Bufo Bill
Member
I have been keeping fish on and off scince childhood, but my interest has become an obsession in the last three years, and it is from this period most of my fishkeeping information dates. I began looking at planted tanks just a few weeks before PFK ran a feature on EI for the first time, and have had varying success with planted setups ever scince.
When I first heard of the El natural method, it seemed perfect for me, but it was several months, maybe even a year before I set up my first El Natural tank.
Why? Because of hobbyists saying in and outside forums that this was "not for beginners who lack diligence". Okay, it doesn't sound very scary, but to those who lack confidence or worry about anything unpleasant happening to their precious fish, it may seem an unnecessary risk, as it did to me.
Then I bought the full manifesto in the form of Diana Walstad's amazing book. It explained the scientific basis behind all the elements of the method, and all my questions were answered. It was very daunting when I first flipped through the book though, and I have scince wondered if this is is why some people were putting out scary warnings about the method. To me there are no more complicated techniques in the El natural method than any other part of the hobby, once you have understood the principles within the hard science of Walstad's book.
Iam not for dumbing things down generally, but to me at least the fact remains that there is little to tempt new fishkeepers to the method and I think that is a great shame.
Therefore would it perhaps be an idea for a simplified text including all the relevant facts and a recommendation to read the full manifesto, in the form of a UKAPS article or maybe a small run of illustrated booklets, not to dumb down but to gently initiate new members who are interested in this topic, thus setting them up to get deeper into the workings of the aquarium when ready.
If people disagree with my post then please tell me, it would to be honest, be a relief to know others were not scared off until taking the plunge and buying the book like I was.
My reason for writing this post was simply to try and get more people to try out this lovely idea, as fishkeeping should be an open and friendly place throughout it's realms, much like I have found the UKAPS forum. Ideas as great as this should be embraced as friends and not held at arms length with suspicion or fear.
All the best from Bill.
Edited for spelling errors.
When I first heard of the El natural method, it seemed perfect for me, but it was several months, maybe even a year before I set up my first El Natural tank.
Why? Because of hobbyists saying in and outside forums that this was "not for beginners who lack diligence". Okay, it doesn't sound very scary, but to those who lack confidence or worry about anything unpleasant happening to their precious fish, it may seem an unnecessary risk, as it did to me.
Then I bought the full manifesto in the form of Diana Walstad's amazing book. It explained the scientific basis behind all the elements of the method, and all my questions were answered. It was very daunting when I first flipped through the book though, and I have scince wondered if this is is why some people were putting out scary warnings about the method. To me there are no more complicated techniques in the El natural method than any other part of the hobby, once you have understood the principles within the hard science of Walstad's book.
Iam not for dumbing things down generally, but to me at least the fact remains that there is little to tempt new fishkeepers to the method and I think that is a great shame.
Therefore would it perhaps be an idea for a simplified text including all the relevant facts and a recommendation to read the full manifesto, in the form of a UKAPS article or maybe a small run of illustrated booklets, not to dumb down but to gently initiate new members who are interested in this topic, thus setting them up to get deeper into the workings of the aquarium when ready.
If people disagree with my post then please tell me, it would to be honest, be a relief to know others were not scared off until taking the plunge and buying the book like I was.
My reason for writing this post was simply to try and get more people to try out this lovely idea, as fishkeeping should be an open and friendly place throughout it's realms, much like I have found the UKAPS forum. Ideas as great as this should be embraced as friends and not held at arms length with suspicion or fear.
All the best from Bill.
Edited for spelling errors.