What did YOU learn at MACNA this year?

[cabrerad]

RGibson,

With regard to LED lighting, I was able to attend the talk by Tullio Dell Aquilla. The LED talk mainly centered around a brief introduction to the evolution of LED lights and the recent improvements in their design. It is these improvements that have led to the possibility of their use in reef lighting. These improvements include higher lumen production, better mount design, less electricity use, and better heat dissipation. They also do not put out the heavy UV light that halides put out. (that did make me wonder if it would affect SPS color as some pigments are there to fend off UV in nature, or under halides). They do produce heat, however and the mounting they are placed on basically serves as a heat sink. In addition, they last far longer (bulb life) than anything out there right now. The speaker did concede, however, that reef applications (I think it was certain wavelengths) would limit LED life somewhat. He also went into the new moonlights that have come out and mentioned not all LEDS are made the same (which you might want to take with a grain of salt as he was representing a specific company). Somewhat of a disappointment was that he seemed to think led arrays for day lighting were a bit away (for his company at least, which apparently focuses more on industrial use such as stop lights etc). Some of the hoops to get around include the high up front cost (for the relatively new blue and white LEDS) of individual LEDS and developing good housings (to direct beam spread). That’s what I can remember anyways. Hopefully anyone else who attended this talk can chime in also.

Melev,
I wanted to attend Shimek's talk, but had to work security at the time. I would have expected his talk to be different. I am just syrprised given the theme of the conference and the knowledge of the audience that these two speakers would say what they did.

[mogurnda]

I am just syrprised given the theme of the conference and the knowledge of the audience that these two speakers would say what they did.

The word "spin" kept going through my mind when they were talking. You can always find something positive to say if you try hard enough.

[Bomber]

or you can completely disregard the sciences and facts and talk doom and gloom

Doom and gloom are a lot more fun for some people. and it makes them a lot more money.

[melev]

For those of you that are looking for little reminders to come up with more gems that you learned this year, check out these images:

MACNA XVII - Washington D.C.

[melev]

Originally posted by Bomber
or you can completely disregard the sciences and facts and talk doom and gloom

Doom and gloom are a lot more fun for some people. and it makes them a lot more money.

Jerel, you sound like you were there! Did I miss my chance to meet you face to face?

[RGibson]

cabrerad thank you for the info.The stop lights in the town that i live in are all LED and you can see them 3 blocks away,thay cost $67.00 each and are water proof and run off of 120 v.If thay only made blue in that size or white.

[cward]

Originally posted by lhoy
When I first read that someone thought DC had good prime rib, I thought there is no way they are from the south. ; )

I have learned that I HAVE to attend the conference next year. Thanks to all who have shared.

Later,

Lee

Yep, the "Prime Rib" could have tasted terrible and it still would have been the best

For those that didn't eat there, let's just say that the entertainment of the restaurant was particular pleasing to the eye's.

[cabrerad]

Bomber,

I am not a fan of talking doom and gloom either (I really don't know any reefer who would not rather us be able to say reefs are just fine), but these speakers were basically ignoring a lot of research that is out there, much of it published recently in journals such as Nature and Science, not to mention others. To maintain an opinion that humans are having no affect on coral reefs is simply naive. What complete disregard of science and facts are you refering to?

[KDodds]

We, as hobbyists, have to be very careful what we say and do and speak about, especially in public forums and especially if our names are quotable. There are SOOOO many wahoo fringe groups out there that would probably LOVE a (mis)quote from the likes of a Bob Fenner or Ron Shimek stating that the hobby is severely impacting the reefs detrimentally. So, when there SEEMS to be spin, look at it more like a direct hobby-context reference and not in a context of warming trends or pollution or dynamite fishing or whatever non-hobby related activity TRULY impacts the reefs severely and detrimentally.

[cwbroden]

I remembered something i always forget before going to a MACNA. That there is no way to get proper sleep all weekend. Too much fun, to many people to talk to and so much infomation to take in.

[Flatlander]

Originally posted by melev
For those of you that are looking for little reminders to come up with more gems that you learned this year, check out these images:

MACNA XVII - Washington D.C.

Great pics Marc. Thanks for sharing.

[kwl1763]

Well here is for me:

1) I learned a ton and was totally fascinated by the great white project

2) I relearned (I tend to forget every year) that even the "big names" of the industry (Calfo, Borneman, Fenner, Walt Smith, etc. etc.) are all super approachable and great people. They talk for hours and hours with strangers and really do still love the hobby!

3) The Icecap external type Tunze is really really cool but will be just as pricey as the Tunze

4) A ton about seahorses. Lots of captive propegation now and being disease free they are extremely hardy and not difficult to keep

5) Goniopora - at least some species seem to be maintainable now without doing anything super extrodinary!

6) I can not see people for a year and pickup a reef conversation like it was yesterday!

7) I still can't resist the temptation to go out (when all sane people are in bed) when some reef babes ask me to even though I'm way to old to do it now. (They obviously were drinking if they asked me in the first place. I'm a big, clumbsy white guy and have no groove whatsoever)

The ribs in Texas will not just be bigger but they will be beef instead of thie pork stuff they serve and call BBQ in the southeast!

Fun time. This was my 4th and I've already made plans to go again next year.