Discriminated for not having a science background/education?

[sally666]

Should I rehome and return my saltwater tank because a group of people with science backgrounds said I don't have the education and knowledge about marine biology? They are right (that I am dumb), but I really want to keep my aquarium. I've follow all the guidelines and instructions on proper practices for saltwater aquariums, but I don't have a science degree in the end. Any advice?

 

[smitten with ocean life]

not sure im following you again. no you dont have to have a degree to have an aquarium. if that was the case a lot of us wouldnt have one. someone outright called you dumb?

 

[phillyb614]

That would be like someone with a botany degree telling me I shouldn’t have a garden. I’d tell them to mind their own business and worry about something else.

 

[Angel_Madness]

Huh? Who are those people saying only those who have marine science/marine biology degree can have a reef tank?

 

[sally666]

That would be like someone with a botany degree telling me I shouldn’t have a garden. I’d tell them to mind their own business and worry about something else.

Thanks! This makes me feel better. I experienced a lot of discrimination at the Steinhart Aquarium as a volunteer, because I don't have a marine biology degree. I used to volunteer there to take care of the fish, but the experienced marine biologists over there treated me differently in a negative way.

 

[Tahoe61]

Water off a duck's back. You be you.

 

[Angel_Madness]

Thanks! This makes me feel better. I experienced a lot of discrimination at the Steinhart Aquarium as a volunteer, because I don't have a marine biology degree. I used to volunteer there to take care of the fish, but the experienced marine biologists over there treated me differently in a negative way.

Ok this is different story, owning your personal tank is different from taking care of public aquarium. But anyway, even if those people with experience and degree in marine biology should not discriminate or look down on other people. Not unless you are making decisions that are not inline with what their programs.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

without knowing both sides of the story its hard to say what happened.
IF a person at an aquarium was walking around answering questions like they did have a degree i can see why that would be a problem.
but to have your own personal tank- have at it and enjoy! no degree required!

 

[Fish Fan]

Thanks! This makes me feel better. I experienced a lot of discrimination at the Steinhart Aquarium as a volunteer, because I don't have a marine biology degree. I used to volunteer there to take care of the fish, but the experienced marine biologists over there treated me differently in a negative way.

I'm sorry for your experience there, but here at R2R I think we strive to be welcoming, and no one here *needs* a bio degree to participate