Aquarium question

[AlohaDave]

On the mainland, I've been a large marine aquarium enthusiast,
'I've been on ReefCentral for almost a decade.

I understand that hard corals are not allowed.
But with all of the high end equipment I own and the
level at which I've kept water quality over the years which has included growing SPS corals, what happens if I use fresh saltwater on an regular basis and types of organisms that are prohibited begin to grow in my tank? My protein skimmer alone cost 1500 when I purchased it.

I see it as inevitable if I supplement with fresh saltwater.
And that seems the best route for saving $$$ on water changes as I'm close to the ocean.

[dmbwest]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_OjztdQ8iw

aloha,
pog

[The_Saints]

I don't think that would constitute illegal take. However, the mere possession of the species may be prima facie evidence of illegal take. Although DAR has never requested to inspect my personal aquarium, I recommend that you contact DAR and ask them directly. The number to the Hilo office is 808.961.9530.

[SBH]

We live in the middle of the largest aquarium on Earth, the Pacific. Do yourself a favor and buy some snorkel gear. If you like aquariums, you'll love snorkeling in the wild.

When I started snorkeling in Hawaii 35 years ago, the popular aquarium fish the Yellow Tang was plentiful everywhere in Hawaii, now they are a rare sight and only in numbers in places like Kealakekua Bay. I've seen reef fish populations drop dramatically here over the past few decades and the aquarium industry is partly to be blamed.

[Guest]

SBH writes the truth, our reef fish have been diminishing for a a few decades now. The aquarium collection business and DLNR have done our ocean waters no favors,Jmo.

http://www.forthefishes.org

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

... and let's not get started on people who catch and then EAT the poor little fishies... cold blooded killers eating cold blooded... wait, does that make them inter-species cannibals?!

AlohaDave - glad you have an interesting hobby.

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -Annie Dillard

[Carey]

Aloha Dave, not an aquarium expert, but was an aquarium diver for a over a decade at the Shedd in Chicago before moving here (originally their saltwater collections were seawater tanks, one of the most 'landlocked' collections to do so...but now only have a few seawater tanks) so my knowledge is limited, but do have some insights
Biggest drawbacks to establishing coral from seawater collected here is the fact that the water on the east side if this island is much lower in planktonic life than many coral rich islands & the difficulty in collecting off-shore water (most seawater aquarists try to collect away from shoreline influence, for higher water quality) There are some research taps...not sure about public

Another thing to check is wether your current collection would be allowed into the state & what you might need to do to import them here. Section 71 of this link has the lists for approved, provisional, restricted and prohibited animals:
http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/admin-rules/

[AlohaDave]

quote:

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Originally posted by Carey

Aloha Dave, not an aquarium expert, but was an aquarium diver for a over a decade at the Shedd in Chicago before moving here (originally their saltwater collections were seawater tanks, one of the most 'landlocked' collections to do so...but now only have a few seawater tanks) so my knowledge is limited, but do have some insights
Biggest drawbacks to establishing coral from seawater collected here is the fact that the water on the east side if this island is much lower in planktonic life than many coral rich islands & the difficulty in collecting off-shore water (most seawater aquarists try to collect away from shoreline influence, for higher water quality) There are some research taps...not sure about public

Another thing to check is wether your current collection would be allowed into the state & what you might need to do to import them here. Section 71 of this link has the lists for approved, provisional, restricted and prohibited animals:
http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/admin-rules/

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Thanks everyone for the info,
After I make the move in 18 months it should be interesting!
One note to the quoted reply: You must realize that coral spawn is only in the water for a week or so after a certain astrological event that occurs each year. Yes, I'm not being too specific, but that's how it will occur. I've had aquariums much like you see at the Shedd Aquarium and will again, run on Solar power

[Carey]

Aloha Dave,
Having studied under some of the leading Marine Science researchers here in Hawaii, I have come to realize that coral spawning in the Hawaiian Islands is more than a little different than anywhere else on earth!
Enjoy your planning phase & get ready for things that will change you forever!

[TomK]

"One note to the quoted reply: You must realize that coral spawn is only in the water for a week or so after a certain astrological event that occurs each year."

Oh no, please! []