I haven't had a fish tank in about 12 years. I now just got one to get back in the hobby and I'm noticing so many things are different. As a kid I had stingrays, and that is my intention for my new tank. I started looking up stingrays on the market and everything available today has totally changed from when I remember. Leopoldis and henleis used to be the cool black rays that everybody wanted, but now it looks like black diamonds and "super white cross" (whatever that is) are what's available and what everybody wants. It's crazy to see how much things have changed. In researching filters I've of course stumbled across the fluval Fx6, I don't remember anything even close to that beast being available last time I had a tank. Is there anything worth mentioning that you believe has drastically changed in the hobby within the last decade?
What has changed in the hobby over the last decade?
- Thread starter Heymikki
- Start date
For me it's information and how easy it is to access it. I've only been back in the hobby about 6 years after a long while away from it. Compared to now, I often wonder how the hell I got by back then. Books from the library or what the guys at the LFS told me were my main source of information. Now you've got more info, about any fish related subject you can think of, at the touch of a button.
Of course equipment's changed too but being a strong advocate of the KISS method of fishkeeping, Keep It Simple Stupid, I don't really go for fancy stuff, my set ups are pretty basic.
Welcome back to the hobby.
Of course equipment's changed too but being a strong advocate of the KISS method of fishkeeping, Keep It Simple Stupid, I don't really go for fancy stuff, my set ups are pretty basic.
Welcome back to the hobby.
Thank you! I’m amazed by the equipment enhancements that have been made. The last time I bought a new fluval canister filter was when you had to mess with the o ring yourself so the damn thing didn’t leak. Talk about improvements being made lol
I have been around fish and tanks for over 50 years (with multiyear interruptions). I too feel feel things have changed a lot in some ways (such as access to information, discussion by electronic means, and availability of some fish never available before). And sure, better filters and pumps and lights and so forth.
However, in most things that really matter, I find things have changed relative little - Specifically, plain common sense, good old water changes, as well as the KISS approach continue to be what matters most.
However, in most things that really matter, I find things have changed relative little - Specifically, plain common sense, good old water changes, as well as the KISS approach continue to be what matters most.
The amount of brutally annoying fish know it all YouTube channels.
I been in the game 30 years and ton has changed. From nicer equipment to finding info. Alot of species being discovered. As well as some almost extinct. Also alot people with huge tanks now for sure. It's nice to see a forum like mfk still exists. I like seeing this new generation of fishkeepers engaging into our hobby. Like what u said with black rays ......Leo's and hens can't even be found anymore but there are tons of new ones. I never kept them but things like goliath atfs are common now when before they were a myth. I wish I called miss cleo back in the days because we used buy pulchers for cheap when now u looking at 1k and inch lol
what's changed? a few things like availability of species. stuff everyone had is now gone and species only seen in books are more common. The rise of hybrids and designer fish is another...the parrots, the flowerhorns , the muddling of Rift Lake cichlids, red/ blue/ green arowana and your aforementioned stingrays .
Equipment wise, the biggest change I noticed would be lights...when I started it progressed from HO/VHO fluorescents and metal haildes to CF bulbs, then t-5s now LEDs. and the death of undergravel filters (reverse flow or otherwise). Corner box filters , sponge filters and hang on the back are still a thing, so there's that.
enough grouching on my end. welcome back. Now get off my lawn! ?
Equipment wise, the biggest change I noticed would be lights...when I started it progressed from HO/VHO fluorescents and metal haildes to CF bulbs, then t-5s now LEDs. and the death of undergravel filters (reverse flow or otherwise). Corner box filters , sponge filters and hang on the back are still a thing, so there's that.
enough grouching on my end. welcome back. Now get off my lawn! ?
I agree with access to information being the biggest thing that has changed for sure, along with the available species online. Another for me is that some of the old ways (sponge filters and plants) have become the time tested best for efficiency. As far as equipment is concerned, lights have changed the most by far.
Led lights is my vote
I do not miss the old still iridescent bulb or the annoying flickering Tube bulbs
I do not miss the old still iridescent bulb or the annoying flickering Tube bulbs