One of the big differences in moving from freshwater systems to saltwater systems is a greater emphasis on water chemistry. There is a pretty steep learning curve to get a handle on all the different chemical parameters, and it can…
The bubble coral shrimp, Vir philippinensis
Spending time under water, we learn so much about the animals we care about. We even discover animals that we never heard of that live among the exact same coral that we have in our tank at home. The Bubble Coral…
Reefkeeping is Seasonal – and You Can Reap the Rewards
It may not seem apparent, but the reef aquarium hobby is highly seasonal. Compared to the winter months, there is almost no activity in the spring and summer. The industry as a whole slows down. I think this phenomenon has…
Elasmobranch Enthusiasts (Part 1): Modern Husbandry – Space
From the ferocious great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) to the graceful white-spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari), Elasmobranchii are a diverse group of boneless fishes that are circumglobal, inhabiting a diverse array of habitats, temperature ranges, salinity, and niches in the…
A introduction to the Italian reef aquarium club, Goccia Blu (Blue Drop)
This story is submitted by Massimiliano Pardini to tell us about his progressive Italian reef club, Goccia Blu. Our story starts from a forum, Acquaportal, where many of us moved the first steps into the aquarium communities. Tired of hiding behind…
Is There a Jellyfish Tank in Your Future?
One of the product lines that really caught my eye at MACNA 2014 were the jellyfish tanks at the Boyd Enterprises booth. Until recently, home aquarists did not have access to jellyfish systems. When I think of jellyfish systems, I…
Making the T5 Changeup in Reef Aquarium Lighting
Recently, Paul Grant decided to switch up the lighting on his 240-gallon custom reef tank. Originally, five Aquaillumination Vega Color fixtures were used to power his SPS-dominated reef. He decided to make a changeover to an ATI Powermodule. The Powermodule…
Mini Maxi Spawning at Tidal Gardens
For years now, we have been propagating mini maxi anemones. They are easy to propagate by cutting them in half and letting them heal for a month or two. Most aquacultured corals are asexually produced either by allowing them to…
Leptoseris A Stunning Newcomer to the Reefkeeping Scene
When you have been in the hobby a long time, you tend to see a lot of the same things over and over again. I often become desensitized to some of the most beautiful fish in the world because I’ve…
Good Reasons to Use a Refugium in Your Reef System
A refugium is a safe haven for algae and invertebrates in a separate tank from the main display aquarium. These organisms provide some distinct advantages to the overall health of a reef aquarium. First off, the critters breeding in the…