Halichoeres chrysus: A Hardy Little “Banana with Fins” That’s Just Right for Beginners
Known by a variety of common names—banana wrasse, canary wrasse, golden wrasse, yellow coris, et al—Halichoeres chrysus is hardy, readily available, reasona... Read more.
Aquarium Automation: The Theiling Rollermat and Other Web-Filtering Technologies
The problem: For the longest time, I have been trying to lengthen the maintenance interval for the filter socks on my 450-gallon system, which currently clog ev... Read more.
Salty Q&A: Why so Much Emphasis on Evaporation in Saltwater Systems?
Question: I’m a long-time freshwater aquarium hobbyist but considering branching out to a saltwater reef system. In talking with some of my reefkeeper friends... Read more.
An Introduction to Protein Skimming
A protein skimmer is a device designed to clean the water in a reef aquarium by removing dissolved organic compounds. Put even more simply, it is a controlled... Read more.
Salty Q&A: Okay to Add LPS to Established Softy Tank?
Question: “Hi guys! My husband and I really enjoy your site and the commonsense advice you always give. My question for you is about the feasibility of ad... Read more.
Salty Confessions: Procrastination Never Pays in Reefkeeping!
Ignoring a protein skimmer in need of maintenance could make you pay later! Regular SWS readers know that CC and I always emphasize the importance of staying on... Read more.
Paul B’s Unique Perspective on Keeping Mandarins
Hobby pioneer Paul “Paul B” Baldassano is not your grandfather’s reefkeeper (though he is old enough to be your grandfather!). Nor is his book, The Avant-... Read more.
Oddball Reef System Symbiosis
Symbiotic relationships are among the most interesting aspects of this hobby. A coral reef is a battlefield for real estate; however, there are still amazing ex... Read more.
Sponges, Sponges, Everywhere!
If you do any diving anywhere, you will see sponges everywhere. Some of them are more colorful than corals, and some of them you can sit in. All sponges are wat... Read more.
Life After Purchase: A Guide to Introducing New Fish to Your Aquarium’s Social Dynamics
Moving can be tough on a kid. New places, new school, making new friends, meeting new bullies . . . I’m sure some of you can relate. So can your fish. Life ca... Read more.