Shopping
From ReefPedia
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Welcome! This is an article written by ReefSanctuary members. Anyone can edit this article, as a matter of fact, you're encouraged to! Find a section you want to improve, click "edit", and go for it! A couple things to keep in mind:
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How to Shop for a ReefKeeper
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OK, here's our first article. Remember, formatting codes aren't important- you don't need to know HTML or any other fancy stuff... just click "edit" at the top of this page and type away, we'll get to that later. And try the sandbox if you get nervous. |
I. Introduction
- Here's the situation, someone you know has a wonderful reef tank and a special occasion is coming up such as a birthday, anniversary or special holiday. You have decided that something for their setup would make an ideal gift however you aren't sure what you should get them. The first thing that you need to realize is that you are about to buy something for a living ecosystem and what you buy could affect the lives of every organism in that tank. These organisms range between things the size of bacteria to the beautiful corals, fish and inverts. All these organisms live together in a delicate balance and introducing other living creatures will affect that balance either by polluting the water or eating something the reef keeper doesn't want eaten or take over the home of something already in the tank, possibly even introducing diseases that could cause major problems in the tank. Ideally, gifts for any tank shouldn't be a surprise unless you really know what someone wants.
II. What Not To Buy
- Do not buy anything that swims, breathes, eats, or photosynthesizes. In other words, do not buy anything alive. No matter how tempting it is when you see that beautiful fish, even with some knowledge of its temperament and requirements, it could very well be hazardous to the recipient's tank, or they may just plain ole not like it. Either way, both parties are denied the joy of gifts. Ever see someone get a gift they didn’t like, and see the expressions on both people's faces? It's not a good feeling - and certainly not the one you intended. When you give gifts, you want to feel good, and you want the recipient to feel good too. Don't risk an once-in-a-lifetime moment on something that may not go over well.
- How do you know what someone wants? Well, if you live with the reefer, it's a bit easier: we talk about our wants and needs, constantly, incessantly, in some cases. Steer a conversation towards that special reefkeeper's tank, and the babbling will begin.
Tip: Don't buy anything in this picture.
III. Why You Shouldn't Guess
- You shouldn't guess, because you could guess wrong! Let's say, for example, someone you know needs a new skimmer. So, you go out and purchase one. You've heard him talk about wanting an ASM. So, you buy the ASM G1! Guess what? He wants the ASM G2! What's the difference between a G1 and a G2? If you don't know, then you probably shouldn't buy one either.
- One way to avoid purchasing a wrong item is to just ask for several items or ideas on exactly what they would like. That way there will be no mistakes. Ask for several items so that what you do end up getting will at least be a surprise. Go to www.liveaquaria.com and have them send a catalog, hand it to a reefkeeper and say, "This is the your new Wish Book."
IV. Reef Safe Gift-Buying ideas
Buying gift certificates at their favorite local fish store or online distributor!
- By purchasing a gift certificate rather than a piece of livestock, you can avoid buying something that will die... or worse, kill something else... in your loved one's reef tank. Its also easier for the reefer to get exactly what they want or need. What could be better than giving a big kid a wad of cash and sending them into a candy store!
When in doubt...ask
- Sure, it may lack spontaneity. But what good is the spontaneous surprise of an animal that will not survive in your tank? If your loved one has asked for a protein skimmer, do both of you a favor and ask, "What kind? Here, why don't you write it down for me?"
V. If you absolutely, positively must buy an animal, buy one of these:
Don't Buy Livestock!You really shouldn't purchase anything living on your own. If you just have to buy something live, then take the person who the gift is for, with you to purchase it. You could either arrange to go on a certain date and time; or you could surprise them and tell them you are going somewhere else, then take them to the local fish store. This way the person gets to pick out exactly what they want, and you get the joy of giving the perfect gift. It is also a great way to get to spend some time with that special reefer in your life.
VI. Summary
- Suggested gifts
- Gift Certificates
- Ask
- Write it down
