Chapter 1: The Emotional Journey of a Hobbyist
Hey whatsup shrimp keeper, welcome back to the channel! Before diving into today’s topic, I want to give a shoutout to all of you who are committed to building a better shrimp-keeping community. Your passion and dedication fuel the drive to expose the challenges in this hobby and push for real change. In addition, I would like to also comment on Aquashrimp for being a strong proponent of education of the hobby. They are based in Italy and check out their website.
Today’s Topic: The Hobbyist’s Struggle for Support
Hobbyists often begin their journey with enthusiasm, pouring time, money, and effort into creating the ideal environment for their shrimp. Yet, when things go wrong, the emotional toll can be devastating. Imagine the heartbreak of seeing a carefully nurtured tank fail due to misinformation or exploitation. This is very prevalent in the shrimp hobby.
One beginner in the U.S. recently shared his struggle with breeding shrimp using a box under-gravel filter (UGF) and a sponge filter setup. Despite his best efforts, he faced breeding issues and turned to online communities for help. Instead of finding reliable guidance, he encountered a mix of genuine advice and misleading information.
The consequences of these missteps go beyond financial loss. They erode confidence, fuel frustration, and leave hobbyists feeling isolated in what should be a joyous pursuit. Unfortunately, this story is not unique; countless hobbyists have been misled by a dangerous combination of unverified claims and opportunistic individuals.
What the Hobby Could Be Without Exploitation
Imagine a world where every hobbyist has access to accurate, actionable advice from trusted sources. A world where sellers and influencers work collaboratively to ensure the success of the shrimp-keeping community. In such an environment, beginners wouldn’t face the crushing blows of failure caused by misinformation. Instead, they would experience the joy of seeing their shrimp thrive, building confidence and a deeper passion for the hobby. They can then take it to the next level where they be able to participate in shows, and share their success with others.
This is why I’ve partnered with different institutions like Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic. Together, we’ve conducted research on Caridina study, using scientific evidence to advance our understanding of shrimp care. By embracing a data-driven approach, we can counteract misinformation and uplift the hobby. When I offer this solutions to those who challenged me, they backed off. Why?
True growth comes from collaboration and education. Engaging with breeders and enthusiasts worldwide exposes us to diverse practices and fuels innovation. For those unable to travel, I document these experiences to share insights beyond the confines of my own tanks as I believe I need to experience more to learn more and share more.
Without the shadow of exploitation, hobbyists could:
- Achieve vibrant, thriving tanks with ease.
- Pursue advanced breeding projects with clear, science-backed guidance.
- Build meaningful relationships within a supportive, transparent community.
- Reach their full potential in the hobby, whether through producing show-quality shrimp or mastering innovative care techniques.
This vision is within reach—but only if we address the root causes.
Calling Out Exploitation by Sellers
Too many sellers in this industry prioritize profit over the long-term success of their customers. Once the transaction is complete, hobbyists are often left to fend for themselves. This lack of support forces them into vulnerable situations, relying on questionable online advice or trial-and-error methods that can lead to disaster.
Sellers who fail to provide accurate information and post-purchase guidance are not just neglecting their customers—they’re undermining the integrity of the entire hobby. Hobbyists deserve sellers who care about their success, offering not just products but also the tools and knowledge needed to thrive.
There are great sellers too like Grant from The Garden of Eder and Shelly from Lucky Aquatics, Shrimp factory in UK, Aquashrimp in Italy, and the list goes on
Exposing the Dark Side of Online Communities
Now switching gears to Online platforms, while invaluable for sharing information, can also be breeding grounds for misinformation and exploitation. These spaces are dominated by a mix of contributors: and here is how I break it down.
- Experienced mentors offering reliable guidance.
- Social influencers prioritizing views over accuracy, often spreading unverified claims.
- Well-meaning beginners unknowingly sharing incorrect advice.
Consider a recent example where a prominent influencer claimed that Fluval Biostratum doesn’t leach ammonia, despite lacking any substantial testing to validate the assertion.
These influencers often operate in bands, creating a barrier against accountability. They suppress disagreement and other perspective by systematically banning experienced hobbyists who challenge their narratives with solid facts. I’ve come across several hobbyists who have been banned from Facebook groups and YouTube channels for expressing their viewpoints. You can see these examples yourself. If you find yourself facing this challenge, please know you’re not alone. Don’t be discouraged. We deeply believe that fostering open dialogue and embracing diverse perspectives is essential for the growth and enrichment of the hobby. If you’re navigating this struggle, feel free to share your concerns here—your voice matters.
Imagine the frustration of a seasoned breeder, silenced for simply trying to guide beginners onto the right path. Their insights erased, their voice drowned out in an echo chamber where only the influencer’s curated “truth” prevails.
This censorship isn’t just unethical—it’s a calculated ploy designed to sustain their dominance and bolster profit margins. These individuals weaponize misinformation, exploiting the trust of hobbyists who end up shouldering both the emotional and financial burden. The deliberate silencing of seasoned voices underscores their desperation to maintain a polished facade of expertise, shielding them from accountability. Like in this example, new hobbyist would think that the shrimp is blue bolts but they are not.
Their carefully constructed illusions crumble under scrutiny, so they actively suppress transparency, stifling inquiry and meaningful growth. As a result, hobbyists are ensnared in a relentless cycle of doubt, frustration, and stagnation, robbed of the opportunity to truly flourish in their shrimp-keeping journeys.
The Emotional Cost of Deception
Imagine a beginner, full of hope, pouring their heart into the hobby. Entrapped by the lies and deceit of influencers, they unknowingly follow flawed guidance, which slowly erodes their passion and potential. Each misstep caused by misinformation chips away at their dreams, leaving them disillusioned and unable to grow beyond the limitations imposed by these deceitful practices. When the question on Grant’s livestream on Water Changes topic was raise, he spoke based on his experience after more than 400 tanks which will take the other YouTuber 15 Lifetime to fully grasp that experience and concept.
We should allow hobbyist the best opportunity to fulfil their highest potential, by silencing others to control the narratives, only proves there is something to hide. And if they are hiding, how many have they ban to arrive to where they are today.
. What could have been a path of discovery and achievement is instead overshadowed by a maze of manipulation, preventing them from realizing the heights they could have reached in this rewarding hobby.
The manipulation doesn’t stop at silencing dissent. By promoting their narratives and methods, these influencers entangle hobbyists in webs of lies and deceit, preventing them from reaching their full potential. The damage is immeasurable, as misinformation spreads and genuine learning is stifled.
Why We Must Demand Accountability
Transparency and integrity must be at the core of this community. Sellers, influencers, and hobbyists alike must work together to build a culture of trust and accountability. Here’s how:
- Sellers: Go beyond sales. Provide accurate, actionable advice and ongoing support to ensure the success of your customers.
- Influencers: Prioritize truth over views. Conduct rigorous, long-term testing and share only verified information. Stop holding back differing opinions and engage in open dialogue with experienced hobbyists. A lot of us will be present in many of the events, I encourage you to show up.
- Hobbyists: Be critical and do not fear.
Join the Fight for a Better Hobby
The shrimp-keeping community deserves better, and it starts with refusing to feed the very systems that exploit our passion. When we support unscrupulous sellers and misleading influencers, we perpetuate a cycle of greed and misinformation that harms not only us but also the future of this hobby. Their metrics are built on views and clicks, creating a false façade of credibility that fuels their influence and allows them to continue peddling their wares to unsuspecting beginners. By standing together, we can expose scams, challenge this false narrative, and demand a future rooted in truth and genuine support. Imagine a world where shrimp keeping is synonymous with joy, and growth—a world we can create if we choose to stop feeding the scammers and start uplifting the real pillars of this community. Let’s build a foundation of trust and integrity that ensures shrimp keeping remains a source of happiness for generations to come.
