Tanked - animal planet

[rdnelson]

JennM;768161 wrote: Well the onus isn't ONLY on the dealers. Ultimately the consumer is responsible for what they buy - in anything, not just aquariums and such.

It's just easier to blame the store when the proverbial spam hits the fan.

Nemo came out, what, 7 or 8 years ago maybe? To this day barely anyone calls a common clownfish by either its common name or scientific name, nor a P. hepatus tang by any of its common names (Regal, Hippo, Pacific Blue, etc.) It's all "Nemos" and "Dories". Ugh.

Jenn

Again you are right about the responsibility of the consumer but...........

Most consumers are pretty ignorant of the issue (Especially those saying they want Nemo and Dory). Should they learn first, you bet they should but if they think it is just a matter of throwing water in a tank and dumping fish in, they don't know any better. I didn't expect my 21 year old to know what to look for when buying a car because she would have no idea. Therefore, I had to educate her and I can honestly say she didn't give a hoot about how many cup holders it had but did understand that because I taught her to drive a stick she could save $1000 by buying a car with a standard transmission.

 

[jennm]

Following that same analogy, many consumers paint us LFS types with the same brush as used car salesmen. 'Nuff said

Those TV shows (to steer us back on topic...) are "reality shows" (IMO an oxymoron), so their purpose isn't really to educate. If they do educate it's a bonus. I'd highly doubt that the antics and drama would take place if there weren't cameras rolling. At least not the way it's presented - on both shows.

It's meant to be entertainment, and perhaps attract some affluent people to get big impractical tanks to keep up with the Jones', but that's about it, IMO.

I watch them - for the entertainment factor, as well as inevitably the topic of those shows comes up in conversation with clients here at the shop.

With the ATM stuff, several of the tanks I've seen would be an absolute nightmare to clean and maintain. Hard to turn of "work mode" when watching because all I can think of is, "How in the heck will they keep that clean?"

BTW I was in Vegas in March. Wanted to go to see ATM's facility but couldn't drag Mom and Sister out of the casinos long enough. We did go to Caesar's Palace though, where they have a HUGE cylindrical tank. It was one of the ugliest tanks I've ever seen. It was clean, but I've never seen such an assortment of drab, and incompatible fishes in one place, at one time. I was seriously disappointed.

Jenn

 

[KrisDeitz]

They are doing something right... They are super rich : )

 

[rdnelson]

PFCDeitz;768280 wrote: They are doing something right... They are super rich : )

So was Al Capone, Saddam Husein and Bernie Madoff . I am just saying........ hehehehehe

 

[wmboots]

rdnelson99;768289 wrote: So was Al Capone, Saddam Husein and Bernie Madoff . I am just saying........ hehehehehe

I thought you were too, I mean after all your an ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR!
and everyone knows Electricians and Plumbers have more money than God with those prices you charge:lol2:

 

[frantz]

I just wanna know how they keep the glass clean on big tanks?!?

 

[rdnelson]

Frantz;768333 wrote: I just wanna know how they keep the glass clean on big tanks?!?

They don't. They set them up and make a B-Line to the bank. LOL

 

[johniii]

Frantz;768333 wrote: I just wanna know how they keep the glass clean on big tanks?!?

With a really big scraper. Or a robotic snail

 

[jmaneyapanda]

The sign of the apocalypse is upon us. ATM is going in with Petco.

 

[jennm]

Interesting. Big-box-discount-mart didn't seem to fit their typical demographic.

Guess I'd better stock up on medicines and fixes - you'd better too, Jeremy. This will make yours and my troubleshooting business skyrocket.

Jenn

 

[db366]

I saw the ATM stuff at Petco the other day. I went in to pick up some stability, it seems like Petsmart and Petco both are not carrying Seachem products anymore... So far the ATM stuff is doing it's job I suppose.

 

[jennm]

Wow...

 

[db366]

I could be wrong though, I bought the last bottle of Stability from Petsmart about 2 or so months ago, then I needed more so I went back in to buy more and all they had left is that triple pack thing. I bought it too and it hasn't been restocked. They arn't carrying flourite anymore either, they have switched to Carib sea. I'd much rather use Seachem but the closest place to get it now is off pleasant hill..

 

[slowjazz]

JohnIII;768359 wrote: With a really big scraper. Or a robotic snail

Not sure they would even need one. Every 'display' tank I have seen at fancy show places always had fake corals. Heck, the lighting would not support real ones anyway. Pretty much you have a fish only tank that I would bet they only feed when the guy comes in once a week or so. They prob. load the water with all sorts of chemicals to keep it clean.
I love the Rain Forest Cafe's setups, but when I look back, I only love the big fish and not the fake stuff.

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Comparing Seachem products to ATM products is comparing apples to shoelaces. They aren't even close to the same. IMO, Seachem is the finest company for providing any degree of aquarium chemistry products. For most of us aquarists who are so OCD about maintaining water conditions and parameters, Im begrudgingly amused at the amount of nonsense people will add to theit tank sometimes.

ATM has obviously decided their route in this industry is just going to be to make as much money as they can, as fast as they can, and any consequential casualties dont matter.

 

[sonofdagon]

Buy their products and you can have a functioning and established marine tank over the course of a weekend. Just like the ATM guys! These guys are going to create a lot of death and carnage. I don't even start to stock a tank until it's been going 4-6 months. After the first show I just can't watch it anymore. Instant gratification.

 

[Jaycen B.]

jmaneyapanda;768409 wrote:
atm has obviously decided their route in this industry is just going to be to make as much money as they can, as fast as they can, and any consequential casualties dont matter.

word!

 

[db366]

I'm not a chemist so I can't compare products between two companies. I buy what is convenient, meaning if they aren't going to be carried at the stores I drop in to pick up odds and ends such as live nitrifying bacteria, De-clorinator, or ph buffer then I am just gonna get whatever has the flashiest sticker or I have heard good things about. If ATM's stuff is crap then so be it, it has done it's job for me.

 

[snowmansnow]

jmaneyapanda;768409 wrote: Im begrudgingly amused at the amount of nonsense people will add to theit tank sometimes.

AGREE 100%

successful reef tanks aren't like a microwave dinner. It takes TIME and HUSBANDRY... not money and chemicals (well to a point).

One of the best things is when someone asks how I get the coral growth I do... what do I add.

I respond... NOTHING.. just a kalk stirrer and a little ALK

 

[db366]

Isn't that just different husbandry practices. Some people think the best way is all natural, no water changes, chemicals, normal tap water, DSB, Barebottom, etc. Others live by supplements. There is thousands of ways to do it but none of them are the right way.