November issue of Advanced Aquarist hits the digital shelves

The November issue of Advanced Aquarists has gone live with a diversity of articles that target aquarists from beginners to advanced. Although not necessarily aimed at the beginners, Terry’s advanced aquascaping session and Dana Riddle’s DIY glossary are useful tools…

Planctonite introduces sweeper for protein skimmers

Planctonite, a small company from Spain has introduced a “sweeper” similar to a skim clean which will clean the inside of your protein skimmer. Planctonite says  that it could be connected to a timer such as a ProFilux or other…

Jellyfish-eating coral caught in the act

Recently scientists from Israel encountered a strange sight—a coral eating a jellyfish in the Red Sea. We saw this news posted on the BBC’s website and did a bit more digging. Typically larger predators are the animals taking advantage of…

When common corals are Amazing corals

I was at a local coral “chop shop”  a while back (yeah, they exist here in SoCal), perusing the raceways chock full of ½” frags of “LE” corals , when I saw it: A brilliant, neon- green, orange-tinged  flash- a…

Steinhart Aquarium the first to successfully breed dwarf cuttlefish

The California Academy of Sciences’ Steinhart Aquarium recently became the first aquarium in the U.S. to successfully breed Sepia bandensis, more commonly known as dwarf cuttlefish. Pioneered by Academy marine biologist and Reef Builders’ own Rich Ross, the breeding program…

Bubble Blaster Pump: HY-3000 w/ needle wheel impeller

The Bubble Blaster pump for the Super Reef Octopus is a beefy needle wheel powered air injecting machine. Rated at 1200-1500 lph of air while using only 40 watts, the Bubble Blaster has a motor block similar to a laguna…

Wireless control of VorTech pump will soon be possible for third-party aquarium controllers

Ecotech Marine made a splash today by announcing a development kit for their wireless interface. What this means is that 3rd party companies will be able to create products that interface with the wireless technology that is in select Vortech…

Cephalopods are brought to focus in the newest issue of Reef Life Magazine

The fourth issue of ReefLife focus on my favorites, the Cephalopods. In the issue I discuss the striking Flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia Sp) and some of the pros and cons of even trying to think of keeping these amazing animals. I…

Mantis shrimp eyes: the key to next generation high def devices

The mantis shrimp is definitely one of the most intriguing reef creatures and recent news is showing their sensitive eyes are leading researchers to uncover new ways to revolutionize communications. It seems stomatopods, who haven’t evolved too much in the…

Review of the Tunze Osmolator 3155 auto top off device with nifty magnet holder

Tunze announced that their Osmolator 3155 would be getting some upgrades, the biggest of which would be a magnet holder system that would allow you to attach it to your sump, or aquarium. Recently I received a review unit to…