Posted another equipment review last night on the ATI Sunpower T5 Light fixture. There are several models to choose from with a few different bulb configurations (4, 6 or 8 bulbs). We are running the 8×54 watt sunpower over a 120 gallon reef tank. Read the full review here: ATI Sunpower T5 Light.
Posted a new aquarium equipment review on the Hydor Slim Skim Protein Skimmer. This skimmer is made for nano tanks (up to 35 gallons) and there is also a model for tanks up to 65 gallons. We are using one on a JBJ nano cube that is 28 gallons and it’s doing a decent job. Check out the full review here: Hydor Slim Skim Protein Skimmer.
I just posted a book review for saltwater aquarium and reef tank keepers called Reef Invertebrates -An Essential Guide to Selection, Care and Compatibility written by Anthony Calfo and Robert Fenner. I’ve had this book for awhile now and I’ve read it several times and referenced it frequently when helping others ID inverts. It’s a pretty big book and worth a read if you’re into inverts and such or you have a reef tank. Full review here: Reef Invertebrates Guide.
Thanks for reading,
Mike
A new coral profile is now up on Fish Lore and it’s on the Montipora Digitata. Just like many SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals this one needs moderate to high lighting levels, high and turbulent flows and proper water parameters (pH, alk, calc, mag, sg, etc). It is a fast grower under the right conditions so give it plenty of room to grow. Check out the coral profile for more information.
There is a new book titled The Coral Reef Aquarium available. It was written by hobbyist Tony Vargas that is sure to please the new and future reef tank keepers out there. It’s nice to have a new and up to date resource for those entering the reef tank hobby. Check out more details about this book on the review page here: The Coral Reef Aquarium Book
Acropora coral (Acropora spp.) is one of the most obsessed about and most sought after species of coral for reef tank keepers. Under the right conditions these corals can grow fairly fast and making an acro frag is trivial to say the least. Captive grown acro frags are highly sought after and you can usually turn them in at your local reef shop for store credit, trade them with friends and even sell them online. A pinky size frag can go for $15 to $50 dollars or more!
There are tons of different color morphs with slightly different water flow and lighting requirements but there are some things in general that they require and we provide that info in a recent coral profile written here: Acropora Coral.
Another new small polyp stony (SPS) coral profile is now up on the Birdsnest Coral (Seriatopora hystrix). It has a few different color variations with the pink birdsnest being very common. They are somewhat pricey but if you have the right setup they should grow nicely for you. What do you need to keep this coral? Well, the proper lighting to start, then add in the appropriate amount of water flow and stable water parameters. (more…)
What exactly is a protein skimmer and do you really need one for you new saltwater aquarium? These are two questions that are often asked by newcomers to the hobby and we try to help you out with some general info on skimmers and their function in the saltwater aquarium.
Not everyone “needs” a protein skimmer but there are many benefits from using one on your tank. Yes, they can be very expensive but when you think about the benefits and the improved water quality that you get from using them you may think that they are not so expensive after all. (more…)
A nice looking coral (albeit a pricey one) is the Acanthastrea species of corals. In general they are undemanding needing moderate lighting and moderate water flows. Stable water parameters along with supplemental feedings are needed too if you want better growth rates. Fragging them is easy too. Still not sure (more…)
One of the pieces of equipment you might be interested in for your aquarium is a Reverse Osmosis / Deionization water filter. These are sometimes simply called RO/DI units. If you keep an aquarium that runs high output flourescent or metal halide lighting, like for a reef tank or a freshwater planted tank, you probably should know about these water purification devices.
Running high output lights can really spell trouble in an unbalanced tank loaded with nitrates, phosphates and other dissolved organics that can lead to algae blooms. Starting with good source water out of the tap for water top-offs, water changes, and tank fillings can become a crucial component for your aquarium. (more…)
Just put up a new coral profile on the Candy Cane coral (Caulastrea furcata). For a Large Polyped Stony coral (LPS) the candy cane is relatively easy to care for since it can be quite hardy in the right conditions.
This is regarding a review on the Ocotopus HB 800s Hang On protein skimmer. I am always interested in reading about the latest and greatest when it comes to aquarium equipment, especiall protein skimmers. I feel that protein skimmers (for saltwater tanks) are one of the most important tools we can use other than regular partial water changes to keep the aquarium water at optimum levels.
Whenever I come across a post or article on a new skimmer I always read it with interest, hoping to find the next great skimmer. I had been hearing repeatedly how good the Octopus line of skimmers perform and was very interested in checking one of them out. I was also interested in picking up a deltec 600 but couldn’t find one online or locally for a decent price. Those deltecs are expensive! Too expensive if you ask me…
Coming in a variety of colors the corallimorphs also have the benefit of being fairly hardy beginner corals assuming that you have the proper lighting levels and water conditions. Red, pink, purple, blue and greens are common. Don’t place them too closely to other corals though and they should grow nicely, albeit slowly for you. Fortunately they are easy to frag in the home aquarium.
Just launched a new aquarium fish video page that is loaded with helpful aquarium and fish care videos. We will add more as time allows. Check it out here: Aquarium Fish Videos.
One of the more popular species of Large Polyp Stony Corals is the Frogspawn coral, Euphyllia divisa. They have some easily met requirements and they sport some really cool colors. The frogspawn can be quite aggressive with other corals though and they need plenty of space between themselves and other corals due to the long sweeper tentacles.
If you are looking for something easy to keep to start your journey in coral keeping the Button Polyps or Zoanthids can be a good one to start with. They are fairly hardy and will tolerate quite a range of water conditions but will do best and grow quicker under reef like conditions. They are not outwardly aggressive with tank mates but they do grow quickly and can overtake large parts of the rock work. (more…)
Researching lighting for a reef tank can be bewildering at times. How do you know which lights are good and which are crap? Reviews of course. The cash required for reef tank lights can be significant and you’ll want to research as much as possible to make sure you’re making the right decision. Hopefully we can help you out if you’re looking into the Nova Extreme T5-HO lights. You may also be interested in this setup if you’re wanting to keep a freshwater planted tank. (more…)
The latest magazine is now online if you’re looking for something to read. We had a lot of member spotlights this month. Pandora, Alessa, FishFolk and Annadvn were all spotlighted. There were 3 new fish profiles in the past month and the first small polyped stoney coral profile on the Montipora capricornis. (more…)
There is a new coral profile up on the site on the Small Polyped Stoney coral named Montipora Capricornis. There are several different color varieties available and this could also be considered a good first SPS coral to start out with if you’ve never kept SPS corals before. That is, if your tank parameters and equipment are in line with what is required for keeping this coral. (more…)