Reef aquarium caretakers tend to obsess over flow. We use pumps to pull water through our sumps. We put in powerheads and wavemakers all in an effort to push water around. We use pumps with aerators to run skimmers. Even though we have many different applications almost all our aquarium motors work the same way. If you don't know how your motor works, I want to help with that.
First, let's make sure we are speaking the same language. All motors have two main parts. The Stator, or...
So let's talk about why you're here and why I decided to write this. From time to time I've had low pH issues, and I suppose you have too, it can be frustrating. I for one am not the type of person to chase numbers , but when you can do something about it, why not!? This is where I decided to look into why I was having low pH issues.
1.
As you can see on this Apex graph my pH wasn't horrible but low and erratic. Sound familiar??
First off I'll say that I'm no scientist, or chemist so...
So what is the best test kit to check your water parameters? A question often asked and even more often debated. Most have their favorites, are not bashful about sharing, and will argue and stomp their collective keyboards in defense of their choices. The fact is we all have our opinions and reasons for using the test kits we use; and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!
Although an obvious generalization, a great number of aquarist use different kits for different parameters...
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Chances are, if you are reading this article, you already know what a Bristle Worm is and why you may need to "trap" it. But in case you are not quite sure ....
Bristle worms are free-living segmented worms with an elongated body that has a pair of "appendages" as well as tufts of bristles (hence the name) on each segment of its body.
Above photo courtesy of bobbychullo
These critters can vary A LOT in terms of size and color. They can usually be found...
When living in the warm weather or cold weather climates, we really do not have the chance to open our windows that often. This leads to a build up of CO2 in the air inside the house and results in a drop in pH. When our pH drops down to levels that are alarming in our reef tanks, we start asking ourselves why and how can we fix this in order to keep our reef healthy. Here is a quick and simple way to raise the system's PH within a closed-up house.
My reason for the pH drop was that...
Let’s Mix it Up!
There is one undeniable fact in this hobby – WE ALL NEED WATER! In fact, two types of water. Clean fresh water (FW) run through a quality RODI system and the obvious saltwater (SW). Secondly, we all know what a water change is. This is not an article on whether or not water changes are required or necessary, nor is it an article to discuss frequency. Your research and ultimate reefing philosophy will determine those answers for you.
Water changes can be done using...
Everything is getting smaller. Laptops are thinner, lighter and overtly smaller than ever. Our phone’s screens sometimes get bigger, but their overall body shrinks in size. The X-Box slim is simply a smaller version of the X-Box One, with enhanced performance features. While marine aquariums were once massive systems that needed dedicated rooms to function, they too are shrinking in size. We have all-in-one tanks, that consolidate a tank’s various peripherals into a neat, compact filter...
Not long ago, I bit the bullet and ordered one of the nano-jellyfish tanks currently on the market. For those unfamiliar, these tanks are a kreisel design. Kreisel is a German word for sphere or gyro and kreisel aquariums with built-in, yet independent filtration, have revolutionized our ability to keep sensitive species like jellyfish. The tank’s design and filtration layout mean that a soft gyre current consistently flows 360 degrees around the tank and plastic-screen mesh prevents...
The 650l Reef Tank of Pawel Szember
Introduction:
My name is Pawel Szember and I’m from Poland. First of all I’d like to mention that it is a great pleasure and honor for me to be able to share some of my thoughts and passion to such a large audience.
At my parents’ home we always had some freshwater tanks but surprisingly when I was a child I’ve never had any interest in that hobby. I’ve started my first freshwater tanks in 2010 and then after 2 years after a family vacation when I had...
Moving...
Moving your reef aquarium can be a daunting task. Like that meeting or test you have tomorrow that you didn’t prepare for – but you know if you buckle down for the evening and work hard, you’ll be ready to go in the morning. Either that or you'll just call in sick!
Well, calling in sick isn’t an option when you have to move and are taking your beloved box of water with you. With some well-thought-out plans and the proper supplies, your fish and corals will make it to their new...
