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    Question about setting up a saltwater fish-only tank 

    by
    melev
    Published on 04-25-2013 09:46 AM
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    Your question isn't a simple one to answer. Granted, there are things you won't need but there are a many things you would to maintain a healthy environment for your fish, one where they can thrive.

    What can you put in there? You'll need to check their compatibility, as some fish are peaceful while others are predators. What are some that you're considering?

    How many? That comes down to the quality of the filtration, as well as the frequency of water changes. The lower the bioload, the more easy your job will be to keep them cared for. A heavy bioload is more work, just like having a dinner party for four people is easier that planning a wedding ...
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    When is it time to "Call a friend"? 

    by
    melev
    Published on 04-23-2013 04:40 PM
    Article Preview

    If your tank is heading south fast, and the livestock is melting before your eyes, your precious fish gasping and your adrenalin is rushing, you need to call a friend. I'm not talking about those "emergencies" like "there's red stuff all over my sandbed and I can't stand it." I'm talking about a tank full of livestock that suddenly looks 100% different than what you see all the time.

    We turn to the forums for help with our various aquarium-related problems, and often find a few helpful tips within minutes or hours of searching. We often recommend just that, because so much of this hobby has been well-documented over the past decade, with questions answered often and repeatedly. However, even the most experienced hobbyist needs to remain humble and ask for help when something goes wrong. You may think that's unnecessary, but there's a reason why surgeons don't operate on their loved ones. Your emotions are clouding your judgement, and your compassion is impeding some synapses.
    ...
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    Hobbyists Needed NOW. Read on 

    by
    melev
    Published on 04-03-2013 07:12 PM
    Article Preview

    When I read the news article on ReefBuilders today regarding the most recent decisions made by NOAA for the Endangered Species Act, I quickly grew concerned. We are being asked, all of us, to take a few minutes to sign a petition and state your concerns if it goes through as written. http://reefbuilders.com/2013/04/03/r...coral-listing/

    Can you imagine it being illegal to share this easy to grow coral?

    My own thoughts are from a hobbyist's perspective, as I've enjoyed sharing corals with others for well over a decade. If what I read was true, this could all change. This is very concerning, thus I shared my thoughts:



    Are our corals endangered? Yes, we ...
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    Product Review: Milwaukee Digital Refractometer 

    by
    melev
    Published on 03-27-2013 11:55 PM
    Article Preview

    Sometimes I just get an urge to buy a new measuring device for my reef's needs. I've been using a refractometer for probably a decade, and while it still works it surely is approaching the point of needing to be replaced. For the past 24 months I've seen more and more digital products come to market, and last September the new Milwaukee Digital Refractometer caught my eye.

    There are three ways to measure salinity, primarily. You can measure it with a floating or swing arm hydrometer to determine the specific gravity of the water. You can use a refractometer, which is the preferred method for accuracy. And now you can measure saltwater electronically and view the digital readout with greater ease. ...
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    Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay 

    by
    melev
    Published on 03-20-2013 06:03 PM
    Article Preview

    When visiting Las Vegas, you might want to enjoy an hour or two at the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Be sure to check the hours of operation prior to visiting to assure gaining entrance. While the aquarium hours may state they are open, no further admissions are permitted one hour prior to closing. Here is the link to their official page: http://www.mandalaybay.com/shark-reef/aquarium



    To get to the aquarium, you must walk all the way through the Mandalay Bay to the convention section at the opposite end. It's a very long walk, probably close to a mile from the main doors. The lobby of the hotel does have this huge aquarium, which can be viewed free of charge. ...
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    Product Review: Reef Pest Solutions' All Out 

    by
    melev
    Published on 02-21-2013 09:29 PM

    3/2/2013: The images are are temporarily hosted on my other site.

    I was contacted via Facebook to try out a new product designed for coral dipping. I had a coral that has been questionably acting like it is being bothered by a pest of some type, and I was happy to try out the product as it was labeled to remove Acropora-eating Flatworms (AEFW). I've been studying this coral for the past couple of months, flooding it with flow from a maxijet to blow off any flatworms, but not seeing any. Why not try out All Out, produced by Reef Pest Solutions?



    According to the label, this product will safely eradicate Red Bugs, Nudibranchs, Spiders, Pods, Bristleworms, Flatworms, Invertebrates, Algae, and Eggs. Eggs? According to Matt Reed, he's been developing this product specifically to target egg strands with a penetrating chemical. The website states that it also removes Asterinas, ...
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    Product Review: Safety Stop 

    by
    melev
    Published on 02-12-2013 10:54 PM
    Article Preview

    When I first heard about Safety Stop by Blue Life USA, I was intrigued. A small package containing two solutions to help fish shake off external parasites sounded very practical. So I made a call to Blue Life and asked more questions.

    Right off the bat, the contents are Formalin (Part A) and Methylene Blue (Part B). These active ingredients are known useful solutions to bathe fish in to remove parasites. So if it isn't new, why the write up? The fact is, the majority of hobbyists do not quarantine their new fish. Every new acquisition dumped into your tank is the equivalent of playing Russian Roulette in that you may be lucky several times, but it only takes one widespread outbreak that kills off your beautiful and expensive fish to make you realize what a risk you've taken. For years, I told hobbyists "You don't want to put AIDS in your tank." That continues to be the most clear way I can ...
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  • Recent Blog Comments

    Paul B

    A Shrimp Tale

    Last night I was cowering in bed under the covers as I heard this huge fight coming from the tank. There was water splashing, bottles breaking, chains swinging and curses flying. I was afraid to look,

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    melev

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    You've been really busy. Thanks for sharing. ( I edited your entry so the images would show up)

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    Articfox32

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    Your build is looking good. As you mentioned you went with the bean animal drain set up. On the second syphon drain there should be a fitting on top of the cap with a small air tube to allow for air suction.

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    BadPenny

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    Great job, your build looks promising. One suggestion: in one of your pictures, behind your sump, I noticed your electrical output with 2 cords plugged in. If possible, change those so the cords each

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