Roller filters are super-popular mechanical filters for reef tanks, and we’re big fans. They offer hands-free water polishing and replace the need for filter socks and frequent manual cleaning. What is a roller filter? Also known as a fleece filter…
Reef Builders Gear Guide
VarioS+ Controller will bring Wi-Fi Capability to Octo DC Pumps
Octo has just announced that it is making more of its products Wi-Fi controllable with the imminent launch of the VarioS+ Controller. Like the Octo Wave Controller, this slick-looking stand-alone box will provide power and control to existing Vario return…
Sicce Scuba Contactless Heater is the First of its Kind
Fifty-year-old Italian equipment manufacturer Sicce has launched a revolutionary new combined heater/thermostat called the Scuba Contactless. It is fairly conventional in size and look, being manufactured in-house from durable glass and coming in seven different wattages up to 400 watts.…
Maxspect’s Pastel Reef Magnifier is a Light, Phone Lens, and Magnifier In One
A good product is one that you didn’t know you needed until you tried it, and Maxspect’s new Pastel Reef Magnifier and Filter Lens has proved to be exactly that. In essence, the reef magnifier is similar to what we…
Fluval’s FX UVC In-Line Clarifier Fits Everyone’s Favorite External Filter
Rolf C Hagen has further invested in its aquarium Ultra Violet Clarifier offering after dipping its toe in the water with the 3-watt Cold Cathode Inline Clarifier. The new, larger FX UVC In-Line Clarifier doubles its power to 6 watts…
ReefMat 250 is the Newest and Smallest Roller Filter from Red Sea.
Red Sea has just announced the newest addition to the ReefMat Series of Smart roller filters, the ReefMat 250. Aimed at sump-based reef aquariums up to 250 liters or 65 gallons in volume, the ReefMat 250 is the latest, smaller…
Biological filter media is back – here’s how to use it
The reintroduction of biological filter media has been one of the most significant changes in reefkeeping in the last 10 years. For decades, the Berlin Method taught us to ditch “traditional” aquarium filtration methods and instead rely on the microbial…
Our choice of tanks supplied with lids – Reef Builders Gear Guide
Our way of reefing overwhelmingly favors open-topped tanks. They are easier to light, keep cool, and maintain, but due to jumping fish, evaporation, and rising heating bills there will always be a demand for saltwater aquariums with closed hoods. Here…
The Best Sumps For Saltwater Aquariums – Reef Builders Gear Guide
A sump is the life support system of a healthy saltwater aquarium. Some hobbyists may start off with a canister filter and hang on the back equipment, but modern saltwater aquarists choose to use a sump for many beneficial reasons.…
The Best Macroalgae Reactors – Reef Builders Gear Guide
Macroalgae reactors are built with the sole purpose of growing chaetomorpha algae. While it’s possible to grow small amounts of chaetomorpha in a refugium, a dedicated macroalgae reactor goes beyond the humble refugium to create a supercharged macroalgae growing machine.…