We’ve really been feeling it lately for nano tanks. We run much larger tanks for surgeonfish, but while we’re waiting for our Acros to grow in those we like to have some low-cost fun and set up nano tanks as…
advice
The importance of pH in the reef tank
Over the years a number of different aspects of reefkeeping have either become a hot topic or have been forgotten by the hobby. When I was starting out one of the parameters that was focused on was pH, which stands…
How to take Corals on a USA Domestic Flight
If you’re like me, then you try to be as streamlined as possible when flying. The idea of flying to an aquarium conference, buying coral, and transporting it back home seems a bit intense. Why complicate an already arduous process?…
A Beginner’s Guide to ICP Testing
As mentioned in my last article, water testing is one of the least fun aspects of the hobby. I have discussed water testing and ICP testing with a lot of other hobbyists and one of the interesting things I have…
Why Water Testing is Important for a Reef Tank
Like equipment maintenance, water changes, quarantining animals, and cleaning the glass, water testing is an unglamorous task that nonetheless is one of the most crucial aspects for having long-term success in the hobby. I don’t care how good your lights…
How to Move a Reef Tank and Cabinet
We reefkeepers are a fickle bunch. We achieve a thriving healthy tank full of corals and then we break the tank down so we can go bigger as we never seem to have enough. I say this from experience as…
The Role of Nutrients in a Reef Tank
One aspect of this hobby that may help some to stay interested in it is that there is almost constant debate as to what is the best way to do anything in a reef tank. Whether it is halides versus…
The Basics of Minor Trace Elements in Reef Aquariums
As the hobby has continued to expand and the knowledge to be successful with it, some aspects have been found to be more important than originally thought. Foremost among these is water chemistry and specifically minor trace elements. While the…
The Importance of Calcium, Alkalinity, and Magnesium in a Reef Tank
There are many aspects of the hobby that for one reason or another are controversial. But one of the few that isn’t is the need to manage the big three: Calcium Alkalinity and Magnesium. That is everyone agrees that it…
Water Chemistry Part 1: Salinity and Temperature
There are a lot of sexy aspects of having a reef tank including planning and setting it up, aquascaping it, and then selecting the fish and corals to go in it. And you can also get excited about choosing the…