by AquaNerd | Jul 15, 2014 | Equipment, Science
There’s a new nano sized protein skimmer hitting the market really soon from JBJ USA called the SK-45. Ideal for tanks up to 45-gallons, this new skimmer was purposefully designed to fit in the rimless JBJ aquariums, specifically the RL-45, RL-30 and the RL-20. It has a total footprint of just 3.75″ x 3″, which also makes it a good candidate for other nano aquariums as well. As far as features go, the SK-45 uses a needle wheel pump with an adjustable venturi valve, a height adjustable outage pipe that controls the internal water level, a large column for microbubble removal, double media sponges, large collection cup, and a mounting bracket for rimless aquariums. On top of those features, JBJ is also offering a limited one year warranty and, more interestingly, a free media sponge replacements for every six months over a two year span. The SK-45 will officially launch in a couple of weeks, but if you can’t wait until then to get a glimpse at it in action, feel free to check out the video below. by danireef | Jul 15, 2014 | Equipment, Events
We have met Thrive Aquatics during the last Interzoo, and also had the chance to meet them during Macna 2013 at Ft. Lauderdale and now we have met them again to fully understand the impressive... by AquaNerd | Jul 10, 2014 | Equipment
When Innovative Marine launched their NUVO Shallow Reef and Fusion series aquariums, they thought out the designs through eyes of aquarium keepers, adding specific accessories that would yield massive benefits. One of these features was the mesh screen that covered the tops of these aquariums, keeping jumpy fish from doing a little carpet surfing. While this screen comes stock with the two higher end systems, IM has decided to release a line of screens to fit many of their popular NUVO Nano aquariums. This upgrade consists of a lightweight mesh screen with a durable powder coated aluminum frame and will fit nicely over the NUVO Nano16, Micro30, and Mini38 aquariums. There are no tools required for the install, and since the screen comes preassembled, all you have to do is tear open the box and set it on your tank, simple as that. Here is a full model breakdown, which includes dimensions and suggested retail prices. -16 Gallon Screen Dims: 22.85” x 8” x 0.35” ($40 MSRP) -30 Gallon Screen Dims: 19” x 13.25” x 0.35” ($50 MSRP) -38 Gallon Screen Dims: 22.75” x 13.25” x 0.35” ($60 MSRP) by danireef | Jul 2, 2014 | Equipment, Events
The Teco booth was ready to show us all the brand new chillers in their Tank Chiller Line, that we had the pleasure to introduce some weeks ago. After so many years with all chillers using the same design, the new Tank Chiller Line is a great option for reef... by Francis Yupangco | Jun 22, 2014 | Equipment, Fish, Tanks
I began by public aquarium career at the Vancouver Aquarium where I worked as an aquarist for over 7 years. So, I am eager to see what the 58 year old Vancouver Aquarium has in store after it’s 45 million dollar... by AquaNerd | Jun 20, 2014 | Equipment, Fish, Science
We keep harping on the lionfish invasion of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and pretty much all waters surrounding Florida because it is a serious, ongoing issue with seemingly no end in sight. Despite the best efforts of scientists to understand the issue, legislators to fix the problem, and recreational fishermen to eradicate the invaders, the problem persists to the point where different and often drastic measures have to be given a good look. The latest attempt to help tackle the invasion is the straight up ban on the import of all lionfish from the Pterois genus into Florida. But is it the right move? As spelled out in one of Ret Talbot’s latest contributions to the Reef2Rainforest blog, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commissioners unanimously approved the prohibition of the “importation of live lionfish from the genus Pterois“, approved divers to use rebreather equipment to harvest lionfish, and will allow the Executive Director to issue permits to spearfisherman to remove lionfish and other non-native species from areas where the activity was previously prohibited. Ret goes on to point out that lionfish from the genus Dendrochirus are not considered in this ban despite there being significant genetic similarities between them and members of the Pterois genus. This new set of rules goes into effect on August 1st, and as usual, there are good arguments from both sides of the aisle. One of the key incentives intended by this ban is that marine aquarium importers who still rely on lionfish as part of their product offering will start collecting fish out of Florida waters to fill their demand. This approach, coupled with aggressive erradication efforts from other industries, is hoped to be able to keep the lionfish under better control, though nobody knows what real impact will be had.
