The first use of phage therapy traces back almost a century ago, being discovered in the early 1900s, which is earlier than the application of antibiotics. Phage therapy has received relatively little attention due to the powerful antibacterial effects of…
Reef Safe Angelfish: What’s the Secret?
Have you ever owned a reef-safe angelfish? A hot topic of discussion that has yet to be answered. If you peruse the forums, you will find yourself reading a multitude of different opinions. Some believe they will get lucky and…
The Case for Carnivorous Starfish
For many decades, the quintessential Chocolate Chip Starfish, Protoreaster nodosus, has graced our FOWLR (fish only with live rock) tanks and refugiums with their magnificent spines and bright colors. Short-spine stars, Echinaster spinulosus, while less common, have been around just as…
The Past, Present, and Future of Torch Corals, Euphyllia glabrescens
Known for their dazzling colors, swaying tentacles, and propensity to sting nearby corals, the Torch Coral, Euphyllia glabrescens, has been a staple of the reef aquarium hobby for decades. And given the continuous discovery of new varieties, this species will…
Ostorhinchus Cardinalfishes are suitable for reef tanks of all sizes
When we speak about cardinalfishes within the reef aquarium hobby, most people relate to the classic Pajama Cardinalfish, Sphaeramia nematoptera, or the Bangaii Cardinalfish, Pterapogon kauderni, which have been popular fish for reef tanks of all sizes for decades now.…
Reef Diving FAQs
Do you own a reef tank and want to take the next leap in learning? Are you traveling to a coral reef destination on vacation? Windsor Adams answers our frequently asked questions on Learning To Dive. Do you need to…
Jake Adams Everlasting Enthusiasm
Like many distressed aquarists, I’ve found solace in times of anguish. During those times when you can’t even look at your aquarium. Think of it as, “reef depression”. When it seems as if all inspiration is gone. Then you finally…
How to Quarantine Copperbands and Get Them Feeding
One of the most stunning marvels of the reef, the Copperband Butterflyfish, Chelmon rostratus, is something of an idol within the reef-keeping industry. Gold and pearly white, these delicate fish flit around tanks with such poise, capturing the eye of…
Old versus new equipment. Which was better?
With all this talk of live rock and metal halides, it made us take a trip down memory lane, recalling what we did differently in the earlier days of reefing, as well as the equipment and methodologies that have stood…
Central Campus Students selected for NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassadors Program
Nine Students in the Marine Biology program at Des Moines Central Campus High School have been selected to become part of a national program through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The students were selected to participate in NOAA’s…