by AquaNerd | May 22, 2014 | Fish, Science
Interzoo is the largest international aquarium-based trade show on the planet, and it just so happens to be right around the corner. With the date quickly approaching, we’re starting to hear rumblings of new products that will be announced at the massive event, leading off with a new item from Vertex Aquaristik. In a move that shouldn’t even remotely come as a surprise, Vertex looks as though they will be announcing a larger model to their popular Omega protein skimmer line. While we don’t have any specifics about the products, as Vertex wouldn’t immediately address our questions, we do know that it will be the Omega 180 based on the engraving on what is very likely the skimmer’s lid. We assume the Omega 180 will utilize the same wine glass body, Sicce Syncra pump, bubble diffuser plate, vibration dampening pads, and other features found in the rest of the lineup, only beefed up to handle a heavier bioload. We did notice that large red fish, part of the Vertex branding, on the skimmer lid, which is absent in the original design of the Omega. Perhaps this is the only subtle change, but perhaps there is more. We’ll know more about the Omega 180 as the show draws closer. by AquaNerd | May 21, 2014 | Science
We’re full of teaser information today, it seems. Digital Aquatics let it slip that they will soon be releasing their very own dosing pump module, called the DP1. This new module is pretty straightforward, using a peristaltic pump to move liquids from one container to another and connecting to the Reef Keeper controller via the BUS connection. A total of 16 individual DP1 modules can be used simultaneously on the RK Elite controller, which is overkill, but it gives users tons of options for dosing various products. As far as mounting the module goes, a pair of screw holes flank the DP1, allowing it to be mounted to the inside of the stand or anywhere else you might want it installed. Pricing for the new module hasn’t been finalized, but we’re told that it will definitely be under $100. In addition to the DP1, another one of the Digital Aquatics modules is getting a refresher by AquaNerd | May 20, 2014 | Corals, Science
Kessil is making headlines today with the recent announcement of their very own controller, called the Spectral Controller. This new device, which is said to be the size of a smartphone, is designed to work specifically with the Kessil A360 LED light and all future releases. It has the ability to control up to two different sets of lights via two separate 0-10V output ports, but don’t translate that as just two different lights. Instead, the Spectral Controller can program multiple lights spread across two separate “groups”. A prime example would be lights over two different aquariums or if you use a Kessil fixture for your refugium, you could change the lights over the display tank independently of the refugium light. Powering the controller is a micro-USB that can be plugged into a wall outlet or computer USB port. When not plugged in, the controller retains all programs and settings, so all of that hard work isn’t lost when the controller is taken offline. by AquaNerd | May 15, 2014 | Science
Aquarium Specialty is introducing us to a brand new type of biopellet from Reef Interests that hopes to be a game changer for nitrate and phosphate removal. Announced on the Aquarium Specialty Blog, the All-in-One biopellets are a mixture of NP Reducing Biopellets and the active ingredient found in phosphate removers. This marriage of carbon dosing with phosphate removal is said to remove 5 times more nitrate and 10-20 times more phosphate than all other biopellet products s currently available to aquarium keepers. How do they work? According to the blog article, the pellets are effective because they provide all of the nutritional requirements for the bacteria in one place, the surface of this new pellet. Since bacteria consume both nitrate and phosphate to grow and reproduce, the original biopellets weren’t able to be successful because these key compounds were being removed too rapidly. The bacteria were essentially starving becusse phosphate was being removed via other avenues, most likely Granular Ferric Oxide (GFO), which is run independent of the pellet products. So, the minds at Reef Interest decided to bring the phosphate removing chemicals to the pellet, which works well because as the bacteria consume the pellet, they are not only getting the nitrogen, but the phosphate that has been absorbed as well. As the surface of the pellet is consumed, so too is the phosphate absorbing portion that has been added by AquaNerd | May 13, 2014 | Science, Tanks
The RoboSnail has long been one of those dream devices that would help aquarists automate those daily, mundane activities that make maintenance a total drag. Since its release to the general public at MACNA 2012, however, it has been limited to folks with just average sized aquariums. The entry level model, dubbed the RSV1A, was only good for tanks with glass up to 0.40″ (10mm) thick. This limited the RoboSnail to pretty much everything with 3/8″ glass or less, a common glass thickness for most standard sized aquariums of 100-gallons and less. But what about those with larger tanks? Fortunately, for the big boys on the block, the RSV1A.5 was just announced. This new model differs from the original only in the fact that it can clean tanks with 1/2″ thick glass. And while that tiny little quarter of an inch may not seem like much, it opens up a whole new world for the RoboSnail. We’re talking about aquariums well over 200-gallons, in most cases
