by AquaNerd | Jun 17, 2014 | Industry, Science
Believe it or not, but marine aquariums have been around longer than disco and moon landings. To help illustrate that fact, Tunze was getting all nostalgic at Interzoo this year, showing off their very first skimmer which dates back all the way to 1963. Hard to believe, right? And although the skimmer does look a bit foreign to us, there are still several recognizable key elements that are still present in modern designs. Even more interesting is the fact that this was the very first venturi style protein skimmer ever produced, obviously laying the groundwork for an entire sub-industry that developed as aquarists saw a need for clean water. The unusual design consists of a top mounted pump (located in the black box on the top left of the picture) that feeds water into a specialized venturi adapter, which draws in air to mix with the water. The bubbled filled water is then dumped into the cylindrical body of the skimmer and the bubbles rise into the neck of the skimmer, depositing previously dissolved organic material into a collection cup. We initially thought the white pipe at the bottom of the skimmer was an early version of the riser tube drain, but upon closer inspection it actually looks to be the line feeding water into the pump device, which would mean the clean water is passively expelled through the bottom of the cylinder. This is definitely an old design that has been refined numerous times over the years, but judging by that foam production, Norbert Tunze knew exactly what he was doing. Special thanks to Shawn Wilson for the awesome images by Austin Lefevre | Jun 17, 2014 | Corals, Events, Eye Candy, Industry
Cherry Corals is hosting another fun-filled Live Sale Event on Reef2Reef coming up June 21st. In the past they’ve always had some amazing prizes for patrons, but this one takes the cake in my book… free trip to MACNA 2014 in... by Tal Sweet | Jun 17, 2014 | Events, Fish, Industry
As if there aren’t enough reasons to attend the 2014 Marine Breeder’s Workshop next month in Bloomfield Hills, MI, a shocking raffle donation was announced earlier today! Thanks to Blue Zoo Aquatics and Sea and Reef Aquaculture, attendees of the Workshop... by Austin Lefevre | Jun 12, 2014 | Funny, Industry, Tanks
Throw Back Thursday, or TBT, is an ever growing trend on social media networks that has old and young patrons alike sharing pictures of everything past. In our little niche as aquarists, or specifically reef aquarists, we can look back upon inumerous topics, theories,... by danireef | Jun 11, 2014 | Equipment, Events, Industry
Sicce‘s Interzoo booth had a cool party to celebrate their 40 years in business. Read on for more details on Sicce’s complete product line and announcements from... by Matthew Stansbery | Jun 7, 2014 | Corals, Events, Industry
Tonight, Saturday the 7th, Reefs.com will be hosting its very first LIVE SALE courtesy of Cherry Corals!! Dont miss out on a new format and new CHERRIES from our Cherry Friends!! Also be sure to leave your feedback in the CHAT...