Salem Clemens
Salem Clemens
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Salem Clemens has been in the hobby for a decade and has worked in the industry for the last five years. He has worked with numerous fish stores and now farms coral, phytoplankton, and copepods on his own.Salem is in his senior year pursuing a degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology with a minor in Chemistry. He is researching coral pathogens, zooxanthella, and holobiont-associated signal transduction pathways. He wants to pursue a doctorate and would like to go into conservation work eventually. His favorite corals are Goniopora and zoanthids, but he has recently fallen in love with Dendronepthya and Scleronepthya. His favorite fish are Blue Chromis and Moray eels.

Why is my Coral Dying? The Answer is Far From Simple

On social media, I often see the question, “Why is my coral dying?” In this article, I will explore how complicated it is to answer that question even from a scientific standpoint.  In previous articles, I have covered the idea…

Does Dosing Fluconazole Have Negative Consequences?

Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal compound. It inhibits the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, which leads to various downstream consequences in fungal cells by stopping the production of ergosterol. This leads to issues with cell membrane stability and ultimately leads to either…

Coral Associated Fungi: A New Rabbit Hole

While I have spoken much about the bacterial component of the holobiont, there are many more players in a coral’s arsenal of symbionts. Something I have seen very few discuss in the hobby is marine fungi. While fungal populations exist…

Unique Blue-Grey and Red Candy Cane Coral

I am always looking for phenotypes of common corals I have yet to see. One of the most underrated corals in my opinion are candy cane/trumpet corals. Not only do many of them provide a nice pop of color, but…

Do Macroalgae Refugiums Have Unseen Consequences?

Many people have turned to growing macroalgae as a means to export nutrients for years. This has proven to be a solid method of managing nitrates and phosphates that when dialed in appear to have no negative impact on a…

Stunning Stereonephthya in STL  

At the Reefing USA show in STL, I encountered some unique specimens that caught my eye at Gabe Pommier’s booth, Oceanic Gardens. He brought two varieties of Stereonephthya, which before the show I had only seen online. Many of you…

The Effect of Carbon Dosing on the Microbiome: A Community Project with Aquabiomics

At Reefstock Denver, I met many industry figures in person for the first time. Some of my best connections were those with Dr. Eli Meyer and Dr. Andrew Bouwma. Dr. Meyer owns Aquabiomics, and Dr. Bouwma is his colleague and…

FAQs on Reef Aquarium Bacteria

There is so much we don’t know about the bacteria we buy and add to our reef tanks. Salem Clemens answers some of your most Frequently Asked Questions on Reef Aquarium Bacteria. Is it possible to keep bacteria alive in…

Hawaiian Fish Under Threat Once Again – Fight For Them Today!

The beautiful Potter’s Angelfish that’s on the permitting list Around one year ago, Hawaiian Senate Bill 505 was voted down, which opened a legal pathway for the collection of eight marine fish species. As mentioned in our previous article, the…

The Cure to Brown Jelly – A Common Household Item

I have been researching coral pathogens at my university for nearly three years. For several months, the Reef Builders team has been preparing for this moment. This is a summary of my research – this is the cure for brown…