 |
|
|
|||
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
| ||||
|
|
|
MACNA IX Video Tapes
Let me start by correcting an error in last month’s column. Somehow, my statement about taking undergraduate biology courses got converted into a biology degree. I did take a significant number of biology courses as an undergraduate student, and some physiology and anatomy of the nervous system, sensory apparatus and hormonal systems as a graduate student, but all my degrees are in psychology.
Videos
MACNA IX Video Tapes — Chicago Marine Aquarium Society (CMAS, 1455 Nottingham Lane, Hoffman Estates, IL 60195; http//www.cmas.net), nine video tapes (Prices: 1 tape, $15; 2 to 5 tapes, $12 each; 6 to 9 tapes, $10 each. Shipping and handling: 1 tape, $4; 2 or more tapes, $2 each; maximum, $12).The Chicago Marine Aquarium Society, the host club of the ninth Marine Aquarium Conference of North America (MACNA IX), is to be congratulated for producing this set of high-quality video tapes of the proceedings. The sound and picture quality of this series is, in general, excellent. I attended this conference, as I have all of the MACNAs since the second, and can assure viewers that the information presented by the speakers and panelists, including all of the audiovisual material they provided, is captured clearly and effectively. Each of the tapes is at least two hours long, and, with the exception of the additional time necessitated by the questions to Martin Moe, Tom Frakes and Allegra Small, each tape conveniently includes two presentations and the associated questions and answers.
These tapes illustrate that peculiar paradox of our audiovisual age — one can often get a clearer picture of the information transmitted at these proceedings from these tapes than actual attendance at the conference provides. All of the distractions of poor seating and extraneous noise and conversation are omitted. Of course, there is no substitute for the interpersonal and informal aspects of such a gathering, but these tapes capture the full benefit of the knowledge provided.
The Chicago organizers of MACNA IX are also to be congratulated for introducing new faces and new voices to the roster of presenters at these gatherings. The material presented by Drs. Ounais and Cronin and by Senior Aquarist Keefer is especially valuable in this regard, as was the material by Allegra Small.
Tape #1 contains the opening ceremonies and the informative and humorous keynote speech — “The Future of the Hobby in the Twenty First Century” — by Julian Sprung and Charles Delbeek, as well as the banquet awards and the closing ceremonies. It also includes the extended question and answer periods stimulated by the presentations of Martin Moe and Tom Frakes.
Tape #2 includes Mike Paletta’s “Controversies in Reef Keeping,” in which he presents the diversity of opinion with respect to recent developments in the application of such technologies as calcium dosing and lighting, as well as the Jaubert plenum system. He also presents his observations on the eccentric mud-and-Caulerpa sump. Thomas Frakes of Aquarium Systems is the second presenter on this tape, with a thorough review of “Filtration: Facts and Fallacies.”
Tape #3 is very important. It has Larry Jackson’s “Selecting Fish and Corals,” in which he combines his superb photographs of natural reef communities with his firsthand knowledge of compatibility and growth rates in minireef systems. Dr. Nadia Ounais of the Monaco Aquarium presented two interesting offerings, both accompanied by excellent films — “Coral ’Gardening’ at the Monaco Aquarium,” about the Aquarium’s propagation techniques, and “The MicroAquarium,” about the microfauna of a minireef and the use of microscope projection as an educational device. The presentation was followed by a lively question and answer period about Dr. Jaubert’s plenum technique. The video tape copy of this material is excellent.
In tape #4, Gregory Schiemer, in his excellent talk entitled “Advanced Reef Tank Husbandry,” presents up-to-date information on the critical topic of diseases of small-polyped stony corals and treatment protocols for them, as well as material on the value and beauty of the members of the wrasse family (Labridae) appropriate for the reef aquarium. The second presentation on this tape, by commercial breeder Joe Lichtenbert, “Introduction to Breeding Fishes,” contains valuable tips for those interested in this fascinating aspect of reefkeeping.
Tape #5 contains John Kuhns’ coverage of the basic fundamentals of “Aquarium Water Chemistry.” In addition, Charles Delbeek of the Waikiki Aquarium provides informative commentary about the fascinating video footage of the marine habitats of Pilau, taken during a collecting expedition to capture nautilus. He advocates a trend of increasing interest in the creation of aquarium systems — maintaining organisms from the same biotope together, rather than the random combination of creatures from different geographic regions and reef zones characteristic of many collections.
Tape #6 presents the work of two scientists not often seen by the marine hobbyist. Stuart Keefer, Senior Aquarist of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, presents “Building Bridges Between Hobbyists and AZA (American Zoos and Aquariums) Institutions,” a topic of great interest for those attending these proceedings, and Dr. Thomas Cronin presents “Eyes in the Ocean — The Visual Systems of Marine Animals.” The latter was of particular interest to me as a psychologist, but it is of great intrinsic interest to all of us who are fascinated by the creatures of the marine world. Both of these speakers are welcome additions to the list of presenters.
Tape #7 starts with John Brandt’s lecture on “Creative Problem Solving,” in which he presents a conceptual scheme necessary for a systematic approach to identifying, solving and evaluating outcomes of interventions in aquaria. In the second half, Helmut Debelius, a photographer and the author of well-known field guides, presents a beautiful (and sometimes amusing) slide show, “Endemic Fishes of the Red Sea,” about the region he loves best. Once again, the production qualities of this tape are excellent, and the fine work of Debelius is perfectly captured by the crew.
In tape #8, Julian Sprung, well known for his published works and for his skill in the captive husbandry of marine organisms, presents his basic approach in “Creating a Small Reef Aquarium.” It was Julian’s presentations and writing that recruited me into the endeavor to creating “micro” minireefs, and the views of his 10- and 15-gallon tanks and his discussion of his basic techniques always revives my interest. His photographs of the truly tiny collections he maintains were also fascinating. The second presentation, by Allegra Small, contains full information about the implementation of the “algal scrubber” technique. Those who are interested in this controversial method will find a full and valuable explication here. Potential purchasers should note that the end of this presentation is on tape #4.
Tape #9 has Scott Michael’s offering, “A Predatory Potpourri.” The extraordinary marine photography we expect from Scott is certainly evidenced here, captured perfectly by the Chicago group’s media workers. The tape also includes the important presentation by Martin Moe, Jr., “Fish Diseases: Prevention and Cure.” Moe’s extensive background of practical and theoretical knowledge combine to make for a comprehensive discussion of this critical topic. (Purchasers should be aware that the extended question and answer period stimulated by this presenter is concluded on tape #1.)
In conclusion, this excellent, well-produced taped series of the presentations of the Chicago MACNA IX is a very worthwhile purchase for any individual. It is very highly recommended for all aquarium clubs as an important addition to their libraries. As I watched these tapes, I came across material I had missed or forgotten from the conference itself. These tapes are worthwhile not just for those who missed the conference, but also for those who attended. They can profitably be viewed again and again. The Chicago Marine Aquarium Society has set a new standard for recordings of events such as this. I hope future conferences can maintain these standards.
HOME Table Of Contents MEDIA REVIEW
©Copyright, Aquarium Frontiers and Fancy
Publications Inc. All rights reserved.