by AquaNerd | May 30, 2014 | Science, Tanks
We’ve got news of another product that will make its debut at the upcoming Interzoo. Skimz Singapore has announced that they will be displaying a pair of small DC powered protein skimmers under the Mini Monzter moniker. These two new skimmers feature the smallest DC pump on the market which is crammed into a tiny footprint, along with plenty of other features like bubble plates and gently transitioning cone shapes. Like most of the DC pumps currently out there, the Monzter Mini’s pump will have six preset speeds and a feed timer, allowing for precise control over water level and bubble content within the skimmer body. Despite their minuscule size, however, the Monzter Mini skimmers pack quite a punch. The smallest model, the Skimz SN123 Monzter Mini, has a tank rating of 500L (approximately 131 USgal) and the larger model, the SN143, can handle tanks up to 900L (approximately 237 USgal). Skimz SN123 Monzter Mini protein skimmer specs: Dimension: L163 x D187 x H490 (mm) Body Diameter: 120mm Pump: Skimz VSC1200 DC Air Intake: 120 – 360 L/h Total Watts: 6 – 12W For Aquarium: up to 500L Skimz SN143 Monzter Mini protein skimmer: Dimension: L188 x D196 x H490 (mm) Body Diameter: 140mm Pump: Skimz VSC2000 DC Air Intake: 240 – 660 L/h Total Watts: 9 – 18W For Aquarium: up to 900L Pricing and availability will most likely be announced at Interzoo. by AquaNerd | May 28, 2014 | Science
Good news Apex users, Neptune Systems announced yesterday that their Apex Fusion platform is finally out of beta testing and is ready for prime time. The Apex Fusion is a cloud based system that lets you communicate with your Apex controller from anywhere in the world. Previously, all wireless communications were handled through apps and software loaded on your personal devices. Because the Apex used these various software versions, things like updates and firmware were occasionally an issue. With the Apex Fusion, however, all of the software is loaded on the Neptune Systems’ servers, which means you never have to download an app or update software. It will all be up to date with the most cutting edge software available, and it won’t tax any of your systems either. The Fusion platform works on nearly every device imaginable, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. Besides being a place to monitor water parameters, Apex Fusion also lets you control everything connected to your AquaController. Turn off lights, turn on pumps, do whatever it is that is important to you. by AquaNerd | May 28, 2014 | Science
Maxspect is set to have a really busy year in 2014. Besides the new Ethereal LED fixture, which boasts some mouthwatering wireless capabilities, Maxspect has also announced their new Glaive fixture. This LED striplight will be available in two varieties, one for freshwater setups and the other for marine aquariums, with both sporting a single row of 4-core 7watt MultiChip LEDs and four individual channels of control. Speaking on control, the Glaive will utilize a handheld infrared remote to adjust the color and intensity of the fixture, as well as lighting schedules for sunrise and sunset. The Glaive will be offered four different lengths, with models being 16″, 24″, 32″, and 40″ in length. The marine fixture, called the Glaive G4-M, uses a 3000K white channel, 460nm royal blue channel, 500nm cyan channel, and 420nm super actinic. As expected, the freshwater version (G4-F) utilizes more green and red LEDs instead of being so heavy on the blues by AquaNerd | May 27, 2014 | Corals, Photography, Science
As aquarists who frequently dabble in the realm of photography, we can appreciate this new product from Houston-based acrylic fabricator, Building an Obsession. Announced just a couple of days ago, BAO has a swanky new top down box for DSLR style cameras, which, as you could imagine, would make taking photos of corals so much easier. The top down box features a 6″ deep carbon fiber tube that mounts to the camera via the universal tripod mount. The lightweight tube sports a crystal clear acrylic window that helps keep water off the lens while also preventing distortion of the images. The top down box also has an optional “lip clip”, which is an add-on that lets you better stabilize the camera be letting users mount the entire assembly to a tank rim or eurobrace. The clip is adjustable to allow for various angles of shooting. The first batch of these top down boxes is complete, and each will retail for $50 by AquaNerd | May 27, 2014 | Science
Ecoxotic is bringing a new product to the table, bolstering their LED striplights to now include a full spectrum model in the E-Series. This new series of striplights uses RGB technology, tossing in a daylight white LED to further beef up the spectrum to meet the needs of all your aquatic livestock as well as give more color options for fine tuning. Speaking of which, the fixture can be contolled wirelessly through an infrared remote, allowing for a huge assortment of colors and even simulated cloud cover, thunderstorms, a robust sunrise/sunset sequence, and an after hours moonlight. The LEDs are split across two channels, which Ecoxocit says was done to allow the color and growth capabilities to be separately tuned. Along with the RGB and wireless control, the E-Series features a sleek aluminum housing, polished reflector, 120 degree optics, and adjustable mounting arms that can be made to fit aquariums of various sizes. If mounting the lights directly on the tank aren’t an option, a set of canopy brackets is also included. The Ecoxotic E-Series lights are available in lengths of 12″, 18″, 24″, 36″, and 48″ with the prices starting at $140 and climbing to $330. The adjustable legs add another 6-12″ of reach depending on the light fixture.
