The interest in Reef Aquariums has recently gro wn inpopularity so rapidly, that everyone, including Pet Store Ownersand personnel, have a hard time keeping up with all thedevelopments that are occuring. New filtration methods, and newequipment, appear in the magazines, and in advertising, everymonth. Newer methods for keeping such aquariums, including very hi-tech instrumentation, are being advocated all the time.
Sophisticated testing is recommended as well.
In short, a completely different approach than the one Hobbyists and Stores have been accu stomed to, leading to a lot of confusion and misunderstandings, especially since some of the recommendations have not been tested over long periods of time yet, and may even conflict. Tanks in the 100 to 150 gallon range, a size that not many Hobbyists keep and that requires more sophistication, and the related expenses, be cause of the greater amount of animal life that is kept in such aquariums. Of course, the methods advocated there, can be applied to smaller aquariums as well, but increase the budget required to get into Reef Keeping quite a bit. Many Store Owners, a nd many Hobbyists, have suggested that I write a book geared more specifically to the Reef Keeper who wishes to maintain a small system successfully without having to spend thousands of dollars. Very instrumental in convincing me to undertake this project was Roger Paro, of Kenlin Pet Supplies, in Mahwah, New Jersey.