by AquaNerd | Dec 1, 2015 | Reef, Science, Technology
Hydor International Trade Complaint Hydor has filed against Jeabo in relation to the theft of patented technology. Hydor filed a complaint last week with U.S. International Trade Commission stating Jebao’s products infringe U.S. Patent No. 8,191,846, a patent protecting HYDOR’s aquarium fitting technology. The company also stated in a press release “HYDOR considers its aquarium fitting technology and its related patents to be very valuable, and it will remain resolute and active in vigorously enforcing its patents in this area.” Hydor – “I’m glad to inform you that the press release of the ITC complaint (US International Trade Commission) is now online on www.hydor.com website and in the Hydor Facebook page.” AquaNerd will be following this story as it unfolds. by Saltwater Smarts | Nov 26, 2015 | Equipment, Opinion, Reef, Science, Tanks, Technology, Travel
While the title of this post puts me in mind of a song performed by Nick Rivers in the 1984 comedy film Top Secret, it’s a question many a novice has posed before setting up his or her first marine aquarium. How basic can it be? Or, put another way, what equipment is absolutely essential and what isn’t?This is a perfectly logical question because ours can be a highly equipment-intensive hobby, and the choices of gear and gadgets designed to make our lives easier can be downright mind-blowing. Add in all the online forum chatter about—and volatile disputes over—the latest-and-greatest hobby technology and methodology, and it’s no surprise that many beginners have a heck of a time distinguishing between the bare essentials and the “bells and whistles.” Complicating matters, of course, is the fact that opinions on what constitutes “essential equipment” can vary widely from one hobbyist to the next. I would humbly submit that the following items are all you really need for a bare-bones saltwater setup: (Note that you’ll also need various and sundry small-ticket items used for regular operation and maintenance, such as aquarium brushes, an algae magnet, etc. Plus, if you plan to keep a reef system, you’ll need to add some means of calcium/alkalinity supplementation to the list.) Some folks might say this list is grossly incomplete while others might contend you could get by without some of the items on it. by Marcin Smok | Nov 23, 2015 | Equipment, Industry, Technology
Once every decade or so, a product comes out that redefines and revolutionizes the industry it belongs to. Just like a smartphone for mobile communications, an electric car that goes 0-60 in under 3 seconds for automotive technology, or a remote-controlled drone for... by Austin Lefevre | Nov 18, 2015 | Equipment, Industry, Opinion, Technology
Back in February I shared a picture and video of the first MP40w Quiet Drive prototype. EcoTech claimed up to 40% more flow, with 90% less noise. The latter intrigued me most. I run one MP40w ES on our office reef in “reef crest” mode at ~95%... by Marcin Smok | Nov 5, 2015 | Equipment, Industry, Tanks, Technology
Three years ago, I reviewed the Sea LED Light, Fluval’s first attempt to enter the reef-capable LED lights scene. At the time, it wasn’t a revolutionary light, nor was it a high end... by Marcin Smok | Nov 2, 2015 | Equipment, Industry, Opinion, Technology
Sicce is making a “big splash in a small package” with their line of nano pumps and propeller powerheads. I’ve recently had the opportunity to test the tiny Syncra Nano return pump (you can read the review here), and today we’re going to visit another Sicce...
