This week I visited the Wasatch Marine Aquarium Society located in Salt Lake City. And, during this visit I was invited to Bradley Syphus’ house, wrasse GEEK number 2! Just like me he enjoys the beauty of these fascinating fish.
- Bradley’s FTS
Cirrhilabrus earli photo by Tony Vargas
Cirrhilabrus earli photo by Tony Vargas
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- Bradley Syphus & his 225-gallon reef aquarium
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- Bradley’s FTS
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- Cirrhilabrus earli photo by Tony Vargas
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- Cirrhilabrus earli photo by Tony Vargas
He’s well known for his amazing collection of wrasses and as expected his assortment of wrasses did not disappoint. Observing his tank in the evening, I watched his flashers (Paracheilinus) and fairy wrasses (Cirrhilabrus) display their beautiful bright colors. Spreading their fins and dancing in circles enhanced their colors even more! His latest addition is the holy grail of Cirrhilabrus wrasses, the elusive C. earli.
Bradley has a beautiful 225-gallon reef aquarium with one of the largest Euphylla ancora I’ve seen in a tank of this size. Suspended above his tank is a 72-inch Maristar light fixture with three 250-watt DE Phoenix bulbs, accessorized with four 39-watt T-5 actinic plus lamps. All his filtration is conveniently located in the stand under his tank. Talk about being loyal to one particular brand, Bradley has a Deltec AP702 skimmer, a Deltec PF601s calcium reactor, and a Deltec fluidized reactor which keeps his phosphate levels under control. With regards to circulation the aquarium functions with two MP40s and two Reeflo Darts; one for a closed-loop and the other for the systems return.
This reef tank was a complete delight, thank you Bradley for the opportunity to observe.
Beautiful system and those C. earli wrasses are just ridiculous.
Thank you Tony, It was a great pleasure, and honor to have the “Number 1″wrasse geek at my house. And be the first wrasse guy to see my newest addition, Mr. Earlei. Come back soon.
Brad
Gorgeous photos and amazing tank! You might need to toss Kevin Kohen’s hat in the running for Wrasse Geek!
Yes, I agree. But, Kevin Kohen is not on the same playing field. Kevin is a well Respected Professional in the industry with more opportunities at hand and a large facility where he can keep these awesome fish. I’m referring to regular hobbyist with home aquariums. Kevin is the number one Professional Wrasse CEEK! Got to love him!
LOL Tony. True! 😉 An aquarium at home isnt in the books for us though! See you at MACNA!