Recent content by JPR

Forgive me for correcting anyone here BUT all marine systems that are not hooked up to a constant flow of new salt water are closed systems. A closed system or a closed loop system is one that re-circulates water and depends on the nitrogen waste to be converted to every less toxic forms of...

I see I’ve steered right into what looks like an on going debate! I really can’t take a strong side one way or the other as I see wisdom in both points of view. I strongly subscribe to Bob’s philosophy. I know it to be true from keeping marine systems and fresh water systems for the last...

Absolutely. This is the challenge of a closed system. Some 'things' are building and some things are used up. And some things are just not in the range of 'desirable' range to begin with- typically out of the tap or the well. I'm not against the use of R/O water and in some cases I have seen...

I think that anything that will stabilize water parameters is a good thing. And if a fish tank, reef tank or mixed fish/invert tanks has that, it is getting closer to being ‘bullet proof’. All these animals come from environments that fluctuate very little in water parameter readings from...

Sorry bud, it is most likely that cortisol levels were too high within the fish. This is a stress response and leads to hydration, kidney and blood pressure problems. The fish succumbs over time from a general metabolic malfunction. James P

The only think worse that not quarantining is bad quarantining! The smartest approach is to have a full cycled and established medium sized aquarium ( 29 gallons for example) set up and running as a half-way house for new arrivals. This MUST be a system that produces water as good as - or better...

Yep, I think over a beer, you and I could agree on a lot of things regarding the past and future of the hobby. And I do think that the technology is part of the seduction for many entering the hobby. It is cool and can help 'forgive' a lot of beginner mistakes. But maybe mix and matching too...

Very nice system indeed, beaslbob! Chris, I should mention I am currently an outsider but not inexperienced in fish keeping. I maintained a 600, 400, 175 and two 90s for many years in the pioneer days. And I am old enough to have an autographed copy of Marine Aquarium keeping by Spotte. If...

Matt_Wandell Good morning Matt, I saw your avatar on reef.org- Potato-- loved it! That is pretty neat graphics/video. Can I ask how you accomplished the effect? Thanks, James P

I thought this might be of interest- an illustration of what biofilm can look like when current is present. ( Community structure and Co Operation in biofilms - International symposium microbiology 1995).The streamers are frequently released so that colonies or rafts can be sent down current to...

O man, I’m afraid some very serious obsessive compulsive behavior could be settling in after seeing these photos of your tank and the other lagoon! ;) Seriously, I have always favored the idea that a diversified bacteria culture and the correct algae species enhances the overall ‘toughness’...

wow! Thanks for some great ideas and inspiration! Maybe I can use this as a lagoon? James P [img] http:// www.members.aol.com/thekoiguy/lagoon.jpg

Thanks for helping me catch up and sort things out. I was recently in a high end type marine shop looking at a 135 gallon REEF set up and the owner suggested that the TT be left empty and only a Euro Reef FF be placed in the empty sump. I really got the feeling he was of that school of thought...

As an outsider looking in at the reef hobby, I have been fascinated to see how the hobby has evolved since the first MACNA meeting I attended in Toronto so many years ago. Of particular interest is the evolution from UG filters to trickle tower/bioballs to live rock/ activated sand. This...

I have recently visited the website and greatly admired Len Ho's reef set up. It took a long time to get that living work of art! So here is my question, what does one do to protect such an investment in time and money against a power failure? How long can a well stocked reef last when the...