RE: RE: High tech

[Nick Anderson <saltbox at worldpath_net>]

Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 21:55:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: john wheeler <jcwheel76 at yahoo_com>
Subject: Re: high tech

Hey gang,


I'm posting because I've seen the term "High Tech"
applied toward the activity too many times to feel
comfortable....especially at this late date.

(many apologies to the most recent poster. This is
*not* directed at you or anyone else.)

What is so "high tech" about good lights, CO2
injection, water column ferts, and an enriched
substrate? I'm having a terrible time deciding where
this term came from and why people still insist on
calling it that when the things I mentioned above make
things *so* much easier than the alternative. There
are many "approaches" that have given all of us a fool
proof way to fertilize our tanks, including , but not
limited to CO2....There is no guess work involved. Or
"technology" for that matter;) All of that which you
need is very carefully chronicled in the archives. 

High tech should read "things that plants need method"
and low tech should read "trying so hard to cheat
algae, and save a dollar method". Both projects end up
costing the same if you look at it in dollars per
year. The way to get a really "juicy" tank is to give
plants what they need. Isn't that why we do this
anyway?

John Wheeler

____________________________________________________
In response to your objection to the term "high-tech",
I take no offense personally.  However, as a hobbyist
who is new to the planted tank idea, I look in many
areas for references and sources for information.  I 
have found that opinions on terminology, level of
technology preferred, and processual theories vary 
tremendously.  As a direct answer to your question
of where this term came from, I have most recently 
seen it referenced in Diana Walstad's "Ecology of the
Planted Aquarium" quite extensively.  In that context
it seems to be the author's way of differentiating
some of the "approaches" in an effort to give the pros
and cons of each.  My apologies if the terminology 
ruffles your feathers, but there is very little, other
that the some of the basic needs of a planted aquarium,
that all aquatic gardeners agree on.  In all honesty,
it is my job as a hobbyist looking for information to 
take in all the advice and opinions that I receive, 
put them all together, shake them up, and see what
floats to the surface...so to speak.

Just observations from someone who is relatively new
to the planted world.

Nick Anderson