Get Serious about Reefing with Ryan Batcheller’s New Channel, Serious Reefs!

[AKReefing]

The funny part is every single one of us in here is biased. We all have products we’ve used and loved and will “push” those products. We also have products we had a horrible time with and will warn others to stay away. Over time a lot of us have success with the same brands over and over and we are bias to them.

Agree. I have an array of Radions over one tank ranging from Gen3 Pros to Gen 6 Pros. The corals have no idea that I cheaped out on them by going with used products. I've never used another retail LED system, so my bias is for Radions because they've worked well for me and didn't cook my tank like halides did. Beyond that, I can't recommend another brand.

That's similar to what Ryan said in his video. Go with what gives you the results you're after.

 

[AKReefing]

I wouldn’t call a handful “many”

So far, I’d say he has WAY more support from the community than haters and haters will always hate no matter the situation or circumstances

I didn't mean to imply that "so many" as meaning "many", but in this thread it sure feels like "many". I hope that Ryan is ultimately successful in helping the hobby, and I also hope that "so many" naysayers ultimately change their opinions.

 

[EliMelly]

I guess I just don’t understand the argument, other than some people are upset about Ryan not staying at BRS. I don’t know him, but his videos and business helped me a lot since I got back into reefing. Reefing was more difficult just 20 years ago. I believe Ryan and Andy had a huge part in getting us where we are today. Reefing is easier now, but people make it much harder on themselves, imo.

I personally don’t care if his videos are now behind a paywall. We are not entitled to someone else's work for free. But that doesn’t mean we must choose to watch them either. Everyone values something or someone differently, and they may be happy to pay for something they find valuable. Or not.

I have three reasons earlier in the thread. It’s just a trust thing and that the chances are he can’t be objective.

 

[EliMelly]

I’m just amazed at how the only way someone can be “unbiased” is to go fully scorched earth and burn every single bridge with the people someone has spent over a decade working with. Have some of you never worked someplace they really enjoyed? Or with coworkers you would love to work with again sometime because you enjoy working with them? Why is it that someone can’t ever do collabs with a channel they spent over a decade building in order to make some people happy that they aren’t “biased”?

Read back to the three reasons I gave.

 

[Reefer Matt]

I have three reasons earlier in the thread. It’s just a trust thing and that the chances are he can’t be objective.

Understood. But why is that a reason to try to stop others? What’s the worst thing that can happen to them? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a subscriber either, but some people have money to burn, and it’s their choice on what they spend it on. There are plenty of influencers out there that are doing worse things for reefing than Ryan, imo.

 

[EliMelly]

Understood. But why is that a reason to try to stop others? What’s the worst thing that can happen to them? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a subscriber either, but some people have money to burn, and it’s their choice on what they spend it on. There are plenty of influencers out there that are doing worse things for reefing than Ryan, imo.

I’m not trying to stop anyone, everyone is welcome to spend their money however they deem fit. I’m just casually making a point so someone can see the other side. People can spend their money however they want.

I’m definitely not a fan of BRS tho.

 

[Epic Aquaculture]

Ok, post one asking whether to use MH, T5s or LEDs, then a follow-up to identify which fixture is best. You'll end up with a rabid exchange, and no single answer.

So you’re stating that Ryan knows that single answer? If he does, and if he and Elliot do have all of the answers, then it would be well worth subscribing. If not, and I suspect that’s the case, then you will only be getting their opinion on the best methods and not necessarily facts. Whether the information provided is biased or unbiased, it will still be coming from limited sources. Personally, I prefer a larger database at no charge. For what it’s worth my opinion is that I don’t see how it’s even slightly possible for Ryan to not be biased and for him to feel truly free to provide an objective viewpoint without upsetting many equipment manufacturers when he has so many relationships within the industry. While a YouTube channel like this may theoretically be a great idea, I don’t think a person with ryan’s background is the right choice to do it. If the video content addresses issues, such as Red Sea tank failures, and the failures of Mobius, etc. perhaps I would change my mind. Nonetheless, I wish him the best.

 

[rtparty]

Or another crazy idea: the new channel isn’t going to be equipment based

The channel hasn’t even officially launched and tinfoil bodysuits are already on for some of you

 

[BeanAnimal]

I may be on an island all by myself but... meh

 

[Reefing102]

I may be on an island all by myself but... meh

Not alone. Same feeling here. I have barely watched any reefing YouTube videos let alone BRS videos. I’m not going to pay for content I either already know or can find “free” (not coming out of my wallet besides the cost of internet).

With that said, my question, is if I started a pay to play reefing YouTube channel, would I also get a gigantic announcement on R2R? Ryan to my knowledge doesn’t even post on here anymore (I believe he used to but that was before my time). Why should we have a massive promotion of a channel that’s not even a participant on the site regardless of their “alleged” contributions to the hobby?

 

[Reefer Matt]

With that said, my question, is if I started a pay to play reefing YouTube channel, would I also get a gigantic announcement on R2R? Ryan to my knowledge doesn’t even post on here anymore (I believe he used to but that was before my time). Why should we have a massive promotion of a channel that’s not even a participant on the site regardless of their “alleged” contributions to the hobby?

That’s up to the staff, as this is a private forum. For example, I’m sorta affiliated (media partner) with R2R and I don’t get any promos on the forum. It’s their call on who they promote or not.

 

[EliMelly]

That’s up to the staff, as this is a private forum. For example, I’m sorta affiliated (media partner) with R2R and I don’t get any promos on the forum. It’s their call on who they promote or not.

Interesting … wonder if he paid for it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I had a good conversation with Deven about the money from YT and social media. There is so little it doesn’t even make sense to start one.

One of my daughters likes to watch a YT channel by a guy who makes sausage out of everything. Maybe that’s where the money is???

 

[bee_holes]

When you are aware of what BRS is doing to the hobby I am sure you will have the cynical view that I have regarding Ryan and the intent of his actions. Additionally, he is partnering with the guy that runs an online fish shop. So again why would the info be anything but useful for his online business. Kind of defeats the purpose of the whole premise.

This is an interesting view but may also shows that you either have a cynical take on life more broadly or a grudge against Ryan.

There are many people that do things for a variety of reasons in life. Not everything is about constantly monetizing everything - there are passionate people across all walks are happy to help others and share their knowledge.

 

[EliMelly]

This is an interesting view but may also shows that you either have a cynical take on life more broadly or a grudge against Ryan.

There are many people that do things for a variety of reasons in life. Not everything is about constantly monetizing everything - there are passionate people across all walks are happy to help others and share their knowledge.

I agree with you on that. I’m a bit on the cynical side of things, and like I mentioned before I don’t have anything against Ryan. However, if one is aware of Aperture in this hobby it makes it very hard to trust Ryan afterwards.

I’m sure he has a passion for the hobby but he also definitely has a passion for making money on hobbyists.

 

[bee_holes]

I hear you - but think he's given a ton of useful information as well. BRS is an online shop at the end of it all -

I don't think anyone's been harmed by their recommendations on ecotech pumps etc - he's almost always recommended the hydor koralias in the same line that he recommends them. I personally still opt for the ecotechs - and many other reefers use them as well.

It's not like these products only exist as a function of Ryan supporting them. Ecotech has been around for 20 years - many of the products BRS also sells are great value for starting hobbyists and widely used (dosing pumps, RODI filters, etc). Many of these products have existed and been used for years or decades before the formation of Aperture.

A lot of people may not like what hedge funds do etc - but they do find areas where there is a lack of efficiency or other ways to improve and produce cheaper products. I think this should intensify competition by adding more deep pocketed groups into the development of reefing gear etc.

 

[jrill]

I understand we all love the hobby and want to see it grow and be around for many years to come, but what’s Ryan’s incentive to make sure the hobby continues?!? If it’s not to drive sells of something and purely for the hobby, I think his content would be free and he gets paid on the backend how most content creators do.

I’m not saying he should do it for free, my question is why is he doing it at all?

Probably because he wants something to do and had to sign a non compete clause.

 

[AKReefing]

With that said, my question, is if I started a pay to play reefing YouTube channel, would I also get a gigantic announcement on R2R? Ryan to my knowledge doesn’t even post on here anymore (I believe he used to but that was before my time). Why should we have a massive promotion of a channel that’s not even a participant on the site regardless of their “alleged” contributions to the hobby?

"Alleged". Funny guy. I think the fact that Ryan has contributed so much to the growth and success of the hobby, even though he sold products, that this is potentially big news for the hobby in general. He made his bones. His new goal is to further help the hobby with no influence from any commercial interests. Is this thread a "massive promotion"? Apparently, you haven't read through most of this thread. It's been anything but a promotion.

Would I pay to subscribe to your reefer's channel? I have no idea who you are.

 

[EliMelly]

"Alleged". Funny guy. I think the fact that Ryan has contributed so much to the growth and success of the hobby, even though he sold products, that this is potentially big news for the hobby in general. He made his bones. His new goal is to further help the hobby with no influence from any commercial interests. Is this thread a "massive promotion"? Apparently, you haven't read through most of this thread. It's been anything but a promotion.

Would I pay to subscribe to your reefer's channel? I have no idea who you are.

Nobody except for you believes that is his new goal. Even if it is his goal it’s highly
Unlikely that he can make it happen in reality as discussed before.

 

[BeanAnimal]

There are passionate people across all walks are happy to help others and share their knowledge.

Hi - Ryan's passion is monetization. Not a bad thing by any means, but don't bestow reefing sainthood on the guy.