by ReefBum | May 16, 2018 | Reef, Science, Tanks
One key to keeping an eye catching SPS dominated reef is to plan ahead and think about what the reef might look like in a year or two when it matures. Do your homework and gather all the knowledge you can about the corals you are interested in adding. Every reef keeper starts with a blank canvas and has the opportunity to create their own masterpiece but certain best practices and tips on choosing and placing SPS can be followed to achieve success. Plan Ahead Understanding and anticipating growth rates and patterns is critical and I can’t tell you how many times I failed to take these factors into consideration. For instance, I love the color and pattern of the Acropora Yongei (“Green Bali Slimer”) but it by AquaNerd | May 16, 2018 | Fish, Reef
The Miami Herald just reported that a Lagoon Triggerfish (AKA Picasso Triggerfish) was captured near Fort Lauderdale last month. A team of five volunteer divers from the Reef Environmental and Education Foundation (REEF) tracked and removed the uninvited guest after it was reported by a person snorkeling near Sunrise Boulevard. The Miami Herald goes on the report that fish is the ninth non-native removed from South Florida waters since REEF and USGS started a program known as “Early Detection/Rapid Response” in 2008. There are several species of snakes and other animals including lionfish that compete against or prey upon endemic species. Releasing non-native species into the wild can be very disruptive or detrimental by AquaNerd | May 15, 2018 | Equipment, Tanks
From time to time we like to showcase high end aquariums and describing this gem as high end is an understatement if there ever was one. Kyle Elder is a designer and acrylic fabricator and we are pleased to share some of his handy work with you. Keep reading below to learn more about his awesome 200 gallon reef aquarium project that many of us can only dream about. Tank Features: Kyle Elder (Elder1945 on Reef2Reef) Tank info/Bio: Tank overall size 200 gallons 85″ x 30″ x 18″ Partial Equipment List: Sump: Vertex Supra 180 Skimmer: Vertex Omega 180 w/Vectra Self Cleaning Head Zeolith Reactor: Vertex Dosing Vessels: Vertex Libra Controller: GHL Profilux P4 Doser: GHL Doser 2.1 Calcium Reactor: Vertex RX-C 6DK Lighting: 2 x Orphek Atlantik v by Leonard Ho | May 15, 2018 | Advanced Aquarist
At a cursory glance, we tend to lump similar-looking reef fish into a monolithic species and chalk up differences as variants. But upon closer examination, we are finding sufficient distinction to satisfy the description of a new species. Cirrhilabrus cyanogularis is a case in point. by Joe Rowlett | May 14, 2018 | Fish
The story of a fish which doesn't want it's story to be told. by ReefBum | May 14, 2018 | Corals
Your tank is on cruise control and all SPS corals are in a happy zone, growing and thriving like you had always imagined. Then one day the lights come on and your eyes zero in on a dead coral. What the heck? How could that happen when everything was going so well? Reef keeping can be a humbling experience, trying the patience of both beginners and veterans. Sometimes bad things happen due to poor husbandry and other times there is no clear explanation. I can sleep better at night when something bad happens as long as I know what caused the problem, allowing me to prevent it from reoccurring. That’s just the way I am wired. I like closure. It’s those mystery events that drive me batty by xeniaforever | May 13, 2018 | Conservation, Corals
Hawaii has made national headlines as the first state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing either oxybenzone or octinoxate. Scientists at the Polytechnic University of the Marche, Ancona, Italy studied the chemicals, and found that “Sunscreens cause the... by AquaNerd | May 13, 2018 | Equipment
Royal Exclusiv will soon be releasing a new DC pump called the Red Dragon 6. The first Red Dragon 6 model to be announced is a 24 volt DC controllable model that draws only 20 watts of power at max speed. The pump has been configured as a water pump or as a skimmer upgrade for the Mini Bubble King 160 & 180 models. It will also be featured on the all new Mini 160 & Mini 180 VS18 skimmers. The Red Dragon 6 pump volute and air intake valve (skimmer version) features a molded design rather than the CNC machined Red Dragon 1 & Red Dragon 3 pumps. Being that these parts are now a molded design it should cut down of the cost of the pumps and subsequently, the skimmers themselves. Pricing and availability hasn’t been
