of. I treated the fish in the same quarantine tank with a mix of substances (Seachem ParaGuard, Easy Life Catappa-X and Black Cones) and for the first time in years of try to safe a sick fish, that fish recovers fully. I think, it could very useful to speak in the podcast also about general rules and meds to use after buying new fish (if that make sense, I am aware, that the use of meds is not good for the fish when its healthy, but it is hard to know, if the new fish are really healthy; I am aware, that that kind of fish could be already treated by the local store or importer already with meds). That, I think, is the most common problems that an average hobby fish keeper struggle with. The reason that this kind of problem occur are various, I am fully aware of it. It can happen, but when it happens too often, there is a problem. And before you think, that maybe the quarantine tank was improper, I take the necessary measures to ensure good environment for the new fish in that tank.
I hope this doesn't insult John and Jason, but I think of them as ambassadors. Nature is the expert. John basically taught me the nitrogen cycle (Thank you John), nature has taken care of the rest for me. I try not to disturb her. A heater cooked an entire tank of fish, now I'm a heater expert, and refuse to use another one in my aquariums. That's the extent of my expertness.
I have only 2 years in this hobby. I listen & then I do my own research, & I also learn from my own mistakes. I am definitely no expert & i have no college education. I believe in taking advice from multiple people & doing your own research & apply it to what works for you. & learn from your wins & your losses.
John Cage was a composer who loved studying fungi. He wrote texts on them that scholars study. Hobbyists who deep dive into their hobbies can absolutely lead the way in knowledge.
The paper degrees don't help that much because there just isn't a lot of experimental data on keep ornamental fish. So, there isn't really a stack of papers that can be referenced for any particular issue that we might run into in the hobby.
For me, knowing if someone is knowledgeable enough to listen to often comes down to whether or not they make it clear the types of situations their advice applies to, and which ones it doesn’t. A lot of people on the internet spout parroted information solely because they're chasing likes/follows/subscribers and to do that they often think they need to sound like an expert, i.e., what they know is 100% truth. The truly knowledgeable people tend to be very open about the massive range of possibilities and the gaps in their own advice, and they share that because their goal is to inform, not become famous.
Look I like Father Fish as well, but the amount of people that have come in my pet store that they had issues doing that setup because they didnt understand how to do it properly.... lots of lost fish and frustrations. Most of them were BRAND NEW fishkeepers. Great podcast guys! I hope to get back to it this year.
I always think about why do you think fishkeepers are so worried about water parameters? I feel like when you’re first starting out even though the nitrogen cycle is definitely important you’re told to obsess about the ammonia, nitrite, nitrates, PH, and temperature. That any problem it is something with that
I know you gentlemen and your wives are humble and wouldn’t look at yourselves as the experts but you are! I’ve gotten better and more successful thanks to KG Tropicals and Prime Time Aquatics!! I’m here because to me you guys are the experts. I love you guys and will always keep listening and supporting you guys!! Always thanks!
The short time i have been keeping fish i have had three go to for educational information that is your two channels and aquarium coop i watch others for ideas too MD is great for design ideas and knowledge. I have talked to people thinking about the hobby number one thing i told them is research.
I don't like the word "expert", I prefer "well experienced". I've taken a few college course's and would never have called myself an expert in those fields. The read world hands on experience was much more beneficial than what I learned in a class room. In the early to mid 60's I started in the fish keeping hobby breeding fancy guppies. I even improved and created my own color/pattern strain. My LFS was excited to buy my fish. The owner convinced me to start breeding angelfish which he also happily bought from me. Over the years I bred other species of fish. I've kept community display tanks. From the beginning and to today my breeding and grow out tanks have always been bare using box filters and now sponge filters. I have always, always scrubbed and cleaned them under TAP water. Every few days the tanks wound get a 50% water change. I've fed BBS, powdered flake and my version of Jack Wattley and Markc Weiss version of discus food. I've been a flat rate auto technician for most of my life and would never call myself an expert. I worked as a carpenter, again experienced not an expert. I also worked as an architectural drafter/designer (one of my college courses) for some big companies such as Subway World Headquarters, Vermont Real Log Homes, Yankee Barn Homes an well know architects . Again, experienced not expert. During my Army stint I earned expert for marksmanship qualification badges. I didn't consider myself an expert, but rather a good shot on stationary targets. It did prove that I ended up being good at shooting the enemy and returning home. To call someone an expert to me is a bit mute. In every subject their is things that change and something new to learn.
Before I even watch this, I’m gonna say what I say to a lot of my customers… if there really were experts in this hobby, then we wouldn’t be changing the name of a CPD to a Galaxy Rasbora. Someone was wrong, and possibly even called themselves an expert when they first named that fish. This hobby is one big science project, and if we are not constantly learning about what is in our tank, or how to provide the best environment for what’s in the tank, then what’s the point? we should all do what works best for us, and what is best for the inhabitants in our glass box. That doesn’t make us an expert, that just makes us educated. there are no limits in this hobby that should make us an expert. if we were an expert, we would have nothing more to learn.
question: couldnt you just clean the sponge filter with conditioned water in bucket after the first good cleaning? (restarting the hobby after 3 year break 2yr exp, currently have a HOB filters on 2 tanks)
I don't know if you read these comments, I hope so. But... Very interesting and important discussion. I think one thing is missing though. What are you trying to achieve? Cleaning the spongefilter in tank water gives some benefits and some drawbacks, same thing with doing it in clean water. So for many people, both are fine. But for some it's not. Some have a problem that really needs one or the other of the benefits. So context is everything I think. So when Father Fish say "don't change the water" he's surely right, - but in what situations??? When this guy or that guy say you need to do this or that, it's probably true IF YOU ARE IN THAT SITUATION. But in other situations it's not. Good TH-camrs tell why or in what situations (I think the long Father Fish video does that, I think Fistory does that etc. etc.) but even if they do, a lot of people will just hear one phrase and use it in completely different situations. Some TH-camrs (e.g. the Father Fish shorts) just give a bold statement. And that is probably doing more harm than good! Edit- Oh I wrote it too fast. You did come to this. Thanks :)
I need my sponge filters to do mechanical filtration in addition to biological filtration so they must be thoroughly cleaned of detritus for the tanks to look decent. That objective can't be acheived in a bucket of tank water holding detritus after the first squeeze. Jason
So true. I know people that have degrees and are smart in that area but dumb about other things in life. In my opinion experience and common sense is more important than a piece of paper
I've been keeping fish for more than 42 years. I wouldn't have a clue wthout TH-cam and the internet. When I started nobody had even heard of the Nitrogen cycle. Fish keeping has come a long way in the last 40 odd years.
As I understand it, your seasoned substrate is your largest biological holder. I have not experienced an issue cleaning filters with tap water. I do, however, rinse off my canister media in a bucket.
I get tired hearing that planted, especially heavily planted, is the only way to have a balanced tank. Some like the look, but to me it looks messy with restricted open swimming space. Besides, I can’t afford all the plants
In sales they sell you the problem, not the solution. They are explaining to you why you need them or their product. We have be very careful on social media. Not everyone has the same motivation.
Just caught up to this episode so i know I'm late to the debate. You just have to look at professional sports ice hockey, football/soccer or basketball, athletes considered to be at the top of their game in areas that don't require a degree, just experience and talent...
Good talk. In my opinion, in all fields it takes a combination of formal learning, experience, and just having a good head on your shoulders to become an expert. Making the argument from an authority perspective that someone needs a degree to be an expert is just illogical. A perfect example is those doctors out there that are telling you that men can be women and women can be men. It takes a lot of self reflection, but most people are too dumb to be able to evaluate what an expert is. I have four degrees, a BA, a MEd, a MS, and an EdD. There are people without those degrees that know more than me in my field and I know more than others with degrees in different fields.
That’s the problem with today’s society is that stated anybody with a degree on a particular subject is classified an expert, which, in my personal opinion is not true for example, places like children’s society, or protective child society, different names for wherever you’re from classify themselves as professionals, and some of those so-called professionals, don’t have any children themselves so of course they have the knowledge what supposed to be on paper however, nature such as ourselves, or any other species is not defined by a piece of paper. It might mean the majority follow particular role, but not to me an expert not only has maybe a credential or a degree but also has the experience, those people will know that nature doesn’t always follow the rule of them, and will able to make a decision not just based on education, but based on personal experienced knowledge! I really don’t think anybody in any situation can be always right or wrong. We all learn from each other. Just when we think we’ve got something figured out. It surprises us and that’s just the way it is we can never be fully experienced and fully knowledged and know everything we can only know what we’ve learned so far , but that can change very quickly. I do believe that anybody who has a degree or masters, in anything should also have experience to go along with it again example, if you are a child, welfare worker, then you should have children of your own. It’s having the best of both world education and experience. Just my opinion.
Haven't seen the original comment that inspired this talk, but I suspect that the comment may have been the result of frustration with how readily "expert" is tossed around in this hobby (usually given as a label by others to "experts" who would not apply the term to themselves). There is simply too much to know in this hobby to be a true expert on all aspects of fishkeeping.
Apart from the Nitrogen cycle their are no hard and fast rules in my opinion though common sense helps like if it small enough to fit in mouth its lunch . Am i an expert on the tanks i own probably i have great success in maintaining and enjoying all 10 of them. Am i an expert on your tank/s ? probably not. I don't know your parameters stocking levels plant levels filters and the list goes on . So in general fish keeping i believe their is no such thing as an expert . Knowledgeable people like yourselves yes but there are to many variables to call some one an expert in general fish keeping . We are always learning .
I think anyone who works in the retail or professional side of things should have a minimum 2year AA degree. Did you know Dishwashers in a restaurant are required to pass a test and hold a food service permit. Many other professionals must have 4, to 8 years of advanced training. Or we would have a bunch of "hobbyist' doctors and hobbyist pilots. As is, the kid in the petshop can say pretty much whatever they want to other unwary new hobbyists. No accountability.
I’ve been in the hobby for nearly 15 years. I’m an expert in making mistakes. The only advice I can give others is what I’ve experienced and what worked for me.
You two are my “experts”. Thank you both for your knowledge !
Thank you!
24:36 this is the definition of the Dunning-Kreuger effect! The more you learn about a subject, the less confident you become because you realize how much more there is to know
Great topic ❤ thanks to you both!
As I listen to the discussion I dawned on me that the logics of this discussion/tank is applicable in all sphere of life, who are and why are the experts in any thing that you do, great great subject
I feel like fish keeping is more like going to trade school. On the job hands on experience is critical and is how I really learn
at Trade School, you have to pass some tests and graduate ideally. Good news for fish, there are now a few AA Aquarium Programs around the USA.
I'm really enjoying the podcast guys, looking forward to next week's episode!
Thank you!
Great insights, as always.
I love these! I listen while working and quite enjoy it 🤗
Thank you both so much for a great video!!
Well, I had to take several breaks due to work but that was very good. I enjoyed it and agree with both of you.
Like you, John. I will quickly go a different way if you're the type of person who comes off as a smug, arrogant, know-it-all. Or, if you're the type of person that feels they need to tear everyone else down around you so that you stand out. I have ZERO time for you. In fact, while I won't use the word hate here because I reserve that for people who truly deserve it, let's just say, I STRONGLY dislike those types of people and I won't hear what you have to say.
Love all the info you guys are bringing to the table. Love the podcast and videos
Thanks guys
There are some things school doesn't prepare you for you really can't replace just pure long term hands on experience no matter what your doing. Imo ❤
Thank you both, I call you the GURUS of Aquariums because the way you teach us as Aquarist it's remarkable and awesome.
Good Morning! Gentlemen, I have learned soo much from both of you. I love to watch and listen. I appreciate all your knowledge and the support you give the fish keeping community! Thank You both soo much!
I migrated to Canada in 85 got my first tank, 1990 a 40 gallon community tank I had a 217 Ehiem Filter, that I scoured every Sunday in the Kitchen Sink of my apt. Of course I lost fish but in general fish and plants flourished, without issues. The only unsuccessful fish I tried keeping was Discus, in 2016, I was introduced to TH-cam and went to FX6’s and the fact that scouring your filter was the wrong way to go about it, however I still wash the sponges in tap water, however I have learned it’s better to wash the media in tank water. In this hobby expertise subject as you both have explained, I think you both are experts in the environment within which you operate, keep on teaching fellow 🙏🏿🙏🏿
Really enjoyed this podcast
Degree or not I've learned a lot about fish keeping from both of you. I don't have a big fish room, just a few tanks around the house and my fish are doing really good. Thanks to both John and Jason!
This topic spoke to me as a high school librarian! 📚 Much of my job is trying to teach my students how to navigate online information. 3 years ago, when my son asked for an aquarium and I knew nothing about fishkeeping, I felt so lost! All the online opinions were SO different. It was a frustrating first few months. But, no joke, things changed for me when I found Prime Time Aquatics. Jason and Joanna (and later John and Lisa once I found your channel!) are probably the reason why I stuck with it. You guys helped me cut through the noise. Now, I actually know enough to offer beginner advice here and there. But like others have said, I think it’s important to qualify any advice with “in my experience” and then state what that experience is. Then your listener can better decide what to do with that info. I don’t really trust info I get without knowing what that experience (whether it be hands-on or read from a book) is. Thank you both for inspiring me to stay in this wonderful hobby!
Great episode! Thank you!
I asked John that very question a couple months ago, Jason. I asked, how do you research the research you're researching?
I struggle with that hard!
If I'm told or reading something and it's presented to me with confidence - and it's not completely out of left field - I'm likely going to believe it.
The more authorative the source the more trust I have in it!
"The more you learn, the less you know." Truer words were never spoken.
I get my information from all over the place, from fish keepers to aquascapists, and whatever sticks, I add to my personal experience.
Great podcast. 👍
I really enjoy this pod cast! My two favorites coming together and having refreshing discussions on topics that I as a novice find extremely valuable. Thank you guys and keep it coming!
Probably the best episode y’all have done so far. Just like your frustration with people watching Father Fish’s videos and thinking that they don’t have to do water changes on their Oscar tanks with no plants, people would see my videos and think they can throw 10 rainbow sharks/redtail sharks in their 30 gallon tank. That’s not the case. In my experience and based on how I’ve seen other people’s setups, it takes 1) at least a 6 foot tank 125 gallons or bigger, 2) lots of caves and hiding places, 3) tall plants real or fake doesn’t matter, and 4) keep them in a group of 5 or more to disperse aggression, to keep multiple red tail sharks or rainbow sharks together successfully long-term without hyper-aggression. No matter how many times I explain that to people whether it’s comments or my videos, people would only take PARTIAL advice and throw 8 of them into a 40 breeder. Sometimes, people would put a rainbow shark and a redtail shark in with 3 bala sharks and call that their “group of 5” after I explained that the bala sharks don’t count as part of that group and that the “group of 5” rule only includes redtail sharks and rainbow sharks which are from that “labeo” family. Due to people ignoring one or two of those key points, I just stopped trying to teach people how to do it and just started saying “one per tank” like everyone else says. I don’t even keep them together anymore myself because people would see my videos, try to copy me, do it wrong, and fail. Even with my setup, yes there were still short scuffles and minor chases in short bursts when I had 6 or 7 of them in my 6 foot tank, but when there’s only 2 or 3 in a smaller tank, the chasing and the fights are almost endless 24/7
I love this! I'm that kid who kept saying I wanted to be a marine biologist and kept saying it until I went back at almost 40 to school. I've learned more fishkeeping than I did in almost 4 years of formal schooling. (An accident knocked me out of ever finishing) Even mechanics have this same conversation. All the paper degree did was open the door to get your feet in. You have to have that hands on as well before you can get ASE certs. You need book knowledge and hands on knowledge.
This was a great podcast guys, very informative. But hey its awesome we have the internet and books to get info unlike it was when I was a kid and after this podcast the biggest things we can teach is to slow down and be patient and learn what is going to work for you.
I am from the same area as Jason and one of my LFS still pushes the use of undergravel filters.
You guys are good! Common sense.
An expert is someone who has the wisdom to translate their knowledge into practice successfully.
I consider you two my "go-to" experts in fish keeping.
Degree PLUS experience is vital!
My degree would have been completely useless to me had I not pursued the practical experience to make it work
As the master Yoda of fish keeping and an expert horticulturalist..I got to say U guys are a decent source of information 😂 But for real your 2 channels have helped me expediently in my fish keeping journey! Thanks 🤘
Glad you are here!
I love the content and feel we are all thankful & lucky to have you guys share all of your wonderful expertise. Thank you!
Jason- when you were talking about your 125 with all the fish you “should keep”. Reminded me of the time when I was a little kid and my dad had a Piranha and he was going to put in a tank with Central American cichlid and a Redtail Shark. Well, I believe that Piranha knew that these other fish were there first and left them all alone. Now, if you put something in there,it would destroy it because it knew that was food. That was cool to see.
Loved the Podcast. I'm one of those folks that went out and got an Oscar, and housed him with my peacocks after seeing your set up. The oscar is still about 3 inches, and the peacocks are either around the same size or bigger. I'm keeping a close eye, but the combo is stunning. Im putting it in writing that its not your fault if it goes wrong..haha
Great discussion that is applicable to many situations...
Wow what a great pod cast! You kept my attention the whole time. I totally agree with you all 100%. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. I’m a hands on learner as well and am always looking for someone to share their knowledge. Thanks!
A lesson I learned early in life is
"A jack of all trades is a master of none (and this is where most people stop with the quote), but oftentimes times is better than a master of one." When I give advice, I always use the cavet that this is what has worked for me, or this is why I personally like this. I also like to link videos that help explain my perspective in more details because I tend to get lost in the details when I might know something, yet have a hard time putting it to words. I really dislike anyone who gives absolutes in the hobby. Dipping my toes into the FB fish groups is a nightmare to me. I swear people who dont even keep gish go in them and just throw out false information to mess with people. I about passed out when I read someone say the blue night time light blinds fish 😮😂
Another great topic! Thanks for your combined expertise!
Thanks you two! That was more fun and in-depth than I expected. I would consider you both to be fantastic science communicators, thank you so much for your humble and fun approach to explaining the science involved with the hobby. I am a bit biased as someone with a background in biology/ecology (my profile picture is a fresh water ciliate) but I absolutely love the idea of experts including "number of ecosystems" that they have kept. I am actually considering shell dwellers(Multis) because Jason said it was possible to grow plants with these cichids (when almost nobody does this). I sincerely appreciate it when tanks are approached from an ecosystem and community assembly perspective because it serves as an excellent mid ground between extreme approachs like biotopes or tanks that are purely for aethetics. I really enjoy the science and would love to continue to hear about nitty gritties like bacterial growth dynamics in sponge filters because I want to know the details that "experts" are thinking about. I am new to the hobby (4-5 years) and just built my first fish rack, I hope to keep on watching these conversations so I can use it to inform my growing number of ecosystems!
I use tap water but I use a shower head to spray water in a little container to a big container. It get read of chlorine
I been in the hobby since I was young lad 1970s , and I am still learning new things.I learned mainly from my parents and an old couple who had a Ma and Pa small tropical fish store. My first aquarium was a metal frame and slate bottom.
This shows so much as soon as you try to find information about some kind of fish that's not one of the most common. One person says one thing, another person says something else. One say that one size of aquarium is needed for that fish, another says it needs at least double! And so on. Of course that's because of different experiences. But without some own experience, it can be impossible to know who to trust. As it is now, I've started thinking: "Well, the truth is probably something in between" 😅
And, then there's another problem, not related to fish keeping though. Where I live, it's extremely difficult to get any kind of job without an education where you have someone putting on paper that you've done it. Well. I never did well in school. Not at all. But I've learnt a lot(!) afterwards, just because I'm curious and now have a lot better health compared to when I was younger. So I might have the knowledge and experience needed for a specific job. I just can't say "I have this high grade education". And then no one wants to hire me. I hate that.
Exactly! You have to have the formal education just to get the door open. Even with a degree unless you have the practical experience you still don't get anywhere.
Been in this spot first hand with my husband. Don't give up! We had to send him to school to get the paper and then he had to start at the bottom with the job. Eventually though he then had the paper and the hands on experience which meant people actively started pursuing him for those same jobs they had turned him down for.
This was an amazing video Thank you very much for posting it. I Love this channel amazing
Hey, I’m very very very mad. John didn’t talk enough. Lol 😂 only kidding guys. Keep up the great work.
I believe I may be quoting you John if not paraphrasing, it’s a mistake to know anything about this hobby, and then go judge someone else’s tank. Sometimes it’s best to watch and learn, if you can slip in suggestions, but that’s someone’s best friend, their beloved work, a safe place to be. This being said if you got 9 dorado in a 40 breeder, that’s ridiculous and it should be easy to see if care is taken, degree or not, we learn or we lose interest because it’s a hobby that require sacrifice for grace. Loved this episode! Stay happy and healthy 😊&❤️
A "expert" is someone who has made every single mistake that can be made in their very narrow field of expertise.
Example: been said over and over that you MUST drink 8 glasses of water/day. It’s been said so long and loud that nearly everyone believes it. Not backed by scientific evidence. I trust my thirst. Common beliefs should be questioned
Hello Jason,
Hello John,
I personally can not thank you enough for all the podcast that you are doing so far. Its very useful, refreshing and good in all ways possible.
Regarding cleaning oft the sponge filter (I am not an expert or breeder, just someone that love aquarium fish as a hobby), I use in so far both methods. The easiest way is to use the sink.
The downside of rinsing sponge filter in the tank water, could (not must) be the following: spreading unwanted bacteria from one tank to the other (I did not mention diseases because of a good reason). It depends on how many tanks you have, if there is one single filtration system for all the thanks etc. For someone who have a single tank, that fine, no danger there. If someone have fish tanks all connected to the same filtration system, that's perfect ok. But when there are several tanks with individual filtration system, it could happen, that there are different bacteria culture in each tank, to whom the fish are used to. When you use for rinsing the same aquarium water from where de sponge filter come in a unique bucket, it's ok. When the rinsing are done in a mixed water/bucket, there can be problems. Not must, it can. I think of the problem with especially guppy where the fish are accommodated to one specific bacterial load and then come in a different bacteria culture in the water column. Disaster can happen. Again, it is not a must, but occurs often.
Regarding rinsing the sponge filter in a sink, its depend on the water quality of the sink water. In general, there is no issue, but sometimes the sink water can be a little bit dangerous. If you squeeze the sponge filter very good and let it a little dry out, that's fine and better as when the sponge filter is squeeze less (with a lot of water rest in it). But, again, depends on a lot of the circumstances and water quality.
I wish, I can find a really good information about the bacteria population in freshwater aquarium. I mean, a little more insight of the bacteria cycle in a tank, in a filter etc. Everybody speak about beneficial bacteria and „bad” bacteria. I wish, I could have information about the needs of bacteria in order to balance an aquarium, what they need, how to proved sufficient oxygen and food, what kind of food and so on.
As an example, the best way so far to make a „new” aquarium good for adding fish, as I experience, is to use some filter material (such a ceramic rings or balls or simple a sponge) that are sitting for a sufficient long time in a healthy aquarium.
The one question that I have is, as an example: when using ceramic rings or filter ceramic balls in a pot inside the aquarium (it increases the surface for the bacteria to expand - when not wrong in this matter), become the bacteria sufficient oxygen to grow the population, make it sense or not?
I think, You both can make a podcast about the bacteria in aquariums with more information as usual, regarding appearance, development, needs, time to grown. When there are more than two tanks, how to make it possible, that all tanks have the same bacterial load (each tank with their own water filter, regardless is a sponge filter, back on filter or something else).
I think, the most common problems that we, the hobbyist in freshwater fish keeping have, are with the introduction of new fish in an established tank. Even when we use a quarantine tank before that. As an example, like I said, I like guppies. From time to time, in order to have a healthy population, it is a must to use „fresh blood” into the existing strain. The new fish are quarantined and after some time, problems occurs. With all the resources that I use (fish from very different sources). In 90% of the cases, I lost the new fish before transfer them to the guppy tank. Can not buy new fish from a local breeder and I bet, there will be no issue with that kind of fish. It is very tricky, especial with guppies. The new fish can look perfect ok in all sense. Same water parameter as they are acclimated in the shop. The transport from local store to the quarantine tank less than one hour. Quarantine tank fish ready, water parameter balanced, as in the rest of the tanks at my home. After 1 to 30 days, the new fish in the quarantine tank get sick and did not survive. I had once a batch of new guppies that give birth in the quarantine tank. The male, then the females past away. It remains only the fry. Suddenly there was an external parasite on the fry. The adult did not have it, by the way. I treat that tank with meds, but all the fry died after a week or so.
Another example: new gourami, medium size. Quarantined over 1 month. After 1 month, suddenly a red spot on the body, under the head. I tough, it could be injured because that fish was easy to scare. After days, the red spot grows and disappears, but the surface looks like it was bite of. I treated the fish in the same quarantine tank with a mix of substances (Seachem ParaGuard, Easy Life Catappa-X and Black Cones) and for the first time in years of try to safe a sick fish, that fish recovers fully. I think, it could very useful to speak in the podcast also about general rules and meds to use after buying new fish (if that make sense, I am aware, that the use of meds is not good for the fish when its healthy, but it is hard to know, if the new fish are really healthy; I am aware, that that kind of fish could be already treated by the local store or importer already with meds). That, I think, is the most common problems that an average hobby fish keeper struggle with. The reason that this kind of problem occur are various, I am fully aware of it. It can happen, but when it happens too often, there is a problem. And before you think, that maybe the quarantine tank was improper, I take the necessary measures to ensure good environment for the new fish in that tank.
This is so true. Y'all got another subscriber.
I hope this doesn't insult John and Jason, but I think of them as ambassadors. Nature is the expert. John basically taught me the nitrogen cycle (Thank you John), nature has taken care of the rest for me. I try not to disturb her. A heater cooked an entire tank of fish, now I'm a heater expert, and refuse to use another one in my aquariums. That's the extent of my expertness.
Experience trumps formal education always... However, an educated, experienced fish keeper. POW!
ive got phd at the school of hard knocks
I have only 2 years in this hobby. I listen & then I do my own research, & I also learn from my own mistakes. I am definitely no expert & i have no college education. I believe in taking advice from multiple people & doing your own research & apply it to what works for you. & learn from your wins & your losses.
John Cage was a composer who loved studying fungi. He wrote texts on them that scholars study. Hobbyists who deep dive into their hobbies can absolutely lead the way in knowledge.
The paper degrees don't help that much because there just isn't a lot of experimental data on keep ornamental fish. So, there isn't really a stack of papers that can be referenced for any particular issue that we might run into in the hobby.
For me, knowing if someone is knowledgeable enough to listen to often comes down to whether or not they make it clear the types of situations their advice applies to, and which ones it doesn’t. A lot of people on the internet spout parroted information solely because they're chasing likes/follows/subscribers and to do that they often think they need to sound like an expert, i.e., what they know is 100% truth. The truly knowledgeable people tend to be very open about the massive range of possibilities and the gaps in their own advice, and they share that because their goal is to inform, not become famous.
Look I like Father Fish as well, but the amount of people that have come in my pet store that they had issues doing that setup because they didnt understand how to do it properly.... lots of lost fish and frustrations. Most of them were BRAND NEW fishkeepers. Great podcast guys! I hope to get back to it this year.
Ya, that can be a problem
I always think about why do you think fishkeepers are so worried about water parameters? I feel like when you’re first starting out even though the nitrogen cycle is definitely important you’re told to obsess about the ammonia, nitrite, nitrates, PH, and temperature. That any problem it is something with that
I only test water parameters in a new tank - once everything is settled in I don't test it anymore unless something is wrong - Jason
I know you gentlemen and your wives are humble and wouldn’t look at yourselves as the experts but you are! I’ve gotten better and more successful thanks to KG Tropicals and Prime Time Aquatics!! I’m here because to me you guys are the experts. I love you guys and will always keep listening and supporting you guys!! Always thanks!
Appreciate you being here!
The short time i have been keeping fish i have had three go to for educational information that is your two channels and aquarium coop i watch others for ideas too MD is great for design ideas and knowledge. I have talked to people thinking about the hobby number one thing i told them is research.
fish keeping is its own apprenticeship that lasts forever.
I just discovered this. My two favorite fish tubers have joined forces.....
Left the hobby for a couple of years. Slowly coming back
I don't like the word "expert", I prefer "well experienced".
I've taken a few college course's and would never have called myself an expert in those fields. The read world hands on experience was much more beneficial than what I learned in a class room.
In the early to mid 60's I started in the fish keeping hobby breeding fancy guppies. I even improved and created my own color/pattern strain. My LFS was excited to buy my fish. The owner convinced me to start breeding angelfish which he also happily bought from me. Over the years I bred other species of fish. I've kept community display tanks.
From the beginning and to today my breeding and grow out tanks have always been bare using box filters and now sponge filters. I have always, always scrubbed and cleaned them under TAP water. Every few days the tanks wound get a 50% water change. I've fed BBS, powdered flake and my version of Jack Wattley and Markc Weiss version of discus food.
I've been a flat rate auto technician for most of my life and would never call myself an expert. I worked as a carpenter, again experienced not an expert. I also worked as an architectural drafter/designer (one of my college courses) for some big companies such as Subway World Headquarters, Vermont Real Log Homes, Yankee Barn Homes an well know architects . Again, experienced not expert.
During my Army stint I earned expert for marksmanship qualification badges. I didn't consider myself an expert, but rather a good shot on stationary targets. It did prove that I ended up being good at shooting the enemy and returning home.
To call someone an expert to me is a bit mute. In every subject their is things that change and something new to learn.
Monday mornings less sucky now.
Glad you are here!
We are all experts from our own experiences. We learn from each other.
Before I even watch this, I’m gonna say what I say to a lot of my customers… if there really were experts in this hobby, then we wouldn’t be changing the name of a CPD to a Galaxy Rasbora. Someone was wrong, and possibly even called themselves an expert when they first named that fish. This hobby is one big science project, and if we are not constantly learning about what is in our tank, or how to provide the best environment for what’s in the tank, then what’s the point? we should all do what works best for us, and what is best for the inhabitants in our glass box. That doesn’t make us an expert, that just makes us educated. there are no limits in this hobby that should make us an expert. if we were an expert, we would have nothing more to learn.
I'm always learning when you think you kno😅w it all you can't learn a darn thing😮❤
@@Crazyfishlady7106 100% agree. That’s one of my favorite things about this. Always learning 😊
I would rather take advice from someone that has done it instead of someone that has read about it.
I agree - Jason
question: couldnt you just clean the sponge filter with conditioned water in bucket after the first good cleaning? (restarting the hobby after 3 year break 2yr exp, currently have a HOB filters on 2 tanks)
Yes - just have to keep changing the water if you have multiple sponges or they are really dirty.
then there's the person who has only kept koi for 50 years, they are an "expert" on koi fish, but not an expert on aquarium fish...
I don't know if you read these comments, I hope so. But...
Very interesting and important discussion. I think one thing is missing though. What are you trying to achieve? Cleaning the spongefilter in tank water gives some benefits and some drawbacks, same thing with doing it in clean water. So for many people, both are fine. But for some it's not. Some have a problem that really needs one or the other of the benefits. So context is everything I think. So when Father Fish say "don't change the water" he's surely right, - but in what situations??? When this guy or that guy say you need to do this or that, it's probably true IF YOU ARE IN THAT SITUATION. But in other situations it's not.
Good TH-camrs tell why or in what situations (I think the long Father Fish video does that, I think Fistory does that etc. etc.) but even if they do, a lot of people will just hear one phrase and use it in completely different situations. Some TH-camrs (e.g. the Father Fish shorts) just give a bold statement. And that is probably doing more harm than good!
Edit- Oh I wrote it too fast. You did come to this. Thanks :)
I need my sponge filters to do mechanical filtration in addition to biological filtration so they must be thoroughly cleaned of detritus for the tanks to look decent. That objective can't be acheived in a bucket of tank water holding detritus after the first squeeze. Jason
So true. I know people that have degrees and are smart in that area but dumb about other things in life. In my opinion experience and common sense is more important than a piece of paper
Expert is an opinion term to me and it's meaning is in the eye of beholder. 😅
Real ''expert'' are always learning....
The word expert bothers me. I think a good fish keeper waits, watches, has patience and love the hobby. Also their fish live.
Sincerely.
Liz
I've been keeping fish for more than 42 years. I wouldn't have a clue wthout TH-cam and the internet. When I started nobody had even heard of the Nitrogen cycle. Fish keeping has come a long way in the last 40 odd years.
You guys were old timers 10 years ago brother.
My dad use to ask questions that he already knew the answers too. Not aquarium related but he just wanted to know what they thought they knew. Lol
😆
As I understand it, your seasoned substrate is your largest biological holder. I have not experienced an issue cleaning filters with tap water. I do, however, rinse off my canister media in a bucket.
Like seachem 110 tidal is 137
Then tax
I get tired hearing that planted, especially heavily planted, is the only way to have a balanced tank. Some like the look, but to me it looks messy with restricted open swimming space. Besides, I can’t afford all the plants
Ya, it really depends on the fish you want to keep
I'm a day late, but I made it! What are we talking about today... or yesterday as it were. Let's tune and find out, shall we? 😊
I definitely consider John an expert in freshwater aquariums and fish.
In sales they sell you the problem, not the solution. They are explaining to you why you need them or their product. We have be very careful on social media. Not everyone has the same motivation.
Credentials are for gatekeeping
Bro science haha
Just caught up to this episode so i know I'm late to the debate. You just have to look at professional sports ice hockey, football/soccer or basketball, athletes considered to be at the top of their game in areas that don't require a degree, just experience and talent...
Nice point!
Great video 😊. Father fish would b proud lol
Good talk. In my opinion, in all fields it takes a combination of formal learning, experience, and just having a good head on your shoulders to become an expert. Making the argument from an authority perspective that someone needs a degree to be an expert is just illogical. A perfect example is those doctors out there that are telling you that men can be women and women can be men. It takes a lot of self reflection, but most people are too dumb to be able to evaluate what an expert is. I have four degrees, a BA, a MEd, a MS, and an EdD. There are people without those degrees that know more than me in my field and I know more than others with degrees in different fields.
Second week in a row I'm 👍 number 66...
That’s the problem with today’s society is that stated anybody with a degree on a particular subject is classified an expert, which, in my personal opinion is not true for example, places like children’s society, or protective child society, different names for wherever you’re from classify themselves as professionals, and some of those so-called professionals, don’t have any children themselves so of course they have the knowledge what supposed to be on paper however, nature such as ourselves, or any other species is not defined by a piece of paper. It might mean the majority follow particular role, but not to me an expert not only has maybe a credential or a degree but also has the experience, those people will know that nature doesn’t always follow the rule of them, and will able to make a decision not just based on education, but based on personal experienced knowledge!
I really don’t think anybody in any situation can be always right or wrong. We all learn from each other. Just when we think we’ve got something figured out. It surprises us and that’s just the way it is we can never be fully experienced and fully knowledged and know everything we can only know what we’ve learned so far , but that can change very quickly.
I do believe that anybody who has a degree or masters, in anything should also have experience to go along with it again example, if you are a child, welfare worker, then you should have children of your own. It’s having the best of both world education and experience. Just my opinion.
If it is reliable or not, I look for supporting evidence, and that evidence could be their success.
those who succeed?
Anyone with enough time and hands-on practice can become an expert. Formal education just expidites the process.
Live in Canada. Everything more expensive
It sure is!
Excuse me, but I call myself an expert. An expert in doing mistakes that makes me an expert in killing, plants, fish and shrimps. 😂
👀
Genuine question, what is with all the animosity towards Cory? Has anything happened or?
Haven't seen the original comment that inspired this talk, but I suspect that the comment may have been the result of frustration with how readily "expert" is tossed around in this hobby (usually given as a label by others to "experts" who would not apply the term to themselves).
There is simply too much to know in this hobby to be a true expert on all aspects of fishkeeping.
Apart from the Nitrogen cycle their are no hard and fast rules in my opinion though common sense helps like if it small enough to fit in mouth its lunch . Am i an expert on the tanks i own probably i have great success in maintaining and enjoying all 10 of them. Am i an expert on your tank/s ? probably not. I don't know your parameters stocking levels plant levels filters and the list goes on . So in general fish keeping i believe their is no such thing as an expert . Knowledgeable people like yourselves yes but there are to many variables to call some one an expert in general fish keeping . We are always learning .
Doesn't expert mean someone of experience "expertus" is Latin for to try
I think anyone who works in the retail or professional side of things should have a minimum 2year AA degree. Did you know Dishwashers in a restaurant are required to pass a test and hold a food service permit. Many other professionals must have 4, to 8 years of advanced training. Or we would have a bunch of "hobbyist' doctors and hobbyist pilots. As is, the kid in the petshop can say pretty much whatever they want to other unwary new hobbyists. No accountability.