Apogee Instruments Announces Underwater MQ-210 and MQ-510 PAR Meters
Apogee Instruments has just announced two new PAR meters with the moniker, Underwater Quantium Flux MQ-210 and MQ-510. Both of these meters are priced the same as the MQ-200 and the MQ-500 respectively. The new meters function identically to the MQ-200 and MQ-500, but they have a built in immersion correction factor. If your using a standard MQ-200 and MQ-500 meter, there is no reason to worry because those meters still both work great in aquarium applications. The new meters however, will work even better when their measurements are multiplied by the new immersion correction factor that is spelled out in the owner’s manuals. Apogee Instruments designed the MQ-210 and MQ-510 just to make PAR calculations a little easier on the aquarist. Apogee Instruments tellsIntroducing the Artisan Drop-Off Aquarium
Just in time for the holidays, seen for the first time at RAP California this past weekend, the Artisan Drop-Off aquarium from Mode Aquariums is the first all-glass model to hit US market. A unique 75 gallon footprint is molded into a perfect drop-off peninsula to make this tank a visual feast. As many of my friends and followers know, I am a nano girl at heart. Even though my current tank is 50 gallons, it is the largest aquarium I have ever wanted to own and as such I still consider myself a nano reefer. If I ever considered upgrading, Tis would be the on the top of my wish list. With a total system volume of 75-80 gallons, the proportions seem exactly right.How to Use a DSLR For Facebook Live
I was motivated to find a better Facebook Live video solution for my saltwater reef tank since video from my smartphone was just not cutting it. One big problem is aquarium lighting and a DSLR with its sophisticated white balance features makes it much easier to dial in authentic colors. You also have different lens options with a DSLR so certain perspectives such as macro shots are possible. Anyway, I decided to go on a quest to figure out how to use my DSLR, a Canon 5D Mark III, as my live camera for Facebook. I did come across a few different solutions but some did not appeal to me since they required expensive video capture cards as well as pricey live streaming software such as Wirecast,Reef Threads Podcast #299
For podcast #299, we’re very excited to have listener Emily McPerson as our guest. Join us to hear how she took a 10-gal. “gift” and, after a bunch of research, whipped that tank into shape, upgraded to a 20-gal reef, and then used the 10-gal tank to her new passion for the reef-aquarium hobby with her friends at the local senior center. It’s a great story about how someone who knew nothing about the hobby got hooked and is now enjoying and sharing the beauty of reef animals. Download the podcast here, or subscribe to our podcasts at iTunes. Also, follow us on Twitter at reefthreads.—Gary and Christine
Sponsor: Rod’s Food
Rod’s Food website
Reef Threads Podcast #298
This week we talk about several of the interesting posts offered by Jeff Kurtz and Chris Aldrich of the Saltwater Smarts website. Topics include downsizing your marine system, overdoing water changes, salt creep, and rock rubble. Download the podcast here, or subscribe to our podcasts at iTunes. Also, follow us on Twitter at reefthreads.—Gary and Christine
Sponsor: Rod’s Food
Rod’s Food website
Downsizing
Facing a Saltwater System Downsize? Try One of These 5 Setups, Jeff Kurtz, Saltwater Smarts
Water changes overdone?
Is It Possible to Overdo Marine Aquarium Water Changes?, Jeff Kurtz, Saltwater Smarts
Salt creep control
Salt Creep Control With 5 Simple Techniques, Jeff Kurtz, Saltwater Smarts
Rock rubble
5 Practical Uses for Rock Rubble in Marine Aquaria, Jeff Kurtz, Saltwater Smarts