A year ago, I had to set up the 215g to support my livestock when the 400g tank leaked. Using plumbing I had on hand, everything was cobbled together to run the tank for a few months. I figured it would be three months until the 400g would go up again, but as you probably know that hasn't happened yet.

I also stated back then that I would showcase how it was plumbed, as it's something others may need to emulate to some degree. The decision to continue using the sump where it was regardless of the display was a no-brainer. Everything was plumbed and wired properly in the sump, and the filtration was operating perfectly, so I needed to connect the temporary tank with plumbing to the established filtration and top-off system.

Once the 215g was on the stand in the fishroom, it had to have the drains connected and these would drain into the sump three feet away. The return line from the Dart pump had to run the full length ...

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 ...

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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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/


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 ...

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. ...

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. ...