by AquaNerd | Jun 9, 2014 | Science
ATI Aquaristik is no stranger to aquarium illumination. For many years, their Powermodule T5HO fixtures have topped the wishlists of many a hobbyist. But over the last few years, T5HO lighting has waned in popularity, giving way to LEDs. ATI seemed to have reisted the trend, as they slowly adopted LEDs into their lineup and only initially as supplemental lighting in their Powermodule hybrids. But, the times seem to be a changin’ and it appears that ATI is finally coming fully on board with LED technology as their latest light fixture sports nothing but tiny little emitter goodness. The ATI Sirius X LED fixtures sport an array of LED clusters, with each pulling about 75watts. The clusters are composed of 13 LEDs each, with the embedded colors being six Cree XPE Blue, two Luxeon M Royal Blue 450nm, two Luxeon M Cool White, two Cree XPE Red 620nm, and one Semileds Violet 420nm. This grouping of LEDs is further broken down into four independently controllable color channels, and to further play to our contol freak needs, the individual clusters themselves are independently programmable from others in the fixture by AquaNerd | Jun 6, 2014 | Science
Interzoo seemed to be a launching pad for many new and somewhat unusual water pumps this year, with Sicce also getting in on the action. They didn’t do anything unusual in terms of some radical design, but instead have incorporated some of the best technology a pump could ever use…wireless capabilities. The brand new Sicce Xstream-e series pumps have the same look and feel as other prop-based pumps, most notably the Sicce Stream Nano models, but they now incorporate a wireless remote control that allows users to crank up the flow or dial it back without ever having to walk over to the aquarium. The controller does more than just turn the flow up or down, however, as it is also multifunctional. The controller can set the pump to a short 10 second pulse, a longer 30 second pulse, and even longer minute long pulse. Additionally, the pump can be set in a random flow cycle or set to bypass mode for other controller input. As for the flow rates themselves, the Xstream-e will only be available in one model, but it will have an adjustable rate ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 l/h. We fully expect this year and next to see loads of developments for wireless water pumps. by AquaNerd | Jun 3, 2014 | Corals, Events, Funny, Science, Tanks
More new products from Tunze today, as they’ve unveiled their magnetic algae scraper at Interzoo. Called the Care Magnet, this new scraper sports a thin, ergonomic handle to which plastic blades are attached at either end. This patented algae scraper has an inconspicuous profile within the aquarium, making it less obtrusive to the look of the tank while also letting it slip behind rocks, plants, and corals with ease. The Care Magnet’s patented features center around the scrapers themselves. It uses plastic blades of varying lengths, which place different pressures on the glass or acrylic during its use. This allows the narrow blade to remove tough algae, such as coralline, while the wide blade allows the magnet to tackle larger areas or places where the algae is easier to remove. This unique design allows the Care Magnet to work in tight corners and even on curved aquariums, while at the same time not scracthing up the inside of the tank. The inner magnet is said to be 3mm from the walls of the aquarium, which prevents sand from getting stuck between it and the glass. That said, the strenth of the magnets is said to make separation of the scraper “nearly impossible”. In addition to that, the blades on one end can be removed, effectively turning the Care Magnet into a handheld algae scraper by AquaNerd | Jun 2, 2014 | Equipment, Science
Tunze has a new protein skimmer hitting the market, and it’s the smallest we’ve seen from the German aquarium equipment manufacturer. Based on the popular Comline DOC Skimmer design, the new 9001 is a simple plug-and-play device aimed at small aquariums from 20-140 liters (5.3 to 37 gallons). Unlike other skimmers in the lineup, the pump on the 9001 can be oriented in four different directions, allowing it to be adapted to a variety of setups. Another way this skimmer differs from its in-tank counterparts is that it is a partially closed system. It works by using molecular compensation pressues (diffusion), which is said to remove almost no living plankton from the water column. The skimmer’s intake is located four inches below the water’s surface, located on the backside of the device. A surface skimming intake grabs that film-laden water from the water’s surface, and it can be located on either the right or left side of the 9001. As for the pump, the nano skimmer ditches the needlewheel propeller pump in lieu of a tiny air pump, the Tunze Foamer 9001.040 air generator. The overall dimensions for the Comline DOC Skimmer 9001 are 4.3″L x 2.5″W x 8.5″T and it can stick to glass and acrylic up to 3/8″ thick thanks to its magnet holder. by AquaNerd | Jun 2, 2014 | Science
We’ve already made mention of the interesting new Riptide Gyre Generator that is on the way from Maxspect, but given its unique design and flow patterns, we figured this video shot at Interzoo would help visualize just how different and potentially better the pump is from other water moving devices. As demoed, the gyre generator mounts to a wall of the aquarium and can be positioned a whole bunch of different ways depending on the aquarium’s needs (for the sake of simple conversation, we’ll discuss it as if it were in the horizontal orientation). It draws in water from below and expels it perpendicularly, effectively creating both horizontal and vertical water movement. As the water circulates, it creates a swirling gyre, which moves large volumes of water but in a very gentle way. The ping pong balls in the display aquarium can be seen in this rotational flow, and it appears that all of the water in the tank is moving, meaning there are few dead spots in the corners and other places where they typically occur. Various surface whirlpools are created on the opposite end of the aquarium as the water starts its downward movement, and there plenty of surface agitation to facilitate gas exchange. The Maxspect Riptide is set to officially launch to the public sometime in August, and all of the product literature indicates there will be at least four models
