“Phosphate does not mean what you think it means” is probably one of the most profound things any speaker has said about this much maligned nutrient in our reef tanks. While PO4 gets a bad rap in our tanks, nothing,…
These pygmy seahorses officially the cutest things ever
We don’t throw words like ‘cute’ around often here at Reef Builders, but when we do you better believe we mean it. When you look at these images of Bargibant’s pygmy sea horses (Hippocampus bargibanti) you are instantly captivated but when…
This is one serious closed loop system
To close loop or not to close loop is one question serious reef geeks try and consider. If you have the luxury, a closed loop system is a fantastic way to handle flow in the aquarium without having to have…
Friday Smorgasbord: Mixed media, Orcas, Old Clams and more
After taking a few Friday’s off, we’re getting back on pace with another edition of the Friday Smorgasbord. Leading off this week’s version with a pirouette is a unique and fascinating mashup. Looking at our aquariums, we are mesmerized with the…
Belonoperca pylei in US, right under our noses
Shortly after posting the Belonoperca pylei on video in Japan, we were able to chat with our friend Rich Ross who is also a marine biologist at the California Academy of Sciences. It seems that he is the proud owner of…
Rich Pyle keynote and M.C. Rich Ross will make for an unforgettable MACNA banquet
For years now the MACNA banquet has been a mild, ho-hum affair which was often burdened with more administrative affairs than actual entertainment. Even the Keynote speaker for MACNA banquet has been pulled from celebrity pools that rarely have strong…
MACNA 2010 Rocked!
Reefbuilderss has asked contributors to recount their MACNA 2010 experience – its my turn, so here goes! My MACNA 2010 really started when I arrived at the hotel at 11:55 pm on Thursday night. I expected to go to the…
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…
