This is the most recent photo of my tank, which was featured last October 2000. It's pretty much the same except for the addition of Pulsing Xenia clusters, Red Cynarina, Green, Purple-Green Hydnopora Grandis and an Elegance coral. Among the additions in the fishes are 5 Blue Tangs and an Anthias.
My selection of Arthur's tank resulted in a couple of emails. The problem was the size of Arthur's tank and the number of Blue Tangs in it. Arthur's been a member of Fish 'N' Chips for over two years and I've corresponded with him on and off during that time as I do with many members. I'd always thought of him as a caring and conscientious hobbyist - but other members and the casual site visitor wouldn't know this. Also, the emails I received had me doubting my decision to make Arthur a Tank Showcase so I sent him an email to ask what was up. Here's his reply, which made me feel better and why the showcase will stay.
Dear Elizabeth,
Thanks for your email and I appreciate your concern regarding the issue. I just would like to assure you and your members/readers that I am aware of this and I believe I am responsible and conscientious enough in devoting a lot of time, effort, and money in this hobby that I've been into since I was in elementary. In fact, I loved it so much that I ventured into it and owned a saltwater aquarium pet shop and maintained residential and commercial tanks back home in the Philippines. I am aware of the consequences and effects of this hobby to the marine ecology and I have been against crude, illegal and wrong ways of collecting and maintaining marine fishes and invertebrates from the wild.
This is my tank, my hobby and I could say ... my life ... so I care for it very much and I'm very proud of it and my accomplishments with this tank including the condition of it at the present time. Don't get me wrong, I don't condone over-crowding and I don't intend to relay or send that message to anybody. I am aware of what I have and know my setup very well ... it's limitations and capabilities. Setting up, maintaining and taking care of a saltwater aquarium as a hobby is very broad and one would have infinite ways or outcomes. We could have both the same size of tank, lighting, filtration, etc. to start with and it would be possible for me to cycle my tank faster than you do or I could have better success putting in more inhabitants than you. In short, there are many factors, ways and possibilities for one hobbyist to be successful over another.
Now, regarding my tank, I am always making sure that my filtration, lighting, feeding, water changes and maintenance and all other things are done correctly and religiously - that's why I'm having success in maintaining the tank. I'm also constantly doing upgrades and trying out new methods and things regarding the hobby. Regarding the blue tangs ... I have no problem with them and all other inhabitants as well as corals. In fact, I had more success in keeping them at that number and size instead of just having one or a couple of smaller ones before. If any of the inhabitants outgrow my tank, I can trade it in for a smaller one in one of the local fish stores here, trade it in with my friends and other saltwater hobbyists and lastly, I could bring it in and give it to [aquarium name removed by Fish 'N' Chips] wherein I have friends and acquaintances.
I don't blame those readers that emailed you for thinking like that, but all I would like to tell you and your readers is that I submitted my tank pictures because I am proud of my accomplishments and success in this hobby and I would like others to see it and enjoy it ... not poison their minds or prove something.
Whenever I see and look at the pictures of your other tank showcases, I feel very happy and proud for the owners/hobbyist ... in fact sometimes I even feel jealous of them. When I look at your member tank showcases, I see a tank, a hobby, it's beauty. I see dedication, hard work and accomplishment ... and not look for something wrong or erroneous with that tank. I am very thankful and proud to be a member of Fish 'N' Chips and I brag and tell it to all my friends, relatives and fellow hobbyist that I meet.
Again, I appreciate your concern and for having to defend me (giving me the "benefit of the doubt") and giving me the chance to prove myself and present my side.
Hoping for your understanding,
Arthur
