Fish/Invert only Saltwater

[dakski]

Thanks!

Funny, I got a reptile partly to convince myself to not get fish. But the itch didn't go away....It didn't for 10 years and I kidded myself lol. They're different worlds in terms of care but both so interesting to learn about and care for. Reptiles are like caring for the animal specifically. Fish is caring for an entire ecosystem.

I hear you on the accessibility part. Back then I got my info from the local fish store and my high school teacher who was teaching the marine class I was in. I was taught to cycle with a fish (with no bacteria in a bottle or tips to use prime to reduce ammonia) and had never heard of using a heater. Good thing I never owned a beta. It probably would have lived in a fish bowl. I never would have gotten my ball python if it weren't for all the information on the internet, either. I was exposed to snake keeping that way and all the info made me appreciate the animal and confidant in jumping into owning one though I don't know a soul in real life who owns a reptile.

I'll be waiting for Lincoln updates too!

"Reptiles are like caring for the animal specifically. Fish is caring for an entire ecosystem."

I really l like the way you said this. I agree 90% with the reptile part and 100% with the fish part.

I think some aspects of reptile keeping, like dealing with humidity, can be a little more ecosystem like, but in general, given how forgiving most reptiles are comparatively, it's so much less of an issue. Plus, once you have humidity and temps dialed in, the amount of times you have to address is minimal. Of course, given that you can really interact with a reptile, you do look at the animal much more than the tank. It's also much more about meeting that animal's needs than trying to balance the chemistry of fish tank.

Fish tanks are always changing and are fluid (no pun intended) and linear. My boas can go two weeks or more without wasting or eating, so all I am doing is checking and maintaining temps and humidity (which modern tech like PVC cages and thermostats, etc. make easy). Then cleaning up when needed. A fish tank, like Lincoln's (yes even a 4G) is consistently building waste product and eventually that waste (in the form of nitrate) needs to be removed and regularly. There are other factors that go into it too. You have treat water, get it to temp, etc. You can't just throw it into your tank.

Anyway, definitely not trying to be argumentative. Just trying to elaborate and give my two cents.

I appreciate your thorough and accurate assessments and feedback on this site.

Yeah, sadly, I lost reptiles when I was young (RIP) due to not knowing how to properly care for them (and getting WC and sick animals not knowing any better). I swore that when I was older and could take care of them the right way, I would get back in the hobby. I've made it somewhat of a life mission to not only care for my crew, but also help others not make my mistakes and learn how to care for their animals as well.

I imagine maturity and age (and wisdom?) has helped me become a much better reptile keeper. However, I am convinced that a combination of resources (both my financial resources vs. when I was a kid and information and technology available to me and other keepers) has made it possible for me to keep as many animals as I do and with relative ease.

I'll definitely keep everyone in the loop on Lincoln and the reptile crew!

P.S. I'd have big fish tanks too if I had the time, energy, space, etc. I am limited especially on the first two. I wish my health was better, but know I am blessed having as many animals as I do, and some great ones at that. I also want to be able to give everyone proper attention and not just "have" them.