Reef Threads Podcast #288


An aerial view of Midway Atoll in June 2007. Photo by Burl Burlingame/Honolulu Star Bulletin, via Associated Press. Borrowed from the NY Times article.

Another week another podcast. This week’s topics include MACNA, hobby books for John Zimmermann, Al Ulrich’s wife, Chicago Field Museum research on coral bleaching, Midway Atoll marine reserve, lionfish, and the new St. Louis public aquarium. 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

Papahanaumokuakea Marine Monument
Obama to Create World’s Largest Marine Reserve Off Hawaii, New York Times, Julie Hirschfeld Davis

Lionfish-killing robot
Researchers are building a robotic lionfish exterminator, Sean Buckley, Engadget

St. Louis public aquarium
St. Louis to build 1 million gallon aquarium, Advanced Aquarist, Leonard Ho

Support coral research
Support research by Timothy Swain, Phillip Osborn, Emily Bold, and Luisa Marcelino to understand coral bleaching

NameEmail *

Salty Q&A: Acropora Bleaching Fast!

In general, acros are less tolerant of fluctuations in water parameters than other coralsQuestionI just introduced an Acropora to my 65-gallon reef tank, and it’s already starting to bleach on me. I’d say about one-quarter to one-third of the colony has already bleached, and it’s been in the tank less than a week. This is my first acro. Apart from it, I have several different varieties of soft corals and zoa colonies. The fish include 6 blue-green chromis, 1 royal gramma, 3 polka-dot cardinalfish, and 1 lawnmower blenny. All my water parameters are fine, and my lighting (high-output T5s) and water movement are both good. I placed the Acropora high in the tank close to the lights, so I know insufficient light isn’t the problem.