vortech-pump-controllers-1 A trip down memory lane of Ecotech Marine VorTech pump controllers As Ecotech Marine celebrates ten years of business in the reef aquarium scene, I am reminded of how I came to know the once scrappy three young founders Tim, Pat, Justin and first employee Mark. The company cut its teeth on reef tank product engineering with a magnetically stirred kalk stirrer with a built in
DSC_5775 Sicce’s booth at Zoomark 2013 featured lots of goodies for the future
Lanthanum Reactor from derKroon Mechanics is specially designed for phosphate reduction

Aquatic Life Power Deluxe reverse osmosis: the very long review

The Aquatic Life Power Deluxe Reverse Osmosis unit has been available for nearly four years and I have been using one for the better part of that time. I’ve been using the automated water purification device for so long I almost forget that I often forget that it is a non-standard reverse osmosis unit. With Read More

Reef Builder of the Month – Jason Crockett

In 2009 I was formally introduced to Jason Crockett who had just purchased a 90-gallon tank and stand from a good friend, David Noller.  After a brief introduction, Jason and I discussed many of the particulars involved with the hobby and I tried to discourage him from taking on the responsibility of a full blown Read More

Australian Leopard-wrasse Quarantine Technique

Class:                         Actinopterygii Order:                         Perciformes Family:                        Labridae Genus:                        Macropharyngodon Species:                      choati, Randall, John E.  1978 Common Names:       Choati Leopard-wrasse, Australian Leopard-wrasse Of all the Leopard Wrasses one can acquire for their reef aquarium Macropharyngodon choati is by far the most captivating of them all, yet one of the most difficult to Read More

Photosynthetic Gorgonians for the Home Aquaria

Of all the amazing corals that are available to the reef aquarium hobbyists nowadays, gorgonians are frequently overlooked when choosing corals for our aquariums. In the wild they are a vital part of the environment; they filter water, provide sanctuary for fish, crinoids, and many other creatures.  They are part of the food chain, which Read More

Rapture of the Deep – The elusive Narcosis Angelfish

Nitrogen Narcosis, The Martini Effect, and Rapture of the Deep: all are terms used to describe the effects of the alteration in consciousness when diving to depths greater than 100 feet (30 meters).  This temporary and reversible effect is similar to being intoxicated or when one visits the dentist to have work performed with laughing Read More

Reef Builders Magazine – Editorial 1

Welcome to a new chapter in the history of Reef Builders, what a great way to kick off a new year by introducing Reef Builders Magazine, a new on-line publication ready to promote excitement in this fascinating hobby of ours.  Whether you’re a novice aquarist seeking relevant information, a hobbyist with only intermediate skills or Read More