by Ellery Wong | Apr 10, 2022 | Tanks
Every few years the reef aquarium may need to be reset. The reasons why can vary. It can be due to any of the following: Coral overgrowth due to lack of trimming Disease or Pest infestation Change in direction of the system due to maintenance, cost, or interest Just... by Marc Levenson | Jan 12, 2022 | Tanks
For many of you, it's quite cold this time of year. Let's keep our reefs safe and at the right temperature. by Saltwater Smarts | Mar 21, 2020 | DIY, Tanks
Q: I’m a newbie aquarium hobbyist and just starting to set up my first tank, which will be a 40-gallon soft-coral reef system with a few small fish. A friend of mine, who is also fairly new to the hobby but already has an operating tank, has explained the importance of cycling to me. I’m not sure I really grasp all the ins and outs of the process yet, but I do understand that I need to get certain bacteria established in the tank to convert ammonia to less harmful substances. My friend has offered to give me several gallons of water from his tank when he does his next water change in order to help me cycle my system. Will that be enough to get the cycle going in my tank? -Nathan Kranz A: First off, welcome to the marine aquarium hobby, and kudos to you for seeking advice on the vital process of cycling during the setup phase of your system rather than rushing out and buying livestock right away like so many newcomers do. With respect to your friend’s kind offer, the beneficial nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrite and then nitrite to nitrate are not present in significant numbers in aquarium water. Rather, they colonize the rockwork, substrate, and other hard surfaces in an aquarium system. by danireef | Aug 18, 2019 | DIY, Equipment
We recently reviewed the UltraReef UKS 180 skimmer, and had many positive things to say about it. While doing our tests, we were also able to measure the loss of efficiency caused by poor maintenance. Let’s be clear, most people don’t practice regular... by danireef | Apr 18, 2017 | Equipment
The skimmer is the heart of our aquariums. It’s the main filter, and good maintenance of this piece of equipment is essential. We aquarists are often on the lookout for the latest technical product, but purchasing and using a forefront model without regulation...
